2019: Cees Bol won the sprint from a reduced peloton, clinching the victory. He outpaced several strong sprinters in an exciting finale. This edition of the Nokere Koerse was characterized by windy conditions and various crashes, adding a challenge to the race.

2020: It was canceled due to health and safety measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus.

2021: This edition was won from the early breakaway. This one only materialised after fifty race kilometres.  With another half-minute lead, they started the final passage of the Lange Ast. At two kilometres, Robeet attacked. He then had to go up the Nokereberg all alone, but managed to hold on cleverly there.

2022: An exciting finale, where the riders had to conquer a challenging course. The race ended in a sprint, with Belgian rider Tim Merlier clinching the victory. The 2021 edition of the Nokere Koerse went without major incidents and provided an exciting race for both riders and spectators.

2023: Fell to Tim Merlier for the second year in a row. After almost 195 kilometres of racing, the Belgian champion was the fastest sprinter after a finale marred by crashes.

2024:

2019: First edition for women! The race was won by Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes. She showed impressive sprinting strength and beat her competitors in the final sprint, taking victory. 

2020: It was canceled due to health and safety measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus.

2021: It was a very windy day which reduced the chances of a bunch sprint. That scenario came true: Lisa Klein and Amy Pieters responded wisely to an attack by Australian Grace Brown. The three of them rode to the finish and in the sprint Pieters was clearly the strong one.

2022: Lorena Wiebes was untouchable in the bunch sprint. Lotte Kopecky finished second by several bike lengths.

2023: At 75km from the end, Kopecky went on the attack for the first time on the Tiegemberg. Just under 50 km from the finish, she took off again. As a result, a small group of about 30 riders entered the final lap. On the last cobbled stretch of the day, she again had an explosive acceleration up her sleeve. She effortlessly left her fellow escapees at 6 km from the end and rode solo to Nokere.

2024:

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Crashes 2024 (ME)

At 73 km: A crash involved three riders from Arkéa – B&B Hotels: Jenthe Biermans, Alan Riou, and David Dekker.
At 22 km: During the crash involving Kim Heiduk (INEOS Grenadiers) and Daan Hoole (Lidl – Trek), two concrete curbs were exposed after the turns. These were not protected at the time but will be safeguarded in 2025 with Safe Cycling pillows.

At 7.9 km: A five-rider crash included Xabier Berasategi (Euskaltel – Euskadi), Otto Vergaerde (Lidl – Trek), and Jacob Eriksson (Tudor Pro Cycling Team).
At 5.3 km: Four riders crashed, featuring Matteo Moschetti (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) and Jelle Vermoote (Bingoal WB).
At 0.8 km: Four riders from the peloton were involved in a crash: Jonas Rickaert (Alpecin – Deceuninck), Boy van Poppel and Madis Mihkels (both from Intermarché – Wanty), and Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché – Wanty).

Race Feedback Summary

Safety Ratings and Concerns

• Overall Safety Ratings: The ratings varied significantly, with some riders feeling safe and others expressing concerns (rating as low as 3/10).
• Specific Concerns Highlighted:
  • A dangerous downhill section on a concrete road with a curve in the last kilometer before the finish was criticized for its potential crash risk, particularly under wet conditions.
  • The finish area received specific criticism for being hazardous, with suggestions to relocate it to enhance safety.
  • Poles separating the bike lane and road were mentioned as insufficiently marked or warned about, especially before cobblestone sections.

Positive Feedback

• The visibility and clarity of signage during the race were praised for helping riders anticipate turns and obstacles, even from positions at the back of the peloton.

Women’s Race Crash Data

• Overview:
  • The women’s race, covering 127km from Deinze to Nokere, also witnessed several crashes:
    • At 87 km: A crash involved two riders, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak (Team SD Worx – Protime) and Tereza Neumanova (UAE Team ADQ).
    • At 90 km: A single rider, Stina Kagevi (Team Coop – Repsol), crashed.
    • At 100 km: A crash that involved two prominent riders, Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, both from Team SD Worx – Protime.

Comparative Analysis

• Both races exhibited critical safety concerns, particularly around complex course sections and the finish area. The crashes in the women’s race reinforce concerns about specific course segments potentially being prone to accidents.

The weather can affect the course conditions of Nokere Koerse in several ways:

Wind: Wind is one of the most significant factors affecting the race. Nokere Koerse is known for its open and flat course, which means riders are exposed to the full force of the wind. Strong crosswinds can lead to fan formation, with riders being stretched in long ribbons across the road. This can fragment the peloton and provide tactical opportunities for clever riders and teams to take advantage.

Rain: Rain can make the course slippery, especially on the cobbled sections characteristic of Nokere Koerse. This increases the risk of crashes and can test riders’ technical skills. In addition, rain can reduce the speed of the race, as riders have to be more careful on turns and descents.

Temperature: Cold temperatures can also pose a challenge for riders, especially in early spring when Nokere Koerse is often held. Cold can make muscles stiff and make it harder for riders to perform at their best. At the same time, heat can cause dehydration and overheating, which can affect riders’ performance.

Visibility: Fog and mist can also reduce visibility, which can compromise riders’ safety, especially on narrow roads and fast descents.

