The season proper has started with the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route, Faun-Ardèche Classic and Faun Drôme Classic. We have all the reports, results, rider quotes and video.
TOP STORY:
- Will World champion, Tadej Pogačar, ride Paris-Roubaix this year? More rumours
Rider news:
- Declassification and yellow card for Kaden Groves in Kuurne
- Wout van Aert wore a time trial helmet in Omloop: “I wanted to mislead everyone a bit”
- Frederik Frison had a bad year due to dog bite
- Patrick Lefevere: “The dominance of UAE Emirates XRG is frightening”
- Tom Boonen on the 2015 Omloop: “I almost fought with Niki Terpstra”
Team news:
- Strangest race finish ever! | INEOS Grenadiers | Behind the scenes video
- Franky Van Haesebroucke reinforces the performance team
Race news:
- Sep Vanmarcke discusses race safely with the UCI
- 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ in the UK?
- Teams announced for Strade Bianche Women Elite and Sanremo Women
- La Vuelta Femenina’25 by Carrefour.es: Teams selection
Opening weekend coffee time!
TOP STORY: Will World Champion Tadej Pogačar Ride Paris-Roubaix this Year?
Tadej Pogačar starting Paris-Roubaix for the first time this year has been one of the biggest questions in recent weeks. The team previously seemed to put an end to all uncertainty and ruled out a debut in 2025, but the World champion is now leaving the door wide open again.
With one short video of one and a half minutes via Instagram, the Slovenian previously showed himself filmed while he was riding on the cobbles of Wallers together with teammate Tim Wellens. After the route reconnaissance of the Tour of Flanders, the three-time Tour winner added a ride on the roads of Paris-Roubaix. But that race was not on his schedule The rumour mill started at full speed, but according to UAE Emirates XRG, a debut in the ‘Hell of the North’ is not on the cards.
Pogačar himself seems to be thinking about a first participation in Paris-Roubaix. He hinted in an exclusive interview with the programme ‘Bartoli Time’ on the French television channel RMC. “After my reconnaissance, I have to say that Paris-Roubaix has caught my attention. I actually thought that this race would be too tough for me, but I have found that it should be possible. There is a good chance that I will be at the start in the near future. I cannot yet say whether that will be this season or next year. But it is possible that I will participate this year. There is always a chance. If the form is good, why not? We will see. I think the decision will be made after Milan-San Remo (22 March).”
The strong rumour is that Pogačar has made a bet that if he wins Milano-Sanremo, he will ride Paris-Roubaix…. we will see.
Will he or won’t he?
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
The first ‘real’ race of the season, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, surprisingly finished with a bunch sprint and in a close fought lunge for the line, it was Uno-X Mobility’s Søren Wærenskjold who got the better of Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck).
It didn’t take long for the early break to form. Six men escaped: Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL), Enzo Leijnse (Picnic-PostNL), Elmar Reinders (Jayco AlUla), Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Tietema Rockets), Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise) and Giosuè Epis (Arkea B&B-Hotels). Siebe Deweirdt (Flanders-Baloise) joined them a little later. The attackers were allowed to take an 8 minute advantage. But Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Emirates XRG didn’t give them any more time. The two big teams took control and slowly reduced the lead. The seven leaders were stopped by a closed railway crossing. But they still had almost 6 minutes when they turned onto the cobbles of the Lange Munten, 90 kilometres from the finish. On those cobbles, UAE Emirates XRG decided to put on the pressure. They pulled the peloton into a long line. The acceleration did not lead to a split. The main action hadn’t come yet, but there had been a warning shot. Not much later, there was a crash in the peloton. Victor Campenaerts was one of the victims, but the Belgian of Visma | Lease a Bike was able to come back quickly. After a chain problem, he managed to rejoin.
