The 2025 Le Samyn Classic race is set to light up the cobblestones of Belgium on March 4, promising excitement for cycling fans and competitors alike. The event will kick off at 11:00 AM from Quaregnon, with colorful cyclists hitting the roads at the start line.
After the thrilling Flemish opening weekend, the women’s edition of Le Samyn Classic, officially known as Le Samyn des Dames, marks another highlight this season. The first edition of this race took place back in 2012, where the inaugural champion was Adrie Visser, who outpaced competitors from Italy and Germany. Fast forward over the years, the race has seen numerous champions, with Netherlands riders dominating the podium for many editions. Among these, three-time winner and 2020 champion Chantal van den Broek-Blaak holds the record for most victories, which demonstrates the depth of talent within Dutch cycling.
This year, the race comprises 122 kilometers, slightly longer than the previous year's distance, and will once again bring participants over rough cobblestones as they tackle iconic climbs and challenging routes. After starting from Quaregnon, the cyclists will swiftly navigate to Dour. They will complete four laps of a local circuit featuring several tough sections, particularly the Rue du Vert Pignon, which stretches 1400 meters and is notorious for breaking up the field.
The forthcoming race is gearing up to be more competitive than ever, with reigning champion Vittoria Guazzini, who dazzled throughout previous seasons, opting out this time. With her absence, fresh contenders have the stage to fight for supremacy. Team FDJ-SUEZ, formerly led by Guazzini, still fields formidable talent. Their roster features Elise Chabbey and Amber Kraak, with the swift Ally Wollaston joining as another significant threat.
Eyes are particularly on Lorena Wiebes, riding for SD Worx-Protime, who has emerged as the key favorite. Wiebes, with her impressive sprinting abilities, has proven to be exceptionally strong on cobblestone courses, making her the cyclist to beat this time around. She will receive strong support from team members like Femke Gerritse, who was recently victorious at the Omloop of Hageland, and the Polish powerhouse Marta Lach, both of whom can also contest for the victory if conditions align.
Among the diverse competition is the powerful Charlotte Kool of Picnic PostNL, who has established herself as one of the best sprinters in the field, creating prospects for her team to capitalize on larger group finishes. Others to look out for include Anniina Ahtosalo from Uno-X Mobility, who placed second last year, and Letizia Paternoster (Liv AlUla Jayco), promising contenders who have shown their prowess on the course. The race will also see notable names like Christina Schweinberger (Fenix-Deceuninck Development) and Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco), enriching the competitive atmosphere of the event.
Weather conditions are expected to favor the competitors this year, as the forecast predicts sunny skies with temperatures reaching around 11 degrees Celsius. With low wind gusts of only 2 Beaufort from the north, it is projected to create ideal circumstances for the cyclists, minimizing risks from crashes due to harsh winds or rainy conditions.
This year’s race is poised to capture the attention of cycling enthusiasts as it will be broadcasted live on multiple platforms. Fans can tune in on VRT1’s Sporza, as well as Eurosport 1, to catch the action. For those who prefer streaming, HBO Max and Discovery+ will also cover the event, ensuring widespread access for fans eager to see which athlete will prevail.
With such compelling talent and fierce competition luring fans to the cobbles, the 2025 Le Samyn Classic is sure set to deliver thrilling moments and captivating battles among cycling's elite. Following its legacy, this race continues to symbolize the spirit of classic road cycling, attracting top talent who vie for glory on the historic cobbled paths of Belgium.