Omloop het Nieuwsblad Men U23 celebrates its 60th edition
This Sunday, 31 May, Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23 celebrates its 60th edition. The race has become a fixture on the cycling calendar and offers an exceptional opportunity for young talent. Co-organiser Bernard Duwyn looks back with pride on the race’s rich history, as well as on its strong organisation and its deep roots in Herzele.
For the past six years, Bernard Duwyn has been one of the key figures within the organisation of Omloop het Nieuwsblad for Men U23. He is also chairman and man-of-all-trades at the Koninklijke Wielerclub Jong en Moedig Herzele, a driver during the spring classics and, above all, a cycling enthusiast through and through. That passion is not limited to him, Duwyn explains proudly: “The whole family is involved in cycling, a hobby of dad that got a bit out of hand.”
This coming Sunday marks an important milestone, as the Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23 celebrates its 60th edition. “Organising a race for 60 editions, supported by so many people, really does mean something”, says Duwyn. “Omloop het Nieuwsblad for Men U23 has a certain aura and appeal, and you can see that reflected in the honorary list.”
The DNA of the race has remained largely intact over the years: a course across the Flemish Ardennes with the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg as fixtures, followed by local laps. Since 2022, Herzele has been the beating heart of the race, which, according to Duwyn, also has its place on the international cycling calendar. “Teams come to races filled with history. If they win them, they can really boast about it.”
From organisation to breakthrough
According to Duwyn, the strength of the Omloop for Men U23 lies not only in its history and character, but also in its organisation. The foundations for a successful Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23 are laid long before the winner crosses the finish line.
“An edition is only a success if everything runs safely and smoothly from start to finish, for riders, staff and the public”, says Duwyn. Whether the winner comes from a top team like Lotto - Groupe Wanty or from an unexpected team, makes little difference. “Everyone standing on the podium here is over the moon.”
Winning Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23 has taken on a special significance over the years. The race has become a real springboard to the top, with illustrious names such as Arnaud De Lie, Johan Vansummeren and Freddy Maertens on the honorary list. “I’ve written it a few times in the foreword: ‘Whoever wins Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23 on Sunday, signs an elite contract on Monday.’ If that winner goes on to break through at the highest level a few years later, I’m particularly proud of that”, says Duwyn.
That reputation gives the race even more significance. Omloop het Nieuwsblad is more than just any U23 race, it is often a first introduction to the new names in cycling and the talent of tomorrow. That’s one of the reasons why this race holds great value in cycling today. “I think we can be proud of this race, from the very first edition to today”, concludes Duwyn.
Whoever wins Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23 on Sunday, signs an elite contract on Monday
The heart of the Omloop U23
Since 2022, Herzele, a cycling town at the foot of the Flemish Ardennes, has been the start and finish location for the Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23. Cycling is deeply rooted here, with numerous cycling tourists and cycling clubs. “Herzele and cycling go hand in hand,” says Duwyn. But Herzele is more than just cycling. It is a lively town, with walking routes and the historic castle site as the central point for its many activities.
This liveliness makes Herzele an ideal host town for the Omloop U23. Along the course, residents come out to cheer on the riders and have a drink with neighbors and friends. For Duwyn, Herzele is therefore the ideal setting to continue building the future of the race. “I hope we can stay here for a long time to come and further develop Omloop het Nieuwsblad U23, without losing the character of the race.”
If there is one thing people should take away, Duwyn tells us with conviction: “It’s always amazing to come to the cycling race in Herzele, both as a participant and as a supporter.”
