Upcoming: 63rd Nokere-Koerse, March 19, 2008

Belgium in the spring is a cycling fan's dream

On Wednesday, the 63rd Nokere-Koerse, a Belgian semi-classic, runs over 196 kilometers, and features both cobbles and hellingen (small, steep climbs) throughout the route. While not as difficult or prestigious as either the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, Nokere-Koerse is still a highly coveted victory for many Belgian riders. In fact, over the 62 previous editions, a Belgian or Dutchman has won every time save four times. The four non-Belgian/Dutch riders that have won the race? Aurélien Clerc (2002, French), Scott Sunderland (1998, Australian), Didier Foubert (1985, French), and Andre Aucquier (1957, French).

The 2007 Nokere-Koerse race

The lineup for Nokere-Koerse this year is impressive, with many talented Belgians and Dutchman who will contend for the victory. The mighty Quick Step team will come with a two-pronged attack featuring the veteran Wilfried Cretskens and the promising youngster Wouter Weylandt, who at 23 is already showing promise as an emerging star. Weylandt had five wins in 2007 and will be primed for the win on home soil. Also looking for a win will be the veteran Tom Steels of the Landbouwkrediet-Tonissteiner team. Koen Barbe of the Topsport-Vlaanderen team is a good one day rider, as are Dutchmen Matthe Pronk of the Collstrop team, Bram de Groot of Rabobank and Maarten Den Bakker of the Belgian-sponsored Skil-Shimano outfit.

Last year's finish line at Nokere-Koerse

There are a few non-Belgian/Dutch riders that could buck history and get a win. Among them are Credit Agricole's big Hungarian time trialist Lazlo Bodrogi, who has the raw power to ride away from the field, and the Australian Mark Renshaw, who can sprint with the best. Sergey Lagutin of the Collstrop team has good all-around ability, and Scott Davis, the Australian from the High Road team, is an excellent sprinter too. The Pro Tour leader Andre "Gorrilla" Greipel will be on hand for the sprints as well for High Road, and the gristled Brit Roger Hammond is always dangerous if he gets into a breakaway.

Even though he's young, Weylandt has won in big races before, like in the Eneco Tour in 2007

Nokere-Koerse will provide the insatiable Belgian fan base a race to cheer wildly and enjoy ahead of the bigger classics. Too, for the riders contesting the event, Nokere-Koerse offers the thrill of competition in one of the most cycling-frenzied nations in the world. Long live cycling, long live Flanders.