The peloton will have to cover over two hundred kilometres on Belgian roads, where cobblestones will be decisive. The riders of the Jumbo-Visma Development Team have to compete against a strong field of riders. Various World Tour teams will take the start in Quaregnon. On behalf of the U23 team, Michel Hessmann, Mick van Dijke, Axel van der Tuuk, Rick Pluimers, Finn Fisher-Black, Olav Kooij and Maurice Ballerstedt appear at the start in the yellow and black jersey.

Ballerstedt is looking forward to his first race of the new season after thorough preparation: “I spent a long time in Spain in preparation for this season. Some of it alone or with a few teammates, but also some weeks with the entire team. In recent weeks I have seen from up close that we are ready to race. Samyn is a tough race with a strong field of participants. I watched last year’s race again and there are several scenarios that could unfold. Both the wind and the cobblestones can play a decisive role in the course of the race. We have to work well together as a team and then we will certainly have a chance for a good result. In any case, I am really looking forward to racing again.”