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Omloop Nieuwsblad Kicks Off Cycling Classics Season with Route Changes and Key Debuts

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Omloop Nieuwsblad Kicks Off Cycling Classics Season

The cycling Classics season is set to commence with the Opening Weekend, featuring the Omloop Nieuwsblad on Saturday, February 26, followed by Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne on Sunday. This year's Omloop Nieuwsblad will see the debut of Mathieu van der Poel.

Organizers have introduced route changes designed to reduce the probability of a bunch sprint finish.

The men's race is scheduled to begin at 11:05 am CET, with an estimated finish time of 3:51 pm CET.

Race Overview and Key Participants

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) is scheduled to make his debut at the Omloop Nieuwsblad and is listed as a top favorite for the event. Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), who was initially expected to participate, has withdrawn due to illness.

Other listed contenders include:

  • Tom Pidcock
  • Paul Magnier
  • Jasper Philipsen
  • Matthew Brennan
  • Arnaud De Lie
  • Biniam Girmay
  • Tim Wellens
  • Christophe Laporte
  • Ben Turner
  • Magnus Sheffield
  • Mathias Vaček
  • Toms Skujiņš
  • Albert Withen Philipsen
  • Søren Wærenskjold
  • Lukáš Kubiš
  • Matej Mohorič
  • Kasper Asgreen
  • Dylan van Baarle
  • Tobias Lund Andresen

Route Modifications and Challenges for 2026

The 2026 Omloop Nieuwsblad course has been extended by 10 km compared to the previous year, now featuring a total of 20 named sections, including 15 distinct cobbled sectors or climbs. These modifications were implemented following Søren Wærenskjold's 2025 victory in a bunch sprint.

The aim of the route changes is to increase the difficulty and reduce the likelihood of a similar bunch sprint finish.

The race will begin in Ghent and proceed towards Oudenaarde. The first half of the race incorporates three cobbled sectors. The second half of the course intensifies with a series of challenges designed to impact the race outcome.

Key Sections and Obstacles

Key challenges along the route include:

  • Lange Munte (cobbles)
  • Haaghoek (cobbles, multiple passages)
  • Eikenberg (climb, multiple passages, with a second ascent approximately 60 km from the finish)
  • Holleweg
  • Wolvenberg
  • Kerkgate (cobbles)
  • Jagerij (cobbles)
  • Molenberg
  • Leberg (climb)
  • Berendries (climb)
  • Tenbosse (climb)
  • Parikeberg (climb)
  • Muur van Geraardsbergen (cobbled climb)
  • Bosberg (cobbles)

After ascending the Bosberg, approximately 12 km, predominantly downhill, remain to the finish line in Ninove. The added difficulties are intended to reduce the chances of a large group sprint finish.

Historical Context

Historically, no Omloop winner has subsequently won the Tour of Flanders in the same year.