The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Elite (27th February) is part one of a Belgian doubleheader this weekend with Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne following on Sunday (28th February).
It is one of the seasons first elite One Day races and is a gauge of riders early season form. Historically, this race has tended to suit the ‘strong-men’ and until the last decade has been dominated by Belgian winners. Wet and windy weather can be a factor – the 2004 event was cancelled due to snow, further playing into the hands of the more powerful riders.
The last five winners back-up this sentiment:
- 2011 – Sebastien Langeveld (Ned)
- 2012 – Sep Vanmarcke (Bel)
- 2013 – Luca Paolini (Ita)
- 2014 – Ian Stannard (GB)
- 2015 – Ian Stannard (GB)
We see no reason to back a rider who doesn’t fit this criteria. Our stake will be small as the season is young and riders are still finding their form.
Our choice is Alexander Kristoff of Team Katusha. Kristoff fits the mold of being one of the strong men – he won the 2015 Tour of Flanders. He has good form with 5 wins from 11 race starts so far this season and as a bonus Kristoff is also a fine sprinter too winning 3 sprint finishes in the just completed Tour of Oman.
Back Alexander Kristoff for a 2/10 stake at 9.50 with Paddypower
Back him here:
