After a hard race at Nokere Koerse where everyone learned valuable lessons it’s time for more racing on Belgian soil. This time NXTG Racing goes to Omloop van de Westhoek in the southwest of Belgium. Rozemarijn, Cathalijne, Britt, Ilse, Maud, Catalina and Emily line up for this 132-kilometre long race. Emily previews Sunday’s race:
My race at Nokere Koerse was a big progression from my last races so I’m looking to carry this confidence into Omloop van de Westhoek. Looking at the course it’s super exposed for the first 60 kilometres before the finishing circuit with big potential for cross winds. Coming from an off road background this is an area I really lack experience in, but I am confident that if by riding as a team I can learn a lot from the other girls from the way they navigate the cross winds. The finishing circuit is going to be tough, with a cobbled sector every lap. But overall, I think the way the race plays out will be very wind dependent. I’m excited to see what happens and give it my best shot.
Sports director Kelvin Dekker:
Omloop van de Westhoek offers a nice course and a good quality peloton. The weather preview says it will be dry and sunny but there will also be wind and like Emily said, that makes this race potentially very hard. It’s also a long race and the first 60 kilometres are perfect for echelons. The local circuits with cobbles offers great racing potential. I think we can be ambitious for Sunday.
Local broadcaster Focus-WTV offers a livestream.