The UCI WorldTour in Europe kicks off this weekend with the opening spring Classic Omloop het Nieuwsblad on February 24. While a great deal of racing has already taken place around the globe in Australia, the Middle East, and southern Europe, Omloop het Nieuwsblad marks the first UCI WorldTour race of the season in Europe for Elite men and women.
At the same time, it also marks a homecoming of sorts for Belgian fans, many of whom show up at the t’Kuipke velodrome in Ghent to watch the team presentations, take selfies, and reconnect with the cycling community. It’s an upbeat atmosphere, despite the usual dismal weather, and most riders are more than willing to oblige fans with selfies or autographs.
To make sure the mood stays festive, race organizers (Flanders Classics) turn the t’Kuipke velodrome into a virtual night club complete with DJ. For those fans who can’t make it, or had too many Belgian Dubbels or Tripels the night before – no problem – the organizers also provide a livestream through their media partner Proximus.
For those in the Ghent region, be sure to drop by, after all, there’s nothing like the real thing. You can access the official fan guide here and the morning program here. Free entrance for all, no tickets required. Hope to see you there Saturday.
Here’s a quick look back at 2023.
Floraliënhal, built for the 1913 World’s Fair, is adjacent to the ‘t Kuipke (Little Bowl) velodrome and serves as the staging area for teams.
By 8:15am the Floraliënhal is already filled with fans.
Team presentations start at 9:10am – sharp – in ‘t Kuipke velodrome.
No worries, no hurries. Arne Marit (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) chats with friends and family.
Stefan Küng (Groupama – FDJ) graciously poses with his fan club.
Andrea Pasqualon (Bahrain-Victorious) prefers to stick close to his team handler.
Even in retirement, 2021 Paris-Roubaix winner Sonny Cobrelli still has a fan club.
Some riders, like Dries Van Gestel (Total Energies), look ready to race.
Others, like Hugo Page (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty), look ready for a winter training ride.
Annemiek van Vleuten (Moviestar) obliging her fans – as always.
Anna Henderson (Jumbo-Visma) is all smiles signing autographs.
Older fans are serious collectors and bring autograph albums.
Younger fans, like these with Maaike Coljé’s (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), focus on the essentials – snacks.
Demi Vollering (SD Worx) signs her last – of many – autographs before heading to the start.
Mieke Docx (Lotto-Dstny) poses with locals from the Velomoaten club.
Victor Campenaerts (Lotto Dstny) attracts a lot of techies with his 62-tooth chainring.
No rest for veteran photographer Luc Claessen who hurries to the start for a final shot.
