March 17, 2005 – The 60th edition of the Belgian semi-classic Nokere-Koerse was held yesterday on 193Km of Belgian roads that included 11 ascents of the famed Nokereberg. Navigators’ Kirk O’Bee escaped in an early breakaway with 17 others on the initial large opening lap. The gap never climbed above 45-seconds, and the group was reeled back in on the third of 10 finishing circuits. A 5-man group was able to escape and gained an advantage of over 4:00 during the fourth-sixth laps, but their advantage wasn’t enough to keep the main peloton at bay. With a strong chase by Chocolate-Jacques, the leaders were brought back at the start of the penultimate lap. The decisive final lap saw a group of 20 in the hunt for victory, with all of the teams represented. In the final, uphill sprint on the cobbles, Navigators’ Mark Walters powered to a fifth place finish. The winner, Steven De Jongh (Rabobank) was clearly the strongest on the day, as he finished 20-meters clear of the next rider.

Results

1. Steven De Jongh (Rabobank)
2. Igor Abakoumov (Jartaiz)
3. Geert Omloop (Mr. Bookmaker)
4. Eric Baumann (T-Mobile)
5. Mark Walters (Navigators Insurance