All 19 UCI WorldTour teams will take to the start line at the season’s opening spring classic, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Photo: Twitter @Jasperstuyven
All 19 UCI WorldTour teams will take to the start line at the season’s opening spring classic, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, on February 27.
In addition to the full complement of top-flight teams, six UCI ProTeams have also been extended invitations by the organisers.
As is custom, the one-day race serves as the opening event of the Belgian season.
First held in 1945, this year’s race will be the 76th edition.
The race’s roll of honour includes a number of cycling’s greatest exponents, including Eddy Merckx, Phillipe Gilbert and Thor Hushovd.
Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) is the defending champion, but he’ll face a host of pretenders to his crown, most notably Peter Sagan.
The race will start in Ghent and finish nearly 200km later in Ninove.
