The early-season races are well underway and a hint of spring is in the air - with the Spring Classics, of course. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is the pivotal turning point of February to mark a refocus for one-day events across Europe, leaving behind the adjustments made with new teammates and equipment, as well as warmer climates, from fine-tuning tests in Australia, Colombia and the Arabian Peninsula.
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) begins his Classics season on home turf alongside last year’s Omloop winner Dylan van Baarle. Challengers include Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers), Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek) and a solid trio from Soudal-QuickStep - Kasper Asgreen, Julian Alaphilippe and Yves Lampaert.
