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Flanders Classics treats fans at 20th edition for women

In less than ten days’ time, the classic spring kicks off once again with the Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Among the women, Vollering, Wiebes and Niewiadoma are competing in this jubilee edition, a moment that Flanders Classics is not going to let pass unnoticed.

A 197km journey through the Flemish Ardennes awaits the men. The Molenberg, 42 km from the finish, forms the opener to the finale, followed by the third passage over the duo Haaghoek-Leberg. After the Berendries, it is off towards the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg. The women face a journey of some 137 km with an identical finale to that of the men. The successors to Jan Tratnik and Marianne Vos will be crowned on the Elisabethlaan in Ninove.

In the Women Elite’s race, we are more likely to have a new name on the honorary list. With Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto) and Elisabeth Deignan (Lidl-Trek), two former winners will be starting. The former is likely to ride in service of Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Chiara Consonni. They will take on Team SD Worx-Protime with the lightening-quick Lorena Wiebes and Mischa Bredewold.

In 2022, Demi Vollering had to concede defeat to Annemiek van Vleuten. The Dutchwoman hopes to do better this year in the colours of her new team, FDJ-Suez. At Movistar Team, Marlen Reusser and Liane Lippert join forces. Also putting in an appearance in Ghent are Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck), Letizia Paternoster (Liv-AlUla-Jayco), Pfeiffer Georgi (Team Picnic PostNL), Silvia Persico (UAE Team ADQ) and Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance - Soudal Team).

Flanders Classics is putting on a treat

Before the start of both races on the Emile Clauslaan in Ghent, in keeping with tradition, we welcome all the teams on the starting podium in ’t Kuipke. For many fans, the team presentations have long been a first goose-bump moment in the spring and this season promises to be extra special.

“We are celebrating a jubilee,” says Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics. “It will be the 20th edition for the women and we do not want to let that pass unnoticed. With our Closing The Gap project, we have been backing women’s cycling in recent years, together with our presenting partner women KPMG and all our other partners. So we are delighted to raise a glass to toast the development of the women’s race and there is no better time to do so than at the 20th edition of the opening classic.”

In other words: Flanders Classics is putting on a treat! From 11:30 until 12:30, following the start of the men’s race, fans in attendance can enjoy a happy hour in ’t Kuipke with extra entertainment, an open bar including free kegs from partner Maes and, of course, the women’s team presentation.

Starting this year, Maes is new Main Partner for the Flanders Classics spring season. In addition to celebrating the women’s birthday party, Maes is marking this brand-new collaboration with a limited-edition beer can and a 25cl drinking glass as a homage to the sport of cycling. The glass is a true collector’s item that reflects the moments of friendship that the race brings with it.