Many regard Omloop Het Nieuwsblad as the 'Real' start to the season after the riders return from the early season races in Australia. For this years edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the organisers decided to mix up the course. Not only did it give the race a well needed change, it resulted in a much more exciting race. 
The Start
Similar to last years race, OHM once again started from the historic Kuipke Velodrome which once again provided an incredible backdrop for the start of the race.

The Riders Begin To Arrive 

The Bikes Are Prepared

The Early Riders Avoided The Crowds

Team Dimension Data Are Presented On Stage

The Riders Wait To Be Interviewed

Team Dimension Data Sign On

Team Lotto Jumbo Line up On Stage

Dylan Van Baarle And Christian Knees Are Presented

John Dibben (Team Sky) Signs On

Some Last Minute Autograph Signing

The Bora Hansgrohe Riders Discuss Tactics At The Sign On

Mitchelton Scott Are Presented To The Crowd

Jasper Stuyven Heads Towards The Light Of The Velodrome

Ryan Mullen (Trek Segafredo) Spots A Familiar Face In The Crowd

Philippe Gilbert Lurks In The Shadows

The Early Sign On Riders Head Back To The Team Bus

Quickstep Floors Are Interviewed On Stage Before The Start

Some Last Minute Advice For Fernando Gaviria

Fabio Felline Watches Over The Crowd

Haaghoek Cobbles
The cobbled Haaghoek section of the race always results in splits. The race visited the Haaghoek cobbles three times in total. This meant it was the perfect spot to watch the carnage of Omloop Het Niewsblad.

Defending Champion Greg Van Avermaet Sits Tightly In The Bunch For The First Lap

The Peloton Flies Through On The First Lap Of The Haaghoek

The Riders Carefully Navigate The Cobbles

The Breakaway Approaches The Haaghoek For The Second Time

A Selection Of Fans Watch On As The Peloton Approaches

The Tempo Within The Peloton Begins To Increase

The Riders Push On

A Mitchelton Scott Rider Gets Dropped

The Dropped Riders Try To Push Back Into The Peloton

The Chasing Peloton Lurks In The Distance

The Breakaway Pushes Hard To Try And Stay Ahead

The Peloton Approaches Its Final Lap Of The Haaghoek

Sep Vanmarcke Sits Alert In The Chasing Peloton

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