‘Danilith Nokere Koerse and Deinze have been a strong match since 2015,’ says Mayor Rutger De Reu. ‘We have grown together, both in terms of level and number of races. In the beginning, there was one race. Today, there are three races and lots of side activities. It has become a total experience that attracts more people every year and puts our city in the spotlight. We are keen to build on that success.’

Danilith Nokere Koerse is organising a race for women and men in the UCI ProSeries today. That level is just below the WorldTour. In addition, there will also be an international junior race on Saturday. The organisation also wants to organise a girls’ race for juniors in the future. This way, Saturday can become a real youth day in Deinze.

‘Deinze is a real cycling and racing town. You can feel that racing is alive here,’ says Robrecht Bothuyne, chairman of the organising non-profit organisation Nokere Sport. “This is also due to a strong tradition. Just think of Tour winner Lucien Buysse or the organisation of the start of Gent-Wevelgem. Deinze breathes cycling. We are delighted that Danilith Nokere Koerse is part of that. And we are grateful to the city for its trust and support.”

The experience is also central to the event. ‘Together with the organisation, we are strongly committed to this,’ says alderwoman for sport Sofie D’Hondt. ‘And it’s completely free for the public. On Wednesday 18 March, for example, there will be a team presentation on the main stage. The riders’ village is freely accessible and there will be entertainment. The catering industry is also responding to this with breakfast and brunch options. The terraces will be full that day.’

With the new agreement, the city and the organisation also want to focus more on young people and recreational cyclists. For example, there will be cycling initiations for young people. From next year, cycling tourists will also receive a discount to participate in the Cyclo van Danilith Nokere Koerse on Sunday.