Danilith Nokere Koerse presents a challenging course for the riders on March 13. In 2024, the race covers 188.1 kilometers for the men and 127 kilometers for the women. The start remains at the Market in cycling city Deinze, and the finish is, of course, on top of Nokereberg.
However, there are a few new features. First, there is a 94.2 km approach that takes the riders past Nazareth, Gavere, Oosterzele, Zwalm, Oudenaarde, Horebeke, Maarkedal, Anzegem, and Wortegem-Petegem towards Nokere. After 25 kilometers, the well-known Lange Munte is the first cobbled section of the day; 15 kilometers later, the Kattenberg, Holleweg, and Jagerij are the next obstacles. This is followed by a detour around Brouwerij Roman along the Varent. From Oudenaarde, we head to Anzegem with the cobbles of the Varent, the climbs of Hellestraat and Holstraat, and in Wortegem-Petegem, the slightly less known Petegemberg (500m at 7.6%), offering a magnificent view over the Flemish Ardennes at its summit. After that, a new climb, the Fabriekstraat, is introduced to the racee. In total, there are 13 climbs.
It goes without saying that these obstacles will only serve as a warm-up. After the riders tackle Nokereberg (350 meters at 5.7%, maximum 7%) for the first time, another 3 local laps of 31.3 km in Kruisem will follow. For the women, there will be two.
That local circuit is peppered with numerous cobbled sectionss: the Herlegemstraat, the Lange Aststraat, the Kloosterstraat, the recently re-laid Doorn, Lededorp, and the Huisepontweg, which follow each other in quick succession. That’s where the decisive moves will be made. Crucially, upon leaving Wannegem-Dorp, the final 3 km immediately follow!
In total, the women will face 17 kilometers of cobbles, spread across 24 cobbled sections. For the men, this amounts to 26 kilometers of cobbles, divided over 31 sections. With this, Danilith Nokere Koerse confirms its reputation as the Flemish cobbled classic!
Belgian champion Tim Merlier was overwhelmingly the strongest on the slopes of Nokereberg in 2023. This year, the Wortegem native will also be at the start in Deinze, and with ambition! Merlier is aiming for a third consecutive victory, which would equal Hendrik Van Dyck’s record from the 90s. But no one has ever achieved that three times in a row. Also at the start: Jasper Philipsen, international sprint king and winner of the Green Jersey in last year’s Tour. Jasper has been on the podium in Nokere before; it will be interesting to see what he can achieve now! And the sprint spectacle isn’t over yet: former winner Fabio Jakobsen is also at the start with his DSM-Post-NL team, which also brings John Degenkolb, a former winner of Paris-Roubaix, among others. The Ineos Grenadiers have Elia Viviani; the Italian has won stages in all Grand Tours and was European champion, but what can he do on the cobbles? These four world-class sprinters will be challenged by attackers from, for example, Lotto-Dstny with Milan Menten, third last year, and Alec Segaert. Cofidis is fielding former winner Ludovic Robeet, among others. Norwegian powerhouse Mikkel Bjerg is on the start list for UAE Emirates. French Flandrien Hugo Hofstetter is at the start alongside German sprinter Pascal Ackermann on behalf of Israel-Premier Tech. Gerben Thijssen, on the other hand, is the leader for Intermarché-Wanty, having already won twice this year.
In total, 10 WorldTour teams, 9 ProContinental teams, and 1 Continental team will participate in Danilith Nokere Koerse 2024.
Last year, Lotte Kopecky provided the goosebump moment of the spring classics. In a gripping race, she was constantly on the attack, just a few days after the tragic loss of her brother. It was completely silent on Nokereberg when she crossed the finish line. This year, Lotte, as world champion, will also be at the start in Deinze. Competition could come from her own super team, SD Worx-Protime; for example, from top sprinter Lorena Wiebes. Danilith Nokere Koerse was her first major professional victory. Can she win for the third time? Also at the start: Chantal Van den Broek – Blaak; the Dutch former world champion previously won the Tour of Flanders, Strade Bianche, and much more, and now returns after a year’s absence, having become a mother for the first time.
Belgium’s rising talent Julie De Wilde is also expected at the start. Italian top sprinter Chiara Consonni, winner of Dwars door Vlaanderen in ’22, will also start. Or what can Cuban Arlenis Sierra achieve? The Movistar top rider finished 4th in the Tour of Flanders in 2022 and fifth in Nokere in 2023. The Flemish cobbles should therefore suit her. Also in the same team are Dutch top rider Floortje Mackaij and, notably, Emma Bjerg-Norsgaard, who won a stage in last year’s Tour de France.
So, it will also be an exciting battle among the women!
