Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the first cobbled classic of the cycling season, is officially set to kick off on March 1, 2025. This race holds tremendous historic significance, not only marking the opening of the Spring Classics but also taking riders over challenging cobbles, climbs, and unpredictable weather typical of Belgian racing.
The route begins in Ghent and culminates 197 kilometers later in Ninove, featuring some of the most significant climbs, including the famed Muur van Geraardsbergen. With the potential for chaos and excitement stitched throughout the competition, anticipation around this event is palpable.
Leading the charge is Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), one of the biggest names expected at the start line. Recently recovering from injuries sustained during the previous Vuelta a España, van Aert expressed, "I'm a bit nervous, you can feel a bit of extra tension in everyone." He kicked off his season at Clásica Jaén and the Volta ao Algarve, feeling satisfied with his preparation even if he hasn’t secured wins yet. "The most important thing is I felt improved every day and took steps forward," he added.
Van Aert's team has historically dominated the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, winning the last three editions, so the pressure is on him as he aims for victory. Accompanying him are formidable teammates Matteo Jorgenson and Tiesj Benoot, bolstering the team's chances significantly.
Another notable contender is Tom Pidcock from Q36.5 Pro Cycling. He has made quite the splash this season, capturing four victories earlier. Although he aims to seize every chance at the Omloop, he doesn’t see it as his main goal. "It’s not the primary focus, but I’ll go all-in," he remarked, underscoring his strategic approach to this race amid high expectations for the Ardennes later in the spring.
Arnaud De Lie, racing for Lotto Cycling Team, is chomping at the bit for victory, viewing the Omloop as one of his best opportunities to shine. He secured second place during his debut last year and was disappointed with his tenth place the following year. "Omloop suits me. The short climbs, the Muur…I know them inside out by now," he stated with confidence prior to the race.
De Lie is also cognizant of the challenges posed by the course's construction. He expressed concerns about the reintroduced Eikenberg climb and its fully recobbled surface creating new potential gaps among competitors. He noted, "Before there were some parts of the climb tarmacked, but now it’s all pavé, and anybody who's too far back could lose the race."
Adding to the competitive mix is Tim Wellens from UAE Team Emirates-XRG, who asserted his team lineup is among the strongest since they’ve started the season on the right foot. He said, "This year we will be one of the main favorites...compared to other years." Wellens is also joined by promising young talent António Morgado, who displayed his capability at the Tour of Flanders last year.
The unpredictable nature of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad means each rider will require both strategy and adaptability on race day. With another expected favorite, Biniam Girmay, unable to race due to personal circumstances—he’s welcoming the birth of his second child—his absence opens the field wider.
Team dynamics, individual form, and weather conditions will all play roles as riders navigate the routes and tackle challenging obstacles. Don’t underestimate the importance of these early races, as competitors leverage them to gain momentum heading toward the later Spring Classics like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
With the first race of the season, excitement is already brewing among fans and competitors alike. The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad promises to be both thrilling and unpredictable, set against the backdrop of Belgium's storied cycling culture. With riders poised for fierce competition and cobbled roads challenging their resolve, cycling enthusiasts are guaranteed drama as the action kicks off.