Danilith Nokere Koerse MJ with 15 Belgian and 10 foreign teams

Danilith Nokere Koerse for men juniors is now in its sixth edition and in that short time managed to become an important fixture on the calendar. As an international UCI race, not only Belgian, but also more and more foreign teams visit the race, which starts in Deinze and arrives at Nokereberg. This year the riders will have 129 kilometres in front of their wheels and with no less than 15 kilometres of cobbles, it will be a selective course.

Race director Rony De Sloovere: 'We received no less than 56 applications from teams for our junior race. So in fact, we could have organised two races. Because only 25 teams of six riders are allowed to start.'

We selected the top 15 from last year's Cup of Belgium; the top Belgian junior teams can then compete against a selective international field. The other teams come from the Netherlands, the UK, France, Germany, Lithuania, Slovenia, Norway, Italy, Poland. Among them are two national teams; from Poland and Slovenia. There are also junior teams that are part of the structure of well-known pro teams such as AG2R Citroën or Norway's Uno-x.

The next edition of Danilith Nokere Koerse for juniors will be held on Saturday 11 March. The riders will start at 2pm in Deinze and are expected to finish in Nokere around 5pm.

Chairman Robrecht Bothuyne: 'New this year is the CAPS Mountain Prize. Having previously introduced a mountain prize in the men's and women's events, the juniors will also have the chance to win it.' Attacking riders can score points at the 3 passages over Nokereberg to win the CAPS mountain prize. Among the juniors, this is good for fuel cards worth 500 euros.

On the same day, Danilith Nokere Koerse will also set up a kids' edition, together with the Flemish Cycling School and the sport service of Kruisem, children aged 8 to 12 will get their first 'racing experience'; including an agility course and a guided ride along part of Danilith Nokere Koerse, with finish on Nokereberg!