AG Insurance – Soudal at the Start of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

AG Insurance - Soudal is ready to take on the Opening Weekend for the first time as a World Tour Team, as it lines up for the 19th edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, this Saturday. The race, starting from Ghent but officially getting underway from Merelbeke, promises to make for an exciting day in the saddle before the finish in Ninove.

The team lining up this Saturday includes Julia Borgström, Marthe Goossens, Kim Le Court, Anya Louw, Ilse Pluimers, and Maud Rijnbeek. They are ready to tackle the 127-kilometer course, known for its challenging cobbles and climbs, including the Berendries, De Muur, and De Bosberg.

With a mix of enthusiasm and nostalgia, Marthe looks forward to the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: “I can't wait to start in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the series of spring classics that follow. Winter has lasted long enough. Last year, the Omloop was my very first race with the team and I'm excited to take it on again this year, now with a backpack full of experience.”

While our selected riders are known for their strength on such terrains and are aiming for a podium finish, Kim Le Court, new to road racing, will be entering this terrain for the first time. The team will provide her with the necessary space and support to fully discover her potential. As she also mentioned during the team presentation, she faces the challenge this year of competing in various types of races. These experiences will help her identify her strengths and determine which type of course best suits her capabilities.

A special highlight for the team during the opening weekend is the return of our team leader Jolien D'hoore, who takes her place in the team car again after her maternity leave.

“I am extremely excited to be back in the race car after my maternity leave. The Opening Weekend is always a highlight for me, and with the strong team we are bringing to the start, we plan to go all out with an aggressive racing strategy. Last Tuesday, we scouted the course, and I can confirm: the girls are completely ready for the challenge!” said team leader Jolien D’hoore.