In the lead-up to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Contenders 2025, the Classics kick off with Opening Weekend, and the excitement is palpable among cycling fans. This year, Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert, and Demi Vollering are emerging as top contenders in both the men’s and women’s races. After a thrilling few weeks of racing under the sun in Australia, the Middle East, and Iberia to launch the 2025 season, the pelotons are now heading north to face the chillier weather and challenging cobblestones.
This Saturday marks the arrival of the first cobbled Classic of the year: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Spanning 197 km for the men and 138 km for the women, this race takes riders through the picturesque hills and cobbled streets of Flanders, featuring iconic climbs like the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg.
For many fans, these races signify the true beginning of the cycling season. The earlier events held in warmer climates are often viewed as mere warm-ups, but now, with the intense competition of the Classics upon us, it’s time for the riders to show what they’re made of!