A stage race for one-day specialists

By Bjorn Haake

The Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen is once again a perfect opportunity for riders to prepare for the Spring Classics, with rain, wind and cobble stones during the distance of almost 550 kilometres over three stages. The race, now also known as the Johan Museeuw Classic, has kept its traditional start in Kortrijk.

One change for this year's event comes on stage one from Kortrijk to Bellegem, with the addition of a new section of cobble stones in Varent te Anzegem during the 176-kilometre stage. The section will be sector number two of five, at kilometre 42. The other kasseien sections are Wielsbeke (km 18), Spiere (km 60), Beiaardhelling (km 68) and Jacquet Bosstraat (km 96).

The second day is a 184-kilometre route from Torhout to Handzame, with the riders passing the beautiful city of Brugge after 50 kilometres. After looping towards the coast and then south, the riders arrive in Handzame, where they still need to complete an 11-kilometre loop three times.

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