From Pidcock and Van Aert to UAE and De Lie: What the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad favorites said about their chances

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the field looking closer than in previous editions. Wout van Aert is not yet at his peak form, and his rivals are inching closer to the top level. Who will claim the first classic of the year? That remains to be seen, but the favorites have already shared their thoughts.

Arnaud De Lie is set to line up in Gent, viewing this race as one of his best opportunities to win. "Omloop suits me," he said on the Lotto website. "The short climbs, three-minute efforts, the Muur… I know them inside out by now. I think it’s the first Flemish climb I knew as a kid. It has always been my favorite." Earlier, De Lie struggled with allergies in Portugal, but he has since recovered. "My nose feels much clearer now. I had issues in Portugal—it was annoying—but I feel ready for the Flemish classics."

Pidcock: "The course doesn’t suit me perfectly"

After his dominant early-season form, Tom Pidcock suddenly finds himself among the top contenders for the spring opener. "Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is really the first one-day race where everyone gets to see how well they’ve come out of winter," he said earlier this week. However, the Brit doesn’t see himself as the man to beat—and he has his reasons. "I’ve never been on the podium here, and I’d be very happy if I could achieve that this time, despite the fact that the course doesn’t suit me perfectly."

Read more below the photo!

Van Aert still uncertain about his form

Under normal circumstances, Wout van Aert would be the top favorite, but his form remains a question mark. "I think we’ve started the season well, but there’s still room for improvement," said the Belgian from Visma | Lease a Bike about his form. "Compared to last year, I actually feel the same, but maybe I’ll know more by Sunday. Either way, we’ll have to keep working beyond that as well." He impressed in the Volta ao Algarve with a strong time trial, giving him hope for a top result. "A great step forward toward the classics," he called it.

UAE Team Emirates lining up as a true superteam

UAE Team Emirates - XRG enters the race without a clear leader, but they boast multiple potential winners. "Our classics squad improves year after year, and I think we’re lining up with a very strong team capable of great things," said Tim Wellens looking forward. Alongside António Morgado, Florian Vermeersch, Jhonatan Narváez, Mikkel Bjerg, Nils Politt, and Rune Herregodts, he forms a formidable unit. "That makes us one of the big favorites, compared to past years."

Read more below the photo!

Paul Magnier could win: "Why not?"

Paul Magnier is the wildcard for Soudal Quick-Step, a team that is no longer the dominant force in the classics. But the young Frenchman could well be the strongest rider in Omloop, judging by his top form in the early races of the season. "Why not?" he asked himself aloud. "Although a lot will depend on how the race unfolds. There are plenty of strong riders at the start, and everyone is eager to kick off the spring season in top form. But our team is highly motivated as well."

Philipsen: "I expect to be better than last year"

If it comes down to a sprint, Jasper Philipsen will be tough to beat—provided he’s still in contention. "My body will have to adjust again to the intensity of racing in Flanders," said the Belgian from Alpecin-Deceuninck. "I expect to be better than last year, but the competition is strong with riders like Van Aert, Pidcock, and UAE’s powerful squad. Those guys have already shown impressive performances this season and have probably prepared more specifically for this weekend than I have."

Read also

Preview Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 | Opener of the classics season with Van Aert and Pidcock!

McEwen sees Van Aert as the top favorite for Omloop, but one rival will shadow him: "Where Wout goes, he goes too"

"Tadej, listen to me: Don’t risk your life!" – How Mohoric made Pogacar hesitate just enough in Milan-Sanremo

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe