Soren Waerenskjold achieved an unexpected victory at the 2025 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad cycling race held on March 1, 2025, marking the biggest win for his team, Uno-X. The win not only showcased Waerenskjold's impressive sprinting skills but also surprised many observers as he was not originally included on the start list for the event.
Waerenskjold, who replaced teammate Markus Hoelgaard just before the race, expressed his disbelief and joy at winning, stating, "It feels surreal, I’m here without words and I’m so happy to take the win. I think it will only sink in after a few hours. This is the biggest victory ever for our team." His triumph came after finishing the race with leg warmers still on, highlighting the frantic nature of the competition.
The race itself was characterized by strategic positioning and significant moments, particularly on the Muur van Geraardsbergen, where the peloton began to split as teams jostled for position. Despite not being one of the pre-race favorites, Waerenskjold capitalized on the opportunities presented during the race. He later reflected on his winning sprint, saying, "I was not planning to go left, as I was afraid of getting blocked there. But when there was an opening, I decided to go from right to left, and everything went perfectly. I gave it my all." His exceptional speed was evident as he outpaced Paul Magnier and Jasper Philipsen to take the top spot.
With 2025 marking the first time Waerenskjold participated at this level, the race began relatively calmly, with teams such as UAE Team Emirates and Visma-Lease taking control early on. Yet, the anticipated chaos did not materialize until later stages. The race picked up on the iconic Molenberg and Bosberg climbs, both of which saw riders battle fierce headwinds and competitive tactics.
For the top sprinters, the final kilometers dictated the outcome of the event. Despite early indications favoring other prominent riders, Waerenskjold's calculated approach and final push proved decisive. Other notable riders such as Wout van Aert felt the strain, with Van Aert finishing dismally at 11th place. Post-race, he expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "I didn’t feel great during the race," outlining his frustrations with not being able to position himself effectively during the key moments.
The race results reflect the competitive spirit displayed:
- Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X) - 4:37:53
- Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) - +0
- Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) - +0
- Brent Van Moer (Lotto) - +0
- Sam Watson (INEOS Grenadiers) - +0
- Lukáš Kubiš (Unibet Tietema Rockets) - +0
- Piet Allegaert (Cofidis) - +0
- Vincenzo Albanese (EF Education - EasyPost) - +0
- Marijn van den Berg (EF Education - EasyPost) - +0
- Lewis Askey (Groupama - FDJ) - +0
Overall, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad of 2025 will be remembered for Waerenskjold’s sensational victory, representing not only personal triumph but also the potential of the Uno-X team on larger competitive platforms. The unpredictability of cycling was on full display, with Waerenskjold's unexpected rise to the top demonstrating how opportunities can arise and be seized even under challenging circumstances.