2016 Omloop het Nieuwsblad, Feb 27th, 200.8km, 1.HC

[Flamin]

The final prep races are coming to an end, so now it's time for the REAL DEAL. It's the greatest race of the year, the day we have been waiting for since the riders crossed the line in Como (or some would say the velodrome).

Oh yes, it's the frickin OMLOOP. Official start is at 11:45, finish between 16:24 and 16:54 CET.

Route

Hellingen:

1 Leberg 141,6km (950m - Gem 4,2% - Max 13,8%)
2 Berendries 137,5km (940m - Gem. 7% - Max. 12,3%)
3 Tenbosse 132,6km (450m - Gem. 6,9% - Max. 8,7%)
4 Eikenmolen 127,1km (610m - Gem. 5,9% - Max. 12,5%)
5 Muur - Kapelmuur 115,2km
6 Valkenberg 97,5km (540m - Gem. 8,1% - Max. 12,8%)
7 Kaperij 78,9km (1000m - Gem. 5,5% - Max. 9%)
8 Kruisberg 67,0km (1800m - Gem. 4,8% - Max. 9%)
9 Taaienberg 57,4km (530m - Gem. 6,6% - Max. 15,8%)
10 Eikenberg 52,0km (1200m - Gem. 5,2% - Max. 10%)
11) Wolvenberg 48,9km (645m - Gem. 7,9%)
12) Leberg 38,5km (950m - Gem 4,2% - Max 13,8%)
13) Boembekeberg 32,6km

Cobbles:

1 Haaghoek 144,6km (2000m)
2 Haaghoek 88,7km (2000m)
3 Donderij 62,3km (800m)
4 Ruiterstraat 48,8km (800m)
5 Karel Martelstraat 47,5km (1300m)
6 Holleweg 46,1km (350m)
7 Haaghoek 41,5km (2000m)
8 Paddestraat 30,5km (2300m)
9 Lippenhovestraat 27,8km (1300m)
10 Lange Munte 20,8km (2500m)

This year we have 13 climbs compared to 11 last year. Tenbosse and Eikenmolen have been added in between Berendries and de Muur, though at more than 125km from the finish, they will have very little significance on the race.

Another, more important change is the final climb. The Boembekeberg replaces the Molenberg (unavailable due to road works), with the former being the easier climb.

Also the finish is different: now placed on the Emile Clauslaan. Apparently it's a bit tougher than the traditional finish.

Weather

It could be pretty windy (3-4 bft). Temperatures around 7°C though the wind will likely make it feel colder. Wind coming from the north-east, which means headwind-ish on the way back to Gent.

2015

Obviously one of the most memorable races in recent history, with Stannard humiliating Quick Step.

1.STANNARD Ian 4:58:41
2.TERPSTRA Niki
3.BOONEN Tom 0:08
4.VANDENBERGH Stijn 0:15
5.VANMARCKE Sep 1:24
6.VAN AVERMAET Greg
7.STYBAR Zdenek 1:29
8.GILBERT Philippe 4:35
9.ROWE Luke 4:55
10.DEMARE Arnaud

Previous editions:

2014 | STANNARD Ian
2013 | PAOLINI Luca
2012 | VANMARCKE Sep
2011 | LANGEVELD Sebastian
2010 | FLECHA Juan Antonio
2009 | HUSHOVD Thor
2008 | GILBERT Philippe
2007 | POZZATO Filippo
2006 | GILBERT Philippe

Provisional startlist

Timetable

 

[TMP402]

I have absolutely no comprehension of why Stannard is skipping this to ride KBK the next day (unless CN got that wrong).

 

[May0maniac]

What, Iron Ian isn't riding?
One hell of a race, this is the start of the real road season, the first race that I always get hyped for.

 

[TomLPC]

I split up with my gf on the day of omloop last season, so naturally its one of my favourites, hope Ian ends up riding it

 

[RedheadDane]

Re:

I have absolutely no comprehension of why Stannard is skipping this to ride KBK the next day (unless CN got that wrong).

He's already proven he can win it.
Against a whole gaggle of Quicksteppers, nonetheless.

 

[yaco]

First race in Europe for OGE in 2016 - Not expecting much outside of Keukeliere as cobbles are not their forte - Will be interesting to see how they perform in the next month after their 3 week altitude camp in South Africa.

 

[TomLPC]

Seems like Vanmarcke isn't racing either? That startlist seems a bit suspect

 

[SafeBet]

Re:

First race in Europe for OGE in 2016 - Not expecting much outside of Keukeliere as cobbles are not their forte - Will be interesting to see how they perform in the next month after their 3 week altitude camp in South Africa.

I'm curious to see if Cort shows improvements on the cobbles.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Ah yes, the early cobbles race. Great stuff. Go Terpstra and GVA.

 

[Flamin]

Re:

Seems like Vanmarcke isn't racing either? That startlist seems a bit suspect

Stannard and Vanmarcke are definitely not racing..

 

[PremierAndrew]

Keeping their powder dry, so they're not heavily marked going into Flanders and PR I guess

 

[infeXio]

Re:

Keeping their powder dry, so they're not heavily marked going into Flanders and PR I guess

Quite hard to imagine a rider like Vanmarcke not being heavily marked, though!

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stannards trolling of Etixx last season was one best moments of the year, Shame he's not riding.

 

[DBotero]

No Stannard kinda sucks.Last year was epic.
Waiting to see if Kristoff can do something about this one.

 

[yaco]

Re: Re:

First race in Europe for OGE in 2016 - Not expecting much outside of Keukeliere as cobbles are not their forte - Will be interesting to see how they perform in the next month after their 3 week altitude camp in South Africa.

I'm curious to see if Cort shows improvements on the cobbles.

Cort is the heir apparent at OGE - reckon another two years before he brings out his potential. Is also on the start list for Kuurne Brussels, though will probably ride Omloop.

 

[Gigs_98]

Last year this was one of the best races of the whole season. I mean it made me root for a sky rider and that says a lot

 

[pastronef]

Last year this was one of the best races of the whole season. I mean it made me root for a sky rider and that says a lot

it was just great. I am biased I know

 

[sir fly]

Re:

Seems like Vanmarcke isn't racing either? That startlist seems a bit suspect

Looks like Vanmarcke opted for a less packed build up with Paris - Nice as the next race.
Last season he's been close to his peak already at the beginning of March. I believe that led him into the overtraining that manifested later on in De Ronde and Paris - Roubaix.
It's a big decision to skip the opening weekend in the north.

 

[Billie]

Can't wait untill the season really starts

 

[Cannibal72]

Just for completeness' sake, please let Boonen finally win this one. He's earned it. (Confidently expect EQS to *** up regardless.)

 

[jens_attacks]

Yes plz win it tom

 

[trevim]

I'm backing Tommeke, it's statistically unlikely that he keeps losing

 

[Eshnar]

OMG just one week to the start of the season Hurray!

 

[sir fly]

I'm hoping the race will be beginning of the final showdown between two greatest Classics' riders of the generation.

 

[togo95]

Re:

I'm hoping the race will be beginning of the final showdown between two greatest Classics' riders of the generation.

I don't think Cance will be there, he's not on the startlist