Vermeersch will have to keep an eye on things for his leader, Jasper Philipsen, last year’s winner of Brugge-De Panne, and second in Paris-Roubaix. De Vlam van Ham is now aiming even higher in the Flemish spring. Jasper Philipsen: “Everything is possible, otherwise you shouldn’t participate. A race always has to be ridden. We have worked well, so why not. This is that step up that you want to take. Yes, of course, if you can already do the Omloop If we win, then you can already speak of a successful spring. It is certainly not there yet, but we are at the start with a healthy ambition.”
Last year Philipsen was 33rd in Ninove, Vermeersch 72nd. Wonder if they’ll do better this year.