New last year, Leiedal Koerse is effectively the E3 Classic for Women. For now, it remains not quite on the same level but there is potential for Leiedal Koerse to grow, especially as it’s one of the last chances of the season to race the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, plus a chance for those who might’ve missed out on the Tour of Flanders earlier in the year.
Last year’s race was dominated by Parkhotel Valkenburg who had 3 riders in a front group of 4 and they managed to polish it off by beating an in-form Nicole Steigenga of Coop-Hitec. Last year’s podium have all changed teams to ones not racing here this year, Femke Markus (1st) and Mischa Bredewold (3rd) went to SD Worx, whereas Nicole Steigenga (2nd) joined the main AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step team. Kirstie van Haaften in 4th is the highest placed finisher on the startlist again this year.
Which teams are racing at Leiedal Koerse 2023?
There are a couple of Women’s WorldTour teams racing here in Human Powered Health and Uno-X as both teams chase points to remain in the Women’s WorldTour after this season. Parkhotel Valkenburg, the team of last year’s winner Femke Markus returns, albeit without their 2022 winner who has moved up to SD Worx for 2023.
British interests are represented by AWOL O’Shea, DAS-Handsling Bikes and non-Continental team Hutchinson-Brother UK. The other Continental teams set to race are AG Insurance-NXTG U23, ARA | Skip Capital, Duolar-Chevalmeire, Lotto Dstny Ladies, Coop-Hitec, UAE Development and Proximus-Alphamotorhomes-Doltcini CT. As the race is at 1.2 level, there are plenty of local non-Continental level teams involved. ASD Women, Baloise-WB, Carbonbike Giordana by Gen Z, CyclingTeam Belco-Van Eyck, Isorex-No Aqua, GRC Jan van arckel, KDM-Pack, Keukens Redant, Restore, Talent Development, Grouwels-Watersley R&D and WV Schijndel.
What does the Leiedal Koerse 2023 route look like?
Leiedal Koerse Race Profile
Where can I watch Leiedal Koerse 2023?
Live coverage will be on Youtube from 11am BST on Saturday 29th April 2023. We should see most of the race, expect plenty of back of the motorbike views of the peloton.
Who are the main riders to watch?
- Kirstie van Haaften
- Scarlett Souren
- Lieke Nooijen
- Nina Buijsman
- Marjolein van ‘t Geloof
- Jesse Vandenbulcke
- Anniina Ahtosalo
- Eline van Rooijen
- Maureen Arens
- Monica Greenwood
- Isabelle Carnes
- Olha Kulynych
- Kristyna Burlova
- Sigrid Ytterhus Haugset
- Mari Hole Mohr
- Anastasia Carbonari
- Sara Fiorin
- Laura Vainionpää
- Matilda Raynolds
- Lente Boskamp
