With the cycling season officially underway, the anticipation for the 2025 Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne race is palpable. This year, the event has drawn not only professional cyclists but also thousands of enthusiasts eager to experience the thrill of the ride. On Saturday morning, over 4,600 cyclists gathered at Kubox, Kuurne, for the popular Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne Cyclo, which serves as the precursor to the professional race on Sunday. The event kicked off at 7:30 AM, allowing participants to choose from routes of varying lengths: 65, 85, 110, or the challenging 140 kilometers, which include ten notable climbs.
The esteemed Tiegemberg, known for its steep gradient, is among the significant challenges participants face. Organizers reported this edition sees record participation, with 4,500 registered competitors alone. Bram Deloof, the event organizer, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It’s a record edition: we had 4,500 registrations, and more participants continued to arrive throughout the day." This reflects the growing popularity and excitement surrounding this annual cycling event, particularly after the pandemic-related disruptions.
This year, notwithstanding the excitement, the course has also raised questions about safety, particularly after recent incidents at other races, such as the closure during the Ster van Bessèges due to cars on the course. According to Filiep Verhelst, the technical director for Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, safety measures have become increasingly stringent. New guidelines require risky points along the route to be indicated using the Veloviewer app, ensuring both riders and organizers are vigilant about potential hazards.
For Sunday’s main event, racers will face the iconic race route, commencing from Kortrijk, as this year marks the start moved from Kuurne. Though the opening phase of the course will allow for strategic racing among competitors, the route remains rigorous—a distance of about 196.9 kilometers with 13 climbs, asserting the event's reputation for unpredictability. Riders such as Wout van Aert are tipped as favorites due to their capability to maneuver both attacks and sprints, showcasing their versatility.
Van Aert, riding for Team Visma, made his Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne debut last year and clinched the title amid dramatic conditions. His ability to adapt to race dynamics makes him a perennial threat, though this year, he faces stiff competition from up-and-coming stars like Jonathan Milan, who impressed during the UAE Tour and is seen as another top contender.
The scenic yet demanding terrain will challenge all participants, who have been training for months leading up to this event, gearing up for elements such as the infamous gravel stretches. Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step is another strong competitor noted for his speed and resilience, though the unpredictable nature of the race leaves room for surprises from less heralded riders.
“The unpredictability makes cycling thrilling,” observed cycling analyst André van den Ende. He emphasized the importance of team strategy and highlighted how past performances can influence upcoming race outcomes, stating, “Success often hinges on how well teams can strategize on the climbs and during the sprints.”
Another frequent topic of discussion is the weather, which plays a key role. Fortunately for cyclists and fans, forecasts predict mild conditions, with temperatures hovering around eight degrees Celsius and almost no chance of rain—a far cry from typical races marred by harsh weather. The calm winds present ideal racing conditions, setting the stage for potentially record-breaking performances.
On race day, viewers can look forward to comprehensive coverage from various networks. Sporza on VRT1 will kick off broadcasts at 1:30 PM, followed by HBO Max and Eurosport 1, ensuring fans do not miss any of the action as the race progresses. With many eyes on the race, excitement grows.
With over 4,600 cyclists having tackled the Cyclo route and the professional racers poised to take on their own challenge, this edition of Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne promises to be one for the history books. Crowd favorites are expected to clash as both sprinters and attackers vie for victory, enhancing the event’s exhilarating atmosphere. Spectators will likely see dramatic tactics play out as cyclists strive for glory amid cheers and encouragement from the supportive crowd lining the course.
At its core, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne serves as not just a test of speed and endurance, but also embodies the spirit of cycling culture—a community fiercely dedicated to this beloved sport, irrespective of the challenges placed before them. The race encapsulates tradition and competitiveness, illustrating the unyielding passion cyclists and their supporters have for the sport. All eyes will be on the peloton as they prepare to race once again through the iconic Flemish countryside, drawing the curtain up on another thrilling chapter of competitive cycling.