On March 1, 2025, Søren Wærenskjold of Uno-X Mobility delivered one of the biggest surprises of the early cycling season by winning the 2025 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. This race, steeped in history and tradition, marked the official start of the Spring Classics and unfolded over 197 kilometers from Ghent to Ninove, Belgium. Wærenskjold defied all odds, clinching victory against seasoned rivals such as Paul Magnier of Soudal Quick-Step and Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Wærenskjold's win came after what he deemed "a surreal" experience. "I actually shouldn’t have raced until Sunday," he admitted following the race, referring to his intent to focus on the upcoming Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. "Today it also became a sprint due to the headwind, and it feels like I have no words for this, but I am very happy with this victory. This is the biggest win of my career, by far, especially with all these big names in the peloton. It’s a big step for me in the right direction," he proudly exclaimed.
The day began with palpable tension among the riders at the start line. With the race recognized for its challenging course, which includes cobbled sections and notable climbs, anticipation built as seven riders broke away from the peloton early on, establishing what would be the day’s primary break. This group included Giosuè Epis (Arkéa - B&B Hotels), Elmar Reinders (Team Jayco AlUla), and Hartthijs De Vries (Unibet Tietema Rockets), among others. They swiftly built their lead, peaking at over five minutes as the peloton settled.
Notably, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad features eleven cobbled sectors, which often cause havoc among riders. By the time the peloton encountered the iconic climbs, they were hot on the heels of the breakaway. Team Visma | Lease-a-Bike took charge of the chase, hoping to reel back the leading group. Yet, as the race progressed and the famous climbs began to take their toll, the group’s advantage dwindled.
At around 57 kilometers from the finish line, the real excitement kicked off as the riders pushed through the Eikenberg climb. Despite the peloton’s attempts to catch the leaders, the breakaway group managed to hold onto their slim lead as they approached the final stretches. Yet, competitors like Wout van Aert and Jan Tratnik found themselves caught out during the race's frantic pace.
While the breakaway began to crumble under the relentless pressure of the peloton, things took another twist when Stefan Küng of Groupama-FDJ surged forward with ten kilometers to go. Küng's attack allowed him to stretch the gap to 17 seconds at one point, prompting cheers from spectators. Unfortunately for him, as the kilometers counted down, his lead dwindled, leading to his capture just short of the finish line.
Now, with the sprinters set for action, the final kilometers turned frenetic. Wærenskjold executed his sprint with precision, timing his effort against formidable rivals like Magnier and Philipsen, who had raced strongly throughout the day. Philipsen, who was expected to sprint well, was caught off-guard by Wærenskjold’s powerful surge. "I didn’t think this was possible, but it worked out," Wærenskjold reflected on his strategy and execution of the race.
The final seconds of the race were intense, with Wærenskjold throwing his bike forward just before crossing the line. Initially unsure of his position, he was soon informed by his team of his victory following the photo finish. His performance dazzled fans and affirmed his arrival on the WorldTour scene.
Despite the excitement surrounding Wærenskjold’s win, several pre-race favorites faced disappointment. Wout van Aert, known for his powerful performances, stated, "I feel quite tired. It was not the race I hoped for, and I felt like never being really in contention." Meanwhile, Tom Pidcock expressed some frustrations, remarking on the race's tactical nature and stating, "It was difficult with a lot of guys I've never raced with before.”
Wærenskjold’s victory is more than just personal success; it signifies the competitive nature of the upcoming Classics season. With his surprise win, he and the Uno-X team have made their mark, confidently stepping onto the world stage alongside powerhouse squads like Visma, UAE Team Emirates, and others.
Looking forward, Wærenskjold’s triumph at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad positions him as one to watch as the cycling season progresses. With additional climbs and thrilling races like Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders on the horizon, fans can expect to see this promising rider innovate and compete fiercely among the cycling elite.