Justine Ghekiere to miss her first Omloop Het Nieuwsblad due to illness

AG Insurance – Soudal rider Justine Ghekiere will not take to the start in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday, March 1. The Belgian rider, who was preparing for her first participation in the Opening Weekend, fell ill on Thursday and has not recovered suitably to take the start. Her spot in the lineup will be taken by Fauve Bastiaenssen.

"It's disappointing that I won’t be at the start of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad," Justine said. "I was really looking forward to making my debut and taking on the cobbles in this prestigious spring classic."

AG Insurance – Soudal wishes her a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing her back in the peloton soon.