The fourteenth edition of the Bredene-Koksijde Classic (1.Pro), which takes place on Friday 21 March, was presented at the Koksijde Casino on Monday evening.
The course has undergone several changes. Significant alterations have been made to the loop in the Heuvelland area. The start zone remains at the Staf Versluys Centre in Bredene.
The Ter Duinenlaan in Koksijde will once again be the scene of the end of the race, known as the ‘Primavera of the North.'
“Compared to last year, the initial stretch from Bredene to the hills is similar,” said race director Stefaan Decleir. “However, there are many changes near Heuvelland.”
“Schomminkelstraat remains the first official climb, occurring after 72 kilometres,” he said. “Soon after, riders will face Baneberg, Monteberg, and Kemmelberg.”
The passages on Scherpenberg and Sulferberg have been removed due to roadworks, according to the race director.
“After a second loop over Kemmelberg, approached from the opposite side, the route continues via Poperinge to the polder flats of De Moeren,” Decleir added. “After 166 kilometres, we start three local laps of 11.4 kilometres each around Ter Duinenlaan in Koksijde.
“For a day, it will be called Via Roma of Koksijde, and the fountain on Koksijde’s church square will shine.”
Last year, Luca Mozzato won the Bredene-Koksijde Classic. The Italian triumphed in a mass sprint featuring Dylan Groenewegen and Gerben Thijssen. Thijssen won the race in 2023.
