Fien Delbaere, hailing from Ghent, is gearing up for her third appearance at Danilith Nokere Koerse, set to kick off in Deinze on Wednesday. This time, she’ll be donning the jersey of Team Komugi-Grand Est, a modest French UCI team lacking top-tier riders but poised for future prominence, as per the 27-year-old cyclist.
“Team Komugi-Grand Est emerged from a club background and is only in its second year as a continental UCI team this season, but it is well-structured across all aspects,” Delbaere shared. “The camaraderie is strong, the determination is palpable, and the results will naturally ensue. Starting from April, the 1.1 races should become our forte.”
Delbaere expressed optimism about her French team, despite setbacks on the sporting front. A fall during Omloop het Nieuwsblad disrupted her rhythm, impacting subsequent races. However, she remains hopeful for a swift recovery.
Regarding Nokere Koerse, Delbaere anticipates an engaging race despite course alterations. She emphasised the team’s strategy to join the breakaway and sustain their position as long as possible.
Looking ahead, Delbaere and her team have secured participation in Paris-Roubaix, an event she eyes eagerly. With seventeen kilometres of cobblestones at Nokere Koerse, she views it as an ideal preview for the challenges awaiting at the renowned Hell of the North.
