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Will Wout van Aert be scoring for a second time in the opening classic?

In less than ten days’ time, the classic spring kicks off once again with the Omloop het Nieuwsblad. In the men’s race, Van Aert will be seeking his second win in the opening classic and there is plenty to look forward to with Belgian champion De Lie, Girmay and Pidcock in action.

A 197km journey through the Flemish Ardennes awaits the men. The Molenberg, 42 km from the finish, forms the opener to the finale, followed by the third passage over the duo Haaghoek-Leberg. After the Berendries, it is off towards the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg.

Among the men, no fewer than five former winners will be descending on Ghent. With Tiesj Benoot, Matteo Jorgenson and Victor Campenaerts, Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) will once again be riding alongside a group of heavy hitters. They take on the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team of defending champion Jan Tratnik with Oier Lazkano and Jordi Meeus. Jasper Stuyven and Toms Skujins (Lidl-Trek), Davide Ballerini and Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana Team) and the duo Michael Valgren - Kasper Asgreen (EF Education - EasyPost) will also be present.

Further on the provisional start list, we find the names of quite a few Belgian riders. Lotto is counting on the services of Belgian champion Arnaud De Lie, while Cofidis is sending Dylan Teuns. For UAE Team Emirates, Tim Wellens and Florian Vermeersch will be joined by Nils Politt, second last year. Yves Lampaert and Paul Magnier will be defending the colours of Soudal Quick-Step. Biniam Girmay rides for Intermarché - Wanty and the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team finally gets to ride in support of the Brit Tom Pidcock.

Flanders Classics is putting on a treat

Before the start of both races on the Emile Clauslaan in Ghent, in keeping with tradition, we welcome all the teams on the starting podium in ’t Kuipke. For many fans, the team presentations have long been a first goose-bump moment in the spring and this season promises to be extra special.

“We are celebrating a jubilee,” says Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics. “It will be the 20th edition for the women and we do not want to let that pass unnoticed. With our Closing The Gap project, we have been backing women’s cycling in recent years, together with our presenting partner women KPMG and all our other partners. So we are delighted to raise a glass to toast the development of the women’s race and there is no better time to do so than at the 20th edition of the opening classic.”

In other words: Flanders Classics is putting on a treat! From 11:30 until 12:30, following the start of the men’s race, fans in attendance can enjoy a happy hour in ’t Kuipke with extra entertainment, an open bar including free kegs from partner Maes and, of course, the women’s team presentation.

Starting this year, Maes is new Main Partner for the Flanders Classics spring season. In addition to celebrating the women’s birthday party, Maes is marking this brand-new collaboration with a limited-edition beer can and a 25cl drinking glass as a homage to the sport of cycling. The glass is a true collector’s item that reflects the moments of friendship that the race brings with it.