Opening Weekend is upon us, and with it, the beginning of the Classics season. First up is Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday, the primary European WorldTour race of the season, for each women and men, earlier than it’s adopted by Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday.
Consequently, it’s time to get in Flemish-racing mode, and put together for crosswinds, cobbles, and long-range assaults. A number of the greatest stars might be on the roads this weekend, seeking to ignite their seasons early. Whereas there has already been a variety of motion this yr, for a lot of, that is when professional biking actually kicks off.
This weekend is the primary weekend of our TNT Sports activities future, so be sure to have labored out methods to watch biking if you have not already, with our useful information. Listed below are 5 issues to look out for this weekend, and the riders you ought to be watching out for.
Can Pidcock preserve profitable?
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Tom Pidcock has received 4 races already in 2025, greater than he did in 2023 and 2024 mixed. Nonetheless, he hasn’t tackled a WorldTour race but, and Omloop might be a step up for the 25-year-old and his Q36.5 crew. The opening cobbled Basic isn’t good for the Yorkshireman, however with kind and confidence in his pocket, you shouldn’t depend him out of the query, particularly when the chaos of Belgian racing will get thrown in. A strong high 10 would make him one to observe for the remainder of spring.
Visma-Lease a Bike intention for 4 in a row
2022’s winner was Wout van Aert, 2023’s was Dylan van Baarle, whereas 2024’s was Jan Tratnik. The three males all raced in yellow, and the Dutch squad seemingly at all times handle to hit the bottom operating within the Classics. It hasn’t at all times spelled success additional down the road for the crew, however 4 in a row can be particular. Wout van Aert returns to cobbled racing with one thing to show after crashing out of the spring season final yr, whereas new signing Victor Campenaerts is one to observe.
Vollering returns to WorldTour
We have now already seen Demi Vollering racing in her new FDJ-Suez package – she received Valenciana in spite of everything – however we’re but to see her on the WorldTour. This can change on the weekend because the 28-year-old races Omloop. It doesn’t appear to be we’ll but see the mouth-watering conflict between her and Lotte Kopecky, however Vollering might kickstart her Classics season with a victory or strong efficiency right here. Both approach, all eyes might be on her.
Give attention to the Muur van Geraardsbergen
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad successfully runs as a mini-Tour of Flanders, however doesn’t embody the Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg triple. As an alternative, it makes use of the outdated Flanders one-two end of the Muur van Gerrardsbergen adopted by the Bosberg. The race might be selected these cobbled climbs, even when there’s a lone attacker at this level. De Muur is an iconic climb, and may solely be 6.8% over 910 metres, however at all times has a say in Omloop. Whoever is first to the chapel on the high may simply win the race.
Classics narrative are set
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Omloop is simply 5 weeks out from the height of the Classics season on the Tour of Flanders, adopted every week later by Paris-Roubaix, and it may be Opening Weekend, however issues that occur right here have an effect all through the remainder of the season. If Van Aert or Vollering win, then they are going to improve their favorite standing. If there are shock performances from unheralded riders, then they are going to be marked for the subsequent few races. Something might occur, and that is the beginning.
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Don’t overlook Kuurne
The youthful sibling of Opening Weekend is Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, which takes place on the Sunday. It’s only a 1.Professional race, so not all the massive stars will prove, however those who do will struggle onerous. It typically ends within the dash, however most of the time, the onerous kilometres imply a solo winner from a bunch of favourites or a small bunch makes it to the road. It’s the final alternative for somebody to make up for a disappointing Saturday, if they’ve the legs.
Riders to observe
Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) ****
The Dutchwoman had a superb 2024, regardless of it being disappointing at occasions. This may appear to be a contradiction, however Vollering nonetheless received 14 occasions, and had a really constant Classics season, regardless of not profitable one. At a brand new crew, the refresh has began properly with two wins already, however Omloop might be a step up.
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) *****
Van Aert had a shortened cyclo-cross season on account of harm, and likewise a want to concentrate on the street in 2025. Final yr started so properly, with a podium at Omloop and victory at Kuurne, however then was cruelly minimize quick by a crash at Dwaars door Vlaanderen, ruling him out of the Tour of Flanders. He might be itching to style victory once more in Belgium.
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Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) ****
The Eritrean made historical past final yr together with his stage wins and inexperienced jersey on the Tour de France, however don’t overlook he burst onto the scene together with his win at Gent-Wevelgem three years in the past. He is an ideal sprinter for the Classics, capable of combine it with punchier riders on the climb. If he makes it into the essential group, anticipate fireworks.
Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) ****
In line with present begin lists, SD Worx might be with out their world champion Lotte Kopecky at Omloop, so crew management will relaxation on the shoulders of Lorena Wiebes, who has proved numerous occasions that she is greater than only a nice sprinter. The Dutchwoman received Gent-Wevelgem final yr, and few will need to assist her to the end on Saturday.
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Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic PostNL) ***
The breakout star of final yr’s Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Georgi has proved she is able to profitable onerous Classics earlier than, and why rule out the British champion within the opening cobbled race of the season? She is going to probably have the flexibility to do what she desires in her Picnic PostNL crew, and can preserve preventing by the race.
Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) ***
There in all probability is not sufficient climbing in Omloop for issues to be onerous sufficient for Pidcock, but when he will get in the suitable group, the cross-discipline star definitely has the pace to make issues depend on the finish of the race. Be careful for him in his new navy blue jersey.
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Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) ****
The Italian has already received twice this yr, two stage wins at Valenciana, and so has clearly hit the bottom operating – or biking – in 2025. The previous world champion has been a match for Lotte Kopecky earlier than, and in her absence, has precisely the suitable mixture of punch and pace to succeed, though she has by no means completed on the rostrum.
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) ****
Doubtlessly the very best sprinter on the earth, Philipsen might be lurking ought to the race come right down to a bunch end. Nonetheless, he is not only a flat-track bully, as he has proven by successive podiums at Paris-Roubaix. He did not win on the UAE Tour, so he might be itching to take action right here.