9 fun facts of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

The first edition (originally called Omloop van Vlaanderen) was held on 25 March 1945. It was only a few weeks after Belgium was liberated by the Aliied Forces, Jerome Stevens, journalist of the Het Volk newspaper, crewtor of the rsce had to have an approval of the British Army to hold the event.

Jerome Stevens created the race with the purpose to rival Ronde van Vlaanderen, the only professional race was held in German-occupied territories during the war.

83 riders competed the first edition. The 20 years old Belgian Jean Bogaerts was the first winner of the race.

Following the protest by the organizers of Ronde van Vlaanderen, the event had to drop the name Omloop van Vlaanderen very soon, and was named after its main sponsor, the newspaper Het Volk.

There are three record holders to win the race three times. Ernest Sterckx (1952, 1953, 1956), Joseph Bruyére (1974, 1975, 1980), and Peter Van Petegem (1997, 1998 and 2002).

Although the route is similar, and many riders attempted to achieve it (most recent notable cyclist was Greg Van Avermaet), nobody managed to win an Omloop-Ronde double.

Most recent change in the names of the race happened in 2009 because of the merge of Het Volk and Het Nieuwsblad.

The race was cancelled only 3 times. In 1960, 1986, and 2004.

The first women's race was held in 2006. Suzanne de Goede was the first winner.

More Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on PelotonTales blog and its special project Cycling season 2024.

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