Bunch Sprint Probability:Dry Conditions, Low Wind: High likelihood (70%) of bunch sprint.Wet Conditions, High Wind: Reduced chance (20%) of bunch sprint.
Probability of High Winds Leading to Smaller Groups or Solo Breakaways:High Winds: Likely (60%) to see smaller groups or solo breakaways.Low Winds: Lower chance (20%) of smaller groups or solo breakaways.

Effect of Wet Surface on Race Dynamics:Wet Surfaces: Present in 50% of races, leading to cautious riding and altered outcomes.Dry Surfaces: Occur in 30% of races, promoting aggressive racing and higher speeds. 

In High Wind: Priority will be given to sectors leading into windy areas and known danger spots on the course to mitigate risks such as peloton splits and crashes.
In Low Wind: Focus shifts to the race’s finale, especially on narrowing sections and the critical last 3 km, to ensure a safe and competitive setup for a potential large group sprint.

Weather report:Nokere Koerse 2019: This edition was marked by changeable weather. Riders braved strong gusts of wind and occasional rain, resulting in a tough race with tactical manoeuvres to exploit or avoid the wind.

Nokere Koerse 2021: A notable feature of this edition was the cold. Temperatures were on the low side, requiring riders to wear extra layers of clothing to stay warm. In addition, some parts of the course became slippery due to light precipitation. Although for the most part the riders were spared rainy conditions.

Nokere Koerse 2022: This time, the weather was more favourable for the riders. A mix of sun and clouds made for pleasant race conditions. The wind still played a role, but was not as strong as in previous years. 

Nokere Koerse 2023: Dry conditions and too little wind to really have a big impact on the race. 

Nokere Koerse 2024: —

Conclusion: In the span of 2019 to 2023, weather influenced the dynamics of Nokere Koerse. Strong winds, rain, cold temperatures, and visibility issues all impacted race strategies and outcomes. Organizers should adapt by prioritizing course sectors in high-wind scenarios and focusing on safety during calmer conditions. Despite the variability, Nokere Koerse remained a challenging and exciting event, showcasing the dynamic relationship between weather and sport. Moving forward, understanding and managing weather effects will continue to be crucial for the safetyof the race.

Final laps 2025

Final laps 2025

Map here

Picture and info

Safe Score

Score 10 (Safest)
Exceptional Conditions: The course features excellent road conditions, minimal obstacles, and is optimally planned to ensure a smooth race experience.

Score 9
Nearly Perfect Conditions: Despite minor challenges, the course layout, road quality, and overall management of the race are commendable.

Score 8
Optimal Race Conditions: The parcour is well-prepared with good road conditions and minimal obstacles, promoting a competitive and fair race.

Score 7
Good Race Conditions: Generally conducive to racing with decent road conditions and moderate obstacles effectively managed.

Score 6
Balanced Conditions: Adequate road conditions and manageable obstacles, allowing for a fair race but with some room for improvement.

Score 5
Average Conditions: Basic race conditions are met with some areas requiring improvement. Obstacles are noticeable but do not severely impede the race.

Score 4
Challenging Conditions: The course presents several challenges due to less ideal road conditions and noticeable obstacles that need addressing.

Score 3
Tough Conditions: Significant challenges exist within the parcour, including poor road conditions and obstacles that could affect the race dynamics.

Score 2
Difficult Conditions: The course has substantial challenges with hazardous road conditions and major obstacles that need urgent attention to ensure fairness.

Score 1 (Least Safe)
Severe Conditions: The course poses serious challenges due to inadequate management of the parcour, hazardous road conditions, and numerous significant obstacles, impacting the race’s integrity.

Course Profile Overview:

The last 10 kilometers of the 2025 race feature a varied and challenging landscape. The course begins relatively smoothly but introduces a cobblestone section towards the final segment. This part includes a slight downhill lead-in, which is expected to be a hotspot for aggressive positioning, potentially leading to dangerous situations due to the challenging surface and competitive tensions.

Key Course Features:

• Mid-Segment Cobblestone: This section is notable for its difficulty, especially with the cobblestones being approached via a slow downhill. This combination can increase the likelihood of incidents as riders fight for advantageous positions.
• Final 3 km: The course finish with a gradual uphill on a wide road. Although the road conditions are not perfect, they are adequate for a safe and dramatic finale.

Adjustments and Improvements from 2024:

The organization has made significant improvements to the route from the previous year. The 2024 course’s dangerous downhill finish has been removed in favor of a safer finish that prioritizes rider safety. This change is a perfect effort by the organizers to enhance the safety.

Safety Score: 7.5 (Good Race Conditions)

• Justification: This score reflects a well-designed course that balances challenge with safety.
• The cobblestone section’s technical demands and the associated downhill present risks, which are somewhat mitigated by the final climb’s safer conditions.
• The organizers’ proactive measures to adapt the course based on previous feedback and incidents demonstrate a commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Safe Cycling is pleased to acknowledge the substantial improvements made to the 2025 course, reflecting a significant advancement in safety and strategic racing opportunities. Scoring a commendable 7.5, the route adjustment addresses prior concerns. The change of the course, especially the final uphill stretch, ensures a safer and more competitive environment for all racers. These changes underscore our organization’s ongoing commitment to safety.