3,500 Cyclotouristes braved the Cold at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Cyclo

In the aftermath of the Pro's, amateur cyclists had a cold winter day on the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Cyclo, the opening round of the Etixx Classics Tour which attracted over 3,500 participants

After watching Michael Valgren from Team Astana attack his breakaway companions in the final couple of kilometres in the 196 km Pro race, it was the turn of the amateurs.

>>> Michael Valgren wins opening Classics race Omloop Het Nieuwsblad <<<

By far the most popular distance was shorter 93 km, which started and ended at the finish line in Ninove. Over a thousand brave souls tackled the longer distance, starting in Ghent and finishing in Ninove after of 128 kms.

After 11 climbs including the legendary climbs of the Mur de Grammont and Bosberg, 4 sections of cobblestones and over 966 metres of climbing, these brave souls crossed the finish line under a generous winter sun!

Link to results: http://www.chronorace.be/Classements/ListeRapports.aspx?eventId=1187433903306933&lng=EN

Link to photos: http://www.sport.be/omloophetnieuwsblad/2018/en/#sportograf