The Women’s Classic Brugge-De Panne marks a pivotal point as the peloton focuses on the cobblestone spring races on the calendar. This year’s race, set to take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024, features its usual flat parcours favouring riders who can handle the crosswinds and are adept at unleashing explosive attacks or sprint finishes. 

CANYON//SRAM Racing’s roster for the Women’s World Tour race will be Zoe Bäckstedt, Justyna Czapla, Chloé Dygert, Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, Alice Towers and Maike van der Duin. It’s the debut race of 2024 for both Chloé and Maike, who had setbacks in their winter pre-seasons. 

Originally planned to race with the Santos Tour Down Under, Chloé didn’t make the trip with the team to Australia but is looking forward to starting her race season tomorrow. 

Chloé says, “I had a minor setback in December that delayed my start to racing in 2024. In the end, it was a hidden blessing. It’s given me a better lead into my major goals for the season! So I’m happy with the progress I’ve made to this point.”

“I’m excited to pin a number on my back again. It’s always hard to determine your fitness level until you are actually competing. Right now, I’m grateful that I’m healthy and have the ability to race.”

“De Panne can be windy, and a sprint or solo attack can win. With SD Worx not attending, it will be a different race, even if the parcours were the same. It will be interesting to see how the day plays out. The harder the race the better for me. Ultimately, we’re here to win and will do whatever we can to work as a team to win the race.”

Maike fractured her ankle during the team’s winter training camp in California in December. After a long rehabilitation, she can’t wait to begin her 2024 race program. 

Maike says, “After I broke my ankle in early December, it was uncertain how long the recovery would take. We’ve made a plan together, and I’m really thankful for the team around me that has helped during my rehabilitation. I’ve worked really hard the past weeks to come back, and I am motivated to be on the start line with the team.”

“The weather is looking quite good for Thursday, which means many different scenarios can happen. We’re prepared for all of them. This year’s De Panne is my first race of the year, and I’m entering it with a blank card. We will give 200% as a team to get the win.”

HOW TO WATCH

The Classic Brugge-De Panne starts at 13:00CET on Thursday, March 21. Fans can follow the race on X with #ClassicBruggeDePanne. It will be broadcast live on Sporza, Eurosport, Discovery+, MAX, and FloBikes.

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