Racing is in full swing in the warmer parts of the world, but now it’s time for the gritty, nasty weather with cobbles for the hardmen and women.
On Saturday, the pro men and women will tackle Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the first race of the traditional Opening Weekend.
The men’s event dates way back to 1945. Then, it debuted as the Omloop van Vlaanderen. It was created by the newspaper Het Volk as a rival to the Tour of Flanders, which was run by competing publisher Het Nieuwsblad.
By 1947, the race had settled into the name Omloop Het Volk. Following the 2008 takeover of Het Volk by Het Nieuwsblad, the race was rebranded and adopted its current name.
In 2006, a women’s race was created. In 2023, it officially became part of the Women’s WorldTour.
Men
The men race 207.2 km on a course that is anything but gentle. Cobbles and cold or rain can make this tough race even tougher. The great news for cycling fans is Wout van Aert is back. After ankle surgery earlier this winter, there were fears for his Classics campaign, but it sounds like training is going well. Omloop marks his first road appearance of 2026. If he’s close to full strength, he immediately becomes a factor. It will be an interesting test.
The route starts in Ghent. IT wastes little time before diving into the Flemish bergs and cobbles. Eight sectors of stones and 12 climbs shape the day. The Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg once again form the decisive pairing before the run to Ninove. Cold rain is in the forecast, so that will defo be fun on slick cobbles.
Defending champion Søren Wærenskjold will be there. So too will guys like Jasper Philipsen, Biniam Girmay (who already has two wins to his name in 2026) and Arnaud De Lie.
Montreal’s Guillaume Boivin, riding for the rebranded NSN Cycling team, is the sole Canadian in the men’s race. It’s been a few years since he had that standout ride in Paris-Roubaix, finishing 9th–so he’s due for another big day on the cobbles. Mathieu van der Poel is a question mark for the race…but a recent training ride means he may be joining the fray.
Women
The women tackle 137.6 km, also finishing in Ninove, with late additions that make the closing sequence even more selective. Tenbosse and Parikeberg now soften up the field before the Muur and Bosberg decide what’s left.
Last year’s surprise winner Lotte Claes will not try and defend this year. Among the top favourites for the 2026 edition are Euro champ Demi Vollering, Lorena…
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