“We are adjusting the course again this year" - Cobblestones within final 3km at Nokere Koerse 2024

Belgian one-day race, Nokere Koerse continues to be tinkered with as race organisers look to make the race as exciting as possible.

“We are adjusting the course again this year,” organizer Robrecht Bothuyne reveals in conversation with Wielerflits. “After the last cobblestones in Wannegem it is less than three kilometres to the finish. And that is a big change. In the past, escapees could be caught on the paved roads to Nokere. Now we stay on narrower roads and ride directly from Wannegem to Nokereberg.”

Last year there were also some adjustments made but in Bothuyne's opinion, these changes were not enough to maximise the race's potential. “So: our adjustment from last year left us wanting more. And we continued with that, without sacrificing cobblestone areas," he explains. "For the men, we still have 26 kilometres of cobblestones divided over 31 zones. For the women, this is 17 kilometres of cobblestones spread over 24 lanes. With this, Danilith Nokere Koerse confirms its reputation as the Flemish cobblestone racer."

With some of the notable names taking part including the likes of Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier, Fabio Jakobsen, Arvid De Kleijn and Gerben Thijssen meaning on the 13th of March, many eyes will be on Nokere Koerse.