The 68th edition of Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne takes place this Sunday (28th February, 2016) the day after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Elite.
As yet no rider has managed to win both races in the same season. This is not surprising as they are run on consecutive days and the courses favour different types of riders.
The winners of the last five editions of Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne were:
- 2011 – Christopher Sutton (Aus)
- 2012 – Mark Cavendish (GB)
- 2013 – race cancelled due to snow
- 2014 – Tom Boonen (Bel)
- 2015 – Mark Cavendish (GB)
Of these riders Boonen is classed as one of the strong classics type of riders in the peloton but Sutton and Cavendish are more out-and-out sprinters.
The last climb on the course comes with 53kms to go so teams have ample time to control any breaks and position themselves for a sprint finish. Weather can be a factor in this race – 2013 was cancelled due to snow. Headwinds are troublesome too and can result in splits within the peloton.
Due to these variables we will recommend two bets – one sprinter and one strong rider who could get into a smaller front group should the peloton split. We recommend small stakes as some riders will use the race to get racing miles into their legs in preparation for the ‘Monuments’ in April.
As we backed Alexander Kristoff to win the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Elite on Saturday and no rider has won that and Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne the following day we have to look elsewhere for our winner.
If the race, as expected comes down to a sprint finish from a large peloton we think the powerful German sprinter Andre Greipel (Lotto–Soudal), who enjoyed a renaissance last season is the likely winner.
NOTE – Andre Geipel has today (Friday) pulled out of the race.
Were the peloton to split and a smaller group contests the finish then we like the chances of Oscar Gatto (Androni Giocattoli–Sidermec), winner of Stage 3 of this years Vuelta a Andalucía. Gatto is an experienced canny rider who goes by the nickname ‘Oscar the cat’. He has the power to win from a small group.
Back Andre Greipel for a 1/10 stake at 5.00 with Paddypower
Back him here:
Back Oscar Gatto for a 1/10 stake E/W at 67.00 with Paddypower (note price is 81.00 on Friday)
Back him here:
