Soudal - Quick-Step relies on sprinters for Nokere Koerse and Bredene Koksijde Classic

Two traditional appetizers in form of Nokere Koerse and Bredene Koksijde Classic will take place this week, before the main dish in form of Flemish classics, with Tour des Flanders as a cherry on top. Soudal - Quick-Step will be ever ambitious coming into their home territory with Tim Merlier as their leader.

Luke Lamperti will be the back-up leader for Nokere Koerse, while Bert Van Lerberghe will be ready to assist his leaders in the finale, or grab his own chance. The rest of the team consists of talented youngsters.

In Friday's Bredene Koksijde Classic, it will be Paul Magnier's chance to show what he's made of as a leader of extremely young lineup nominated for this race. The most experienced rider in this selection - the 27-year-old Jordi Warlop is another strong card in case of a bunch sprint.

"We go with a lot of confidence to these two races. Tim will be our leader for Nokere, where he’ll have Bert to guide him in the finale. Luke is also set to compete there, and taking on the cobbles will be a nice experience for him. In Bredene, Paul will be back in action, part of a young but very motivated team. The races won’t be easy, but we are confident in our chances of getting a good result," said sports director Dries Devenyns.

Soudal - Quick-Step lineup for Nokere Koerse:
Tim Merlier, Luke Lamperti, Ayco Bastiaens, Antoine Huby, Pepijn Reinderink, Lars Vanden Heede and Bert Van Lerberghe

Soudal - Quick-Step lineup for Bredene Koksijde Classic:
Ayco Bastiaens, Antoine Huby, Gil Gelders, Paul Magnier, Warre Vangheluwe, Leander Van Hautegem and Jordi Warlop