The cycling season has already started in several countries such as Australia, Spain, and France, but for many cycling fans, it truly begins with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. For those fans, the wait is almost over: on Saturday, March 1st, the action returns with Wout Van Aert, Jasper Philipsen, and Arnaud De Lie set to deliver an exciting opening classic. Read all about it in this article.
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
After the unofficial departure and team presentation at Kuipke in Ghent, the official start will be given in Merelbeke. The riders will cover around 200 kilometers to Ninove. The second half of the race will be particularly demanding, as the course presents a climb approximately every ten kilometers. If the race is not yet decided after the Eikenberg, the Berendries, or even the Muur van Geraardsbergen, the Bosberg—about 12 kilometers from the finish—will offer one last decisive challenge.
Omloop traditionally marks the start of the classics season, and this year is no different. It’s the first major showdown, though some big names will be absent. Riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Mads Pedersen, and Tadej Pogacar will not be competing, but there is still plenty of talent in the mix. Picking a top favorite for the first classic of the year is tricky—not only because most riders have yet to gain significant race rhythm, but also because Omloop is known for its unpredictable and dynamic nature.
Two of the last three winners will be at the start. Wout Van Aert, who won the race in 2022, returns this year, along with defending champion Jan Tratnik. The Slovenian switched teams this winter, moving from Visma / Lease a Bike to Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe, meaning he will face his former teammates. The third recent winner, Dylan van Baarle, will miss the race due to a collarbone fracture.
The women’s edition of Omloop celebrates its 20th edition this year. While riders have already competed in races like the Tour Down Under and the UAE Tour, the season truly kicks off with the first race in Belgium. Last year’s winner, Marianne Vos, is absent; she had to withdraw from the World Championships due to a calf injury and is currently at an altitude training camp. Lotte Kopecky, the 2023 winner, will also skip the race, as she is set to start her season at Milan-San Remo.
This opens up opportunities for many riders. Former winner Lizzie Deignan is on the start list, but the 36-year-old Brit is not considered a top favorite. This increases the chances of seeing a new name on the highest step of the podium. Possible contenders include Demi Vollering, Lorena Wiebes, and Puck Pieterse. For those looking for a Belgian hopeful, keep an eye on Justine Ghekiere, who has explicitly stated that the Flemish classics are her main target, making this an opportunity for a strong performance.
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne is a race of just under 200 kilometers, featuring 13 climbs in total. Over the past two years, the race did not end in a bunch sprint, though it should be noted that many top sprinters opted for the UAE Tour instead. This year, that’s not the case, meaning more sprinters will be at the start line.
Last year, Wout Van Aert broke away with 80 kilometers to go and eventually won in a sprint ahead of Tim Wellens and Lazkano. That’s why all eyes will be on Visma / Lease a Bike again. Olav Kooij had to abandon the UAE Tour but will now try his luck in Kuurne, while key riders like Wout Van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson could take control of the race.
Teams such as Lidl-Trek and Soudal Quick-Step also bring strong contenders, including Jonathan Milan and Tim Merlier—both of whom won two stages at the UAE Tour. Milan will have solid team support with Tom Skuijns, Mathias Vacek, and Jasper Stuyven, while Merlier will race alongside Bert Van Lerberghe. Other possible contenders include Jasper Philipsen, Jordi Meeus, and Milan Fretin.
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