Danilith Nokere Koerse takes an important step towards better safety for male and female riders by moving the race finish to a new location, admittedly also on the familiar Nokereberg. This decision came about after intensive consultation with team managers and safety experts. The classic descent in the final kilometer in Nokeredorp, which in recent years regularly caused dangerous situations and crashes, is being replaced by a straight, uphill finishing stretch that better ensures rider safety. The finish line is located on another side of Nokereberg, via Waregemsestraat.

Course with unique profile

Danilith Nokere Koerse is unique thanks to its own characteristic course with emphasis on cobblestones and the iconic passage over the Nokereberg. This authentic profile is preserved: the race starts as always in Deinze and follows a large loop through the Zwalm region and the Flemish Ardennes, after which the riders return for the cobblestone circuits in Kruisem. The men ride through Nokere three times, the women twice, each time along the famous cobblestones of Nokeredorpstraat. The caps mountain prize rewards the best climber with a prize of 1,500 euros. The cobblestone climb in Nokeredorp remains a crucial part of the course.

New finish location on Waregemsestraat

The finale of the renewed course runs via the center of Kruishoutem to the cobblestones near Herlegem castle, making it extra challenging. The final km is a straight, slightly uphill finish with an average gradient of 4% that offers both safety and spectacle, perfect for punchy sprinters.

José De Cauwer – cycling commentator: ‘This is the best decision the Nokere organization could make. The finish as it was, was no longer sustainable. And in this way, safety, sporting challenge and atmosphere for the public are reconciled.’
Public experience central

The public in Nokere gets the familiar top experience, but then XXL; the unique atmosphere on Nokereberg is preserved and strengthened. The new finish zone is located close to the public village, with large screens, stages and a view of the sprint. This way everyone can follow the exciting finale up close and enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance that makes Danilith Nokere Koerse so special. Both races will also be broadcast live again by Sporza and Eurosport.

Jolien Dhoore – team manager: ‘As a team manager I understand how important traditions are in cycling. Yet we as teams have great respect for the courageous and thoughtful decision of the organization to prioritize safety. It is a necessary step that shows that Danilith Nokere Koerse not only cherishes its unique character, but also takes responsibility for the future of the sport.’
Safety first

Safety is an absolute priority for Danilith Nokere Koerse. The races are deliberately ridden with a smaller peloton. Each year the entire course undergoes an extensive risk analysis, where each section is assessed for potential risks. Depending on the scope and nature of the risks, specific measures are taken to ensure the safety of riders and public. In addition to the new finish zone, the organization provides a detailed ‘safety manual’ for riders, teams and mobile signal providers, and works with BoPlan for adapted signage. A specialized agency, Safe Cycling, also conducts an in-depth analysis to optimize all safety aspects. It was that analysis that also indicated that a new and especially safer finish was necessary.

Sep Vanmarcke – former rider: ‘Honoring tradition is important, but rider safety always comes first. By moving the finish, Nokere Koerse is building a future where spectacle and care for riders go hand in hand.’
A difficult but necessary decision

“It is not easy for us to make this decision,” according to the organization. ” We realize that this change will take some getting used to for many cycling enthusiasts, for whom the iconic finish on the cobbles of Nokere has always been special. That is especially true for us as Nokere residents and organizers. This decision was not easy, but in dialogue with the riders and their teams it became clear that safety must come first. With this new finish we want to keep the race safe for our riders, and at the same time continue building on the unique identity and atmosphere of Danilith Nokere Koerse. Because Nokereberg remains central, during the race on the cobblestone climb and at the finish with a unique new uphill finish.” In Nokere we focus on the further growth of the races. We previously evolved from a classic village fair race to a semi-classic with a unique course seasoned with many cobblestones. We were the first worldwide with equal prize money for men and women. We lead the fight for safer cycling and now dare to even adapt our unique finish for it. But this is the way to ensure the future of our races at the highest possible level.

Bert Scheirlinckx – delegate CPA Riders’ Union: ‘It is never easy to let go of a tradition, especially in a race with such a rich history as Danilith Nokere Koerse. But rider safety must always take priority. This change is necessary to avoid accidents, while doing everything to continue cherishing the unique and classic character of the race. As a representative of the riders I am pleased that the organizer of Danilith Nokere Koerse is taking this difficult step.’