One more appearance on Belgian soil for our team before the first Monument of the season.
Bredene Koksijde Classic is a rather new race, having been created in 2011, but this doesn’t prevent it from delivering plenty of action each year. With over 200 kilometers on the menu and some of Flanders’ most iconic climbs – including the brutal Kemmelberg, twice – the Belgian event, which this year is scheduled on Friday, can witness two scenarios: one where the peloton splits and the attackers make it, and another one where there are no crosswinds to create meaningful gaps and a regrouping takes place, favouring the sprinters.
Soudal Quick-Step is ready to take on this edition with a squad that can be involved in the fight for a strong result regardless of the scenario, a squad comprising Grand Tour stage winner Alberto Dainese, Gil Gelders, former Belgian Champion Yves Lampaert, Warre Vangheluwe, Jonathan Vervenne, and Devo team riders Ceriel Desal and Stan Van Tricht.
“It’s the classic route for this race. The first part of the day will be windy, before we take on six climbs in succession. We’ll also have the famous De Moeren on the menu, where the wind could play a role, followed by three local laps of 11 kilometers. If it is very windy on Friday, then smaller groups can fight for victory. Otherwise, a large peloton will be there for the bunch sprint. We want to get a good result and we’re determined to do our best in order to achieve it”, said sports director Iljo Keisse.
Photo credit: ©Szymon Gruchalsky / Getty Images