The Omloop Niewsblad is the appetizer of the Northern Classics but, above all, it is one of the most unpredictable World Tour races of the season.

The route is not scary for attackers, riders who can handle short walls or lovers of cobblestone sections. The weather, as always, could be decisive in the final stages of the race.

On Saturday, March 1st, there will be 197 km to cover, starting from Ghent and arriving in Ninove. In between, nine sectors of cobblestones and eleven walls, including the historic Molenberg, 40 km from the finish, the fearsome Berendries and, 16 km from the finish, the legendary Kapelmuur. Here the climb measures just under 500 meters with an average gradient of 9.3 percent and a peak of almost 20.

Finally, 12 km from the finish line, the ascent to the Bosberg (980 metres at an average gradient of 11%).

The protagonists - The Uae Emirates is the team to beat with at least three potential winners: from Antonio Morgado, brilliant at the start of the season, to Jhonatan Narvaez who won the Down Under up to Tim Wellens, an expert in this type of race. Also not to be underestimated are Nils Politt, second last year, and Florian Vermeersch, a talent on the cobbles.

Trying to ruin their plans will be Team Visma with Wout Van Aert (but his condition is a question mark), Matteo Jorgenson and Tiesj Benoot.

Then some interesting names scattered around: Jan Tratnik of Red Bull Bora, winner in 2024, Paul Magnier of Soudal Quick Step, Fred Wright of Bahrain Victorious, Oliver Naesen of Decathlon (often placed at Omloop), Jasper Stuyven of Lidl Trek, Ivan Garcia Cortina of Movistar, Mike Teunissen of Astana, Arnaud De Lie of Lotto and Thomas Pidcock of Q36.5.

Sprint Cycling Photo