I thought I’d do a double-header this weekend since there’s also one in Belgium. Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, a race that doesn’t actually go to Brussels, is the 2nd act on the opening weekend in Belgian Classics racing and, unlike today’s Omloop Het Nieusblad, is often one for the sprinters.

The route passes through the Flemish Ardennes, punching over climbs like Kruisberg and Oude Kwaremont, which we’ll be seeing more of on April 5th in De Ronde.

I think this says ‘The race (or course) has no mercy.’

Riders from today’s race will be begging their soigneurs for that bonus massage tonight because nearly all of them seem to be riding tomorrow. Cavendish, a previous winner, is bound to be a favorite. Other guys who can hold 1000 watts for silly amounts of time include Tom Boonen (well, in his prime..), Alexander Kristoff and Nacer Bouhanni. These guys have to make it over the climbs first, which could be a problem if someone wants to make it one. My pick is Sep Vanmaerke, unless he punctures as much as he did today.