One WorldTeam skips Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, wildcard for Unibet Rose Rockets
The organizers of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne have announced the course and the participating teams for the upcoming edition of the Flemish spring classic this week. Just like in recent years, 17 of the 18 WorldTeams will line up at the start of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.
Of the eighteen cycling teams competing at the highest level, only INEOS Grenadiers are absent from the start list. This is not the first time, as the British star team also did not participate last year.
The seventeen WorldTeams that will take the start on Sunday, March 1, will face off against eight ProTeams. Alongside the Belgian squad Team Flanders-Baloise, Pinarello-Q36.5, Tudor, Burgos-Burpellet BH, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling (the new team of George Hincapie), TotalEnergies, Cofidis, and Unibet Rose Rockets will also be at the start in Kuurne.
"The winners of the last two editions, Wout van Aert and Jasper Philipsen, have not yet confirmed their participation. However, we hope that they will also compete for the coveted donkey trophy this year," the organizers stated in the press release. "We are eagerly awaiting the start lists from the many teams."
Different approach route to the finish
The focal point of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne remains in the Hainaut region of the Pays des Collines, where the Hameau des Papins, Bourliquet, and Mont Saint-Laurent climbs can cause an early selection. The 194.9-kilometer race features thirteen climbs. After the Kluisberg, there is again an approach towards Kortrijk. On these rolling roads and open plains, the wind can play a decisive role.
The final approach to the finish looks somewhat different compared to last year. The works on the Kuurne Bridge are now in their final phase. As a result, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne this year returns to its familiar and traditional access route towards the finish line.
The riders will once again cross the Kuurne Bridge and pass through the renovated Market Square and the center of Kuurne. And therefore, unlike last year’s exceptional detour via the R8, the finale regains the classic character this race has embodied for many years.
