Opening Weekend is very nearly upon us, and with it the first European race of the Women’s WorldTour, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Traditionally the opening Classic of the Belgian racing season, Omloop is always a hugely important and competitive event, and this year will be no different, with almost all of peloton’s strongest rider’s lining up on Saturday.
Last year, the favourites were denied a chance to go for victory after an extraordinary underdog win for Lotte Claes, who was riding for Arkéa-B&B Hotels at the time, so it follows that there might be an extra level of commitment to making sure it’s a battle of the top riders this year.
Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)
Truth be told, you could count almost all of SD Worx-Protime’s line-up as contenders for Saturday, given the Classics strength they have in their roster. However, logic tells us that leadership will be between Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, who will both be among the very top favourites to win.
Kopecky is a former winner of Het Nieuwsblad, winning the 2023 edition with a demolishing show of strength on the Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg. She also finished second in 2024, making it to the line in the leading duo but being beaten by Marianne Vos in the sprint. It’s perhaps surprising that she hasn’t won it more times, given it’s a big home event for her and relentless climbs suit her strengths, but perhaps other goals have stopped her from going all-in so early in the spring campaign. This year, however, the 30-year-old is focused on the Classics and looking for redemption after a tough 2025, so will surely be hunting a win to start her season.
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