Lotte Claes has made history by winning the 20th edition of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad for women, held on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This significant victory takes place on the roads of Ninove, marking Claes's emergence as one of the prominent figures in women's cycling.
The 31-year-old athlete, part of the Arkéa-B&B Hotels team, dominated the race by defeating her Polish competitor Aurela Nerlo from Winspace Orange Seal in a thrilling sprint finish on Elisabethlaan. During the race, Claes and Nerlo separated from their fellow escapees about fifteen kilometers from the finish line, surging ahead on the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen.
At the outset, Claes launched her attack early on, roughly ten kilometers during the race, without anticipations of victory. "I didn’t think we would win, but the peloton underestimated us. They let the breakaway gain too much ground," Claes remarked. This oversight by the peloton was shocking as the leading group had pushed their advantage to approximately fifteen minutes at one point.
The race's excitement was palpable, and with each climb, Claes and Nerlo cleverly strategized to maintain their lead against the peloton. Claes mentioned after the race, "From the Breendries onwards, I believed we must stick together until the Muur, keeping our pace high and treating it like a time trial." This tactical execution paid off as Claes found herself gunning for the finish alongside Nerlo.
The final kilometers were intensely dramatic. Claes made her move with four kilometers to go, accelerating momentarily, but Nerlo quickly countered. The tension built till the last moments when Claes outpaced Nerlo, crossing the finish line as the victor. Claes beamed with joy post-race, describing the day as the "most beautiful day of my life." She exclaimed, "I had no idea I would win!"
What makes Claes's victory even more remarkable is her professional background. Before turning her focus to cycling, she was also recognized as a duathlete. Her recent transition to professional cycling came just two years ago, after she had previously balanced her athletics career with her job as a nurse. With only two years under her belt as a full-time cyclist, this victory is seen as the launch of what could be a bright future. Claes noted, "This is just my second year as a pro, and I hope this is a step toward something beautiful. I’m really happy.”
Reflecting on her unique path to cycling, Claes shared her experience participating in the Belgian television series Kamp Waes, which tests participants through special forces-style challenges. That exposure not only increased her public recognition but also showcased her dedication to pushing her limits. Claes reflected, "I think I slept three hours over three days during the show. I prefer the life of a top athlete over the challenges faced there!"
Her tactical skills, honed through her experience, came to bear on the race as Claes trained her focus on avoiding the chaotic dynamics of the peloton. "I prefer being upfront as riding at the back makes me anxious," she conceded. With the race, the mix of strategy and her personal determination reflects her growth as an athlete and her capability to assess her strengths.
The victory over her opponents was not merely about speed; it was about stamina and strategy honed through experience. Claes mentioned, "I might not have been the fastest on paper, but I usually have something left after tough races." Such insight adds depth to her racing style and demonstrates her awareness of both her physical capabilities and tactical adjustments during the race.
The day ended with the victory celebration topped off by the podium ceremony, where Claes encountered the unfamiliarity of opening champagne. "I had never opened champagne bottles before! Thankfully, Demi Vollering helped me out with it," she laughed, highlighting the camaraderie among competitors.
Looking to the future, Claes’s performance at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad stands as both inspiration and validation of her decision to commit fully to the sport. Her focus has now shifted entirely to cycling, and she is dedicated to training rigorously without the demands of other professions weighing her down. Claes’s win signifies not only her momentous achievement but serves as encouragement for other athletes balancing careers and aspirations.
With the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad win, Claes is poised to establish herself within the ranks of elite cyclists, proving her mettle and garnering invaluable recognition. The celebration of this win resonates beyond personal satisfaction; it stands as testimony to her resilience and the potential future successes to come.
Indeed, as Claes looks forward, it feels like the starting point of what could be the pinnacle of her cycling career.