It's the equivalent of Christmas Eve in Flanders, the night before Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the opening cobbled classic of the spring season.

Join Lionel Birnie and Rob Hatch as they preview the race and wonder who can stop Visma-Lease A Bike winning four in a row.

There's a wistful meander down memory lane recalling past editions, an attempt to capture the elements that make Omloop such an eagerly-anticipated race, and a bit of light speculation ahead of Saturday's race.

Sponsored by Sports Tours International
The Cycling Podcast is proudly sponsored by Sports Tours International. Whether you want to ride, or watch the best in the world in action, Sports Tours International can take you to the heart of some of the world’s biggest cycling events. Choose from a VIP experience at the Tour de France or one of the major classics, or riding events such as the Etape du Tour or Marmotte, you can travel in style with Sports Tours International. Go to the Tour de France Grand Départ in Lille, or see the race in the Alps, Pyrenees or on Mont Ventoux with one of Sports Tours International’s package trips. Alternatively, enjoy a VIP experience in Paris, or even a once-in-a-lifetime journey in an official Tour de France vehicle, getting you as close to the action as possible. Let Sports Tours International take charge of all the planning and logistics so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
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SEE AMARATERRA LIVE IN LONDON
Cozze, by Amaraterra, has been the theme tune for our Giro d’Italia coverage since we began daily coverage in 2016. They are playing live at Brixton Jamm on Saturday, March 15 and would like as many podcast listeners to join them. You can buy tickets here.

TRIBUTE TO RICHARD MOORE AT GENT-WEVELGEM
Friend of the Podcast Charlotte Elton is raising money to pay tribute to our friend and co-founder Richard Moore at Gent-Wevelgem by painting his name on the road. She’s crowdfunding to pay for the paint and any additional funds will be donated to Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 charity. You can donate to the cause here.

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The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

S13 Ep15: The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Preview