The 78th Omloop is not only the start of the Belgian road season, it is also the very first WorldTour race on European soil, for both men and women.
The starting place remains Ghent, the finish has been slightly changed. Ninove has been the arrival location since 2018, the contract with organizer Flanders Classics runs until 2025.
“We are pleased that Ninove can be the host city of this beautiful opening classic,” said mayor Tania De Jonghe at a press conference.
“And that with a beautiful new arrival location: the Elisabethlaan, which I would now describe as the Via Roma of Flanders.”
Nicolas Denys, responsible for Flanders Classics, outlines the advantage: “The Elisabethlaan should provide a more attractive last kilometer.”
“This site gives us much more space in terms of logistics. Moreover, this wide arrival zone is slightly ascending.”
“And there is still the connection with the center of Ninove. The team buses will be set up in the Centrumlaan, which also makes it all more beautiful for cycling fans.”
The last winner is Wout van Aert, who soloed to victory on February 26, 2022. The Italian Sonny Colbrelli beat Greg Van Avermaet in the sprint of an elite group for the podium.
In the women’s category, the victory went to Annemiek van Vleuten, with Demi Vollering and Lorena Wiebes the podium was completely Dutch.
