Elite and U23 riders at the start in Le Samyn

AG Insurance - Soudal is gearing up for the first race of the year on Walloon soil, scheduled this Tuesday.

This race marks a key moment for the team, as Le Samyn 2024 will be the first time a mixed formation, consisting of both elite and U23 riders, will join forces. The U23 riders, freshly back from an intensive training camp in Mallorca, are ready to kick off a dynamic season.

The lineup appearing at the start is: Marthe Goossens, Ilse Pluimers, Lore De Schepper, Jade Linthoudt, Laura Lizette Sander, Febe Jooris and Noëlle Rüetschi.. The last four named riders are part of the U23 team. This setup allows young talents, like Lore De Schepper who recently moved from the U19 to the U23 team, a unique opportunity to learn and grow under the wings of experienced elite riders.

The race promises to be challenging with a course of 114.8 kilometers, starting in Quaregnon and finishing in Dour. After 36.5 kilometers, the course will transition into four local laps of 26.1 kilometers each, each characterized by numerous cobblestone sections requiring both technical skill and physical strength from the riders.

“After a fantastic winter, in which we all worked hard, we are ready at the start line with a strong team. Back from a productive training camp in Mallorca with the U23 riders, filled with intensive training, I can't wait to start the season in Le Samyn”, says Febe Jooris.