Classic’s preview – Omloop Het Nieuwsblad & Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne

by John MX · February 28, 2014

Classic’s preview – Omloop Het Nieuwsblad & Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne 2014

John Mx

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne feature

After a mighty season of international cyclocross we now turn our minds to the road classics.

On March 1 the Belgian semi-classic, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (both men and women’s races) sparks road fans out of their winter slumber and followed next day is Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne.

OK, you might have been nudged a wee bit by the Tour of Oman etc., but the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad features cobbles and climbs such as the Valkenberg, Molenberg and Patersberg. Formely known as Het Volk the race, which starts and ends in Ghent is infamous for being too cold or wet. It’s a race for the hard men and women of the peloton, not for the precious and those who only go fast with the sun on their backs.

Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne features the classic climb of the Oude Kwaremont in addition to some really tough cobble sections.

These are races for the likes of Tom Boonen or Britian’s Ian Stannard. The 2013 edition of Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne feature was called off because of a major snow storm.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Men, 1.HC – Saturday March 1

The men’s race was won in 2013 by Luca Paolini after a major battle with Stijn Vandenburgh.

Of added interest is the climb of the Muur, now sadly no longer part of of the Tour of Flanders.

Livestreaming
Check out the links at the bottom of the feature for online coverage.

2013 Action

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad TV Summary
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Last K

1 Luca PAOLINI ITA KAT 4:52:15
2 Stijn Vandenbergh BEL OPQ +0
3 Sven Vandousselaere BEL TSV +1:13

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Men website

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women, 1.2 – Saturday March 1

Tiffany Cromwell won in 2013 and look out for a race winning attack on the final climb of the Molenberg.

Livestreaming
Check out the links at the bottom of the feature for possible online coverage.

2013 Action

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women: Interview with winner

1 Tiffany Cromwell (Aus) Orica – AIS 3:34:00
2 Megan Guarnier (USA) Rabo Women Cycling Team 0:00:03
3 Emma Johansson (Swe) Orica – AIS 0:00:12

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women website

Kuurne Bruxelles Kuurne, 1.1 -Sunday March 2

There was no race in 2013 because the roads were blocked with snow! It will be a cold day in the saddle, but the Oude Kwaremont will be one of many climbs to warm them up.

Livestreaming
There is live coverage from Eurosport on TV. Check out the links at the bottom of the feature for online coverage.

Video action