Het Nieuwsblad kicks off Classics season on Saturday

Podium (l-r): Juan Antonio Flecha (third), Thor Hushovd (winner), Kevyn Ista (second)

The Classics season kicks off this weekend with the traditional Belgian season-opener Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday.

15 cobbled sections and 12 climbs separate the mere mortals from Classics glory this weekend, whilst the heavy rain and strong wind predicted for Ghent on Saturday will certainly take some adjusting to after the sweltering heat of Qatar and Oman.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.