‘Het dorp, de berg, de Nokerse Koerse’ anno 2025

At the end of February, the temperature begins to rise. We can't quite call it Nokere Koerse fever yet, but posters start popping up on countless windows. It’s the cover image of the Epus Magnum created by our dearly missed Edwin De Borggraeve. With this, the organizing board pays tribute to a great Nokeran who, for many years, ensured the safety of the VIPs. Or was it "led them to suffer"? Locals recognize familiar faces on the cover – scenes from the village and portraits of known figures. And who can spot the race director?

For the parishioners, it's a bit of a shock – even surreal – that the tiny village now deals with one-way streets. “Hopefully just for the race,” they grumble.

And before we know it, it's Friday, 14 March. Thankfully not the 13th... ‘Départ Canard’ kicks off the festival week. Around 900 partygoers throw themselves into the celebration. Some may get a scolding from their wives upon returning home a bit too late. As usual, a few cars remain stranded and lonely in the parking lot on Saturday morning. The canard has flown...

Saturday, 15 March, dawns sunny. Only the biting northeastern wind makes it slightly uncomfortable. “As long as it stays dry,” early risers say with hope.

In the morning, the future is taking shape. The youngest children are prepped for the big leagues. Those who've outgrown balance bikes get to ride part of the local lap. No age group is left out in Nokere…

For the first time, a warmly welcomed Special Olympics race is organized. Winners are crowned in various categories – including the women’s division. During the podium ceremony, the national anthem rings proudly through the speakers. Goosebumps. I leave the singing to our former Prime Minister... “Allons enfants de la patrie…”

By 2:00 PM, I begin preparing for the main event – the "Bergprijs" (Mountain Prize) for the juniors. For clarity: this prize is awarded to the rider who collects the most points atop the old finish line on Nokeredorpstraat. Since the new finish now lies just beyond the real climb, there’s no photo finish for me this year. So we’ll rely on our trusty spotters. During the first lap, I notice the barriers block my view of the riders coming from the Landhuys. Afterward, I speak to Etienne. “We’ll fix it by Wednesday,” he assures me.

Between laps, I wander down the street. On my way back, a kind lady stops me. “Sir, thank you for organizing this for our children.” Undoubtedly the mother of one of the young riders. I'm taken aback. Recognition, at last, for the tireless work done by countless board members and volunteers to bring this traditional event to life. If only there were more like her…

After the final pass over the cobbles, two riders have each scored five points in the mountain competition. Whoever finishes first at the final line takes home €500 – not bad for a junior!

I have plenty of time to leave my post and head toward the finish line. A wave to the mayor, a pint in the tent, fries for the neighbor’s kids – it’s all part of the tradition. With peace of mind, I climb up to the finish… The announcer’s voice rises as the riders close in. And then they’re here… the winner flashes by – I never saw him coming.

Thor Michielsen takes the victory, while Mauro Keppens claims the mountain prize. A big congratulations to both. “Keep it up, boys. The elite races are calling…”