Søren Wærenskjold Shocks Competition With Victory at 2025 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Norwegian cycler Søren Wærenskjold surprised fans and competitors alike by clinching victory at the 2025 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the first classic of the cycling season. Completing the race with a time of 4:37:53, Wærenskjold crossed the finish line just before French cyclist Paul Magnier from Soudal Quick-Step, who took second place. Alpecin-Deceuninck's Jasper Philipsen rounded out the top three, finishing just behind the leaders.
Although Philipsen had been favored to finish strongly, he admitted post-race, "I was not strong enough at the end," acknowledging Wærenskjold’s strength. Philipsen's performance wasn't without merit, reflecting his earlier predictions for the season where he anticipated contributing more as a rider than simply as a sprinter.
The intensity surrounding the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad drew significant attention, as it marks the transition from winter training to competitive racing for many cyclists.\ A 197-kilometer route saw competitors navigate strategic climbs and descents leading to the finish point in Ninove, with the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg being the pivotal climbs where the outcome often tipped.
Reflecting on his race, Philipsen remarked, "You have to accept things as they are. If you had told me before the race I would finish third, I would have been satisfied." This humility underscored the competitive atmosphere where Wærenskjold’s decisive sprint proved decisive.
During the women's race, which also garnered excitement, Lotte Claes of Arkéa-B&B Hotels claimed victory against expectations. Claes was part of an early breakaway group, establishing nearly a 14-minute lead over the peloton within the first part of the race. She successfully outpaced Aurela Nerlo from Winspace Orange Seal on the final sprint to seize her first professional win.
"I decided to attack nearing the finish line, I felt I could maintain my pace," Claes shared after her victory. Her win places her among notable names like Demi Vollering, who finished third. Vollering had initially been viewed as the frontrunner, reflecting the unpredictability of the sport.
The women’s race was tightly contested as well, with strong efforts from both Vollering and her compatriot Puck Pieterse, who finished fourth. Pivotal moments came on the Muur, traditionally known for shaping race outcomes.
Reflecting on the overall competition, race director Patrick Vermaut noted, "The Omloop is our opener, and it doesn’t fail to deliver with excitement. These young athletes showed their potential, and the race was competitive throughout.”
Both races were held under mild weather conditions which helped set the stage for thrilling battles across the course. Cyclists began with great energy, and as the kilometers rolled on, strategies forged earlier would weigh heavily on the racers as they tackled steep gradients and technical turns.
The men’s results highlighted not just Wærenskjold's victory but also the performances of younger riders like Brent Van Moer of Lotto and Sam Watson of INEOS Grenadiers, who finished fourth and fifth respectively. Wærenskjold's surprise win is expected to bring him and his team greater scrutiny and attention moving forward.
Overall Omloop het Nieuwsblad results for the men:
1. Søren Wærenskjold (4:37:53) – Uno-X Mobility
2. Paul Magnier (+0:00) – Soudal Quick-Step
3. Jasper Philipsen (+0:00) – Alpecin-Deceuninck
4. Brent Van Moer (+0:00) – Lotto
5. Sam Watson (+0:00) – INEOS Grenadiers
The day concluded with cheers from fans and encouraging media coverage as Wærenskjold and Claes stood at the forefront of their respective victories. Both are expected to continue their strong performance as they head toward major spring tours including the upcoming Paris-Roubaix and other notable events.
Looking forward, both men's and women's competitions from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad will likely set the tone for the racing season, solidifying the racers as primed contenders heading through the cycling calendar. The event has once again proven its reputation for surprises, showcased athletic prowess, and the rising stars of the sport.