ANALYSIS: Opening Weekend is here! But why are Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne still fan favourites?

Every year in late February, Belgian cycling fans emerge from winter hibernation for a beloved tradition: Opening Weekend. This back-to-back pairing of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (Saturday) and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne (Sunday) officially kicks off the Spring Classics season.

And at long last, Opening Weekend is finally here.

Yes, we’ve had some stage races like the UAE Tour and the Tour Down Under. But, the cycling season really gets underway when the classics start, and that start is tomorrow.

More than just the first races on the calendar, they are of huge cultural importance in Flanders, a signal that spring (and the cobbled classics) are around the corner. Both races carry decades of history and folklore, from their wartime origins to legendary exploits in sleet and snow, Omloop and Kuurne have evolved into the first chapters that set the tone for the season.

In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of both races, their deep roots in Belgian cycling culture, memorable winners, their role as early season litmus tests for bigger classics, and how modern tactics and technology have changed (but never diminished) their character.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was born amid a newspaper rivalry and a nation eager to revive racing after World War II. The first edition took place in 1945, originally under the name Omloop van Vlaanderen, and it was organised by the Flemish newspaper Het Volk as a direct response to the more established Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen), which was organised by rival newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

The founders at Het Volk wanted a new race to challenge the Tour of Flanders, especially given that the Ronde had controversially continued during the war under German occupation.

A naming dispute quickly arose, as the organizers of the Tour of Flanders protested that "Omloop van Vlaanderen" sounded too similar to their own race. The Belgian cycling federation agreed and demanded a name change, leading to the 1947 rebranding as Omloop Het Volk, after its sponsor newspaper. This title remained until 2009 when Het Volk was absorbed by Het Nieuwsblad, and the event was given its current name, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

Over the years, the route has evolved while staying true to its Flemish character. Traditionally starting in Ghent and finishing in Ninove, the race winds through Flanders, featuring several classic “bergs,” short, steep cobbled climbs.

The Leberg, Taaienberg, and Molenberg often feature, and recent years have seen the reintroduction of the Muur van Geraardsbergen as a penultimate climb. Given its late-February timing, Omloop has often been hit with harsh weather, with editions cancelled in 1986 and 2004 due to heavy snow.

If Omloop is the opening symphony, Kuurne – Bruxelles - Kuurne is the encore that completes Opening Weekend. The first edition was held in 1946, and during the 1950s it acted as the first race of the Belgian season.

Despite its name, modern editions do not actually go all the way to Brussels, and the course actually turns back westward about 20-25 km short of the capital. Kuurne’s route is generally considered less brutal than Omloop’s, featuring climbs like the Tiegemberg and Kruisberg, but ending with a flatter run-in, often leading to a sprint finish. This makes Kuurne a prime target for sprinters, such as Fabio Jakobsen who won in 2022.

That said, Kuurne has still seen its share of brutal conditions, with snow and ice forcing cancellations in 1986, 1993, and 2013. The infamous 2010 edition, run in freezing rain and gale-force winds from Cyclone Xynthia, saw only 26 finishers.

For Belgian cycling fans, these two races are more than just early-season events; they are a cultural ritual. It’s often said that the cycling season only really begins with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the Opening Weekend. Even in wintry weather, crowds line the bergs and village squares, eager to cheer and ring in the new year of racing, especially if Wout van Aert is in town.

Omloop and Kuurne are Flemish through and through, cobbled climbs, winding farm roads, and often the fierce Flanders weather.

Importantly, these races have long been dominated by home talent. While globalisation has brought more international winners in recent times, the core appeal remains: Opening Weekend is when Belgian riders fight to show they’re the best of their nation.

Both races have produced legendary moments. Omloop’s record for most victories (three) is shared by Belgian greats Ernest Sterckx, Joseph Bruyère, and Peter Van Petegem. Eddy Merckx won twice, while more modern riders like Greg Van Avermaet have also won twice. One of the most memorable editions was 2015 when Ian Stannard, against the odds, defeated three Quick-Step teammates in a breakaway.

Kuurne has its own roll of honour, favouring sprinters like Tom Boonen (three wins) and Mark Cavendish. The 1961 edition ended in a tie, while 2010 saw an unheralded Bobbie Traksel triumph in horrific conditions.

As the first major cobbled races, Opening Weekend offers an early test for riders and teams aiming for the Monuments like Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, and to shake off any cobwebs from the winter.

For fans, these races get the conversations rolling for the rest of the season. Who looked strong? Did any favourites struggle?

Despite the modernisation of cycling, Omloop and Kuurne have retained their traditional appeal. Teams now use data, power meters, and refined tactics to control the race, however, unpredictability remains as Stannard’s 2015 win proved.

Equipment improvements, from wider tires to better clothing, have enhanced performance, but the brutal roads and unpredictable weather ensure these races remain old school challenges where anything can happen.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne – Bruxelles - Kuurne are more than just races, they are part of Belgium’s cycling heritage. Each February, they usher in the new season with drama, history, and tradition, and set the tone for all the action that is to come.

Now the attention turns to this weekend, and who will be the latest stars to etch their names into history.