Arnaud De Lie was also having bike problems. The Belgian champion first had a flat tyre and then also had problems with his chain. He then had a big gap to close to get back to the bunch, but he managed to rejoin before the Eikenberg. There Matthew Brennan opened up the race. The 20-year-old British Visma | Lease a Bike rider attacked and was joined by Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Vito Braet (Intermarché-Wanty). The three were quickly caught, but it wasn’t long before the next acceleration came from Visma | Lease a Bike. Per Strand Hagenes came through on the Wolvenberg with Matteo Jorgenson on his wheel. It went quiet for a while, after which Joshua Tarling saw his chance. The British time trial specialist took off on his own. At the foot of the Molenberg he had closed the gap to within 15 seconds of the leading group, the peloton was at 1:30 behind the early break. There was no real attack on the Molenberg, but the peloton split into several pieces. At the top, 42 kilometres from the finish, De Lie, last year’s winner Jan Tratnik and Wout van Aert had to chase back on. They had been in a second group. Alpecin-Deceuninck had not missed the move and had five men at front with Kaden Groves and Jasper Philipsen. The Belgian team continued to ride at full speed to the Berendries. In the Van Aert group; Visma | Lease a Bike had started to chase. On the Berendries, Benoot also helped the chasers. A smaller group formed behind the peloton, which first caught Joshua Tarling and then also caught the seven early escapees. The merger was complete when Van Aert and the others rejoined with 28 kilometres to go. De Lie wasn’t there for long, as he was dropped again a few kilometres later, due to his previous efforts.
It was finished for De Lie, but many other riders were still able to follow. There was still a fairly large peloton in the run-up to the Muur van Geraardsbergen. Just before the cobbled climb, Tratnik disappeared from this group, the Slovenian punctured at the worst possible moment. At the front, Tim Wellens took the initiative on the first difficult sections of the climb, after which Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) took over. The young Lidl-Trek rider kept the pace high. At the summit there was still fifteen to twenty riders. Among them Philipsen, several UAE riders and Van Aert, who attempted to get away on the flat. Tim van Dijke moved up, but the Dutchman didn’t take over. The race went quiet, after which Jorgenson and Wellens tried, but got nothing. The Bosberg was the next chance. Vacek did put pressure again, but he couldn’t create a gap. The first to get away, after the Bosberg, was Stefan Küng. The Swiss went solo as a TT specialist can. Matteo Trentin tried to cross on his own, but couldn’t get to him. Jorgenson closed the gap to the Italian as Küng gained more time on the group of chasers, which grew considerably. The dropped Pidcock was able to return. The peloton now consisted of around 50 riders. Visma | Lease a Bike took the initiative to put Van Aert in a position for a sprint win. But Küng still had 17 seconds. Just before the start of the final kilometre, Küng was pulled in. That meant that there would be a bunch sprint in Ninove. INEOS Grenadiers took the lead after the last bend, but the fast-finishers came up from behind. Jasper Philipsen and Paul Magnier started their sprint, but it was Uno-X Mobility’s Søren Wærenskjold who came up on the right side of the road to take the victory. Magnier finished in second place, Philipsen had to settle for third. Top favourite; Van Aert finished in 11th.
# You can see more photos in the full race report HERE. #
Race winner, Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility): “I was actually supposed to race tomorrow (Kuurne). Tomorrow it will be more of a sprint race, but today it also became a sprint due to the headwind. It feels a bit surreal. I have no words for this, but I am very happy with this victory. I think it will only decide after a few hours. I wanted to go left, because I was afraid of getting locked up on the right. But there was an opening. So I first went right and then found an opening on the left. It turned out perfectly. I’m just super happy. In the last few meters I gave everything. I saw that Magnier was sitting next to me, it was very close. I did my best to arrive first. That it worked, gives a great feeling. Certainly. Far away. With this peloton, with all these big names. This is a big step for me in the right direction. I didn’t think this was possible, but it worked. That’s very nice. I was behind a fall on the Molenberg. I then tried to seek the hole, but didn’t have the legs. That’s why I tried to save as much energy as possible. I also didn’t try to go all the way up on the climbs, but in the end I still had to go almost full. The pace was so high. It was hard, but I had the legs to finally do a good sprint.”
2nd, Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step): “The team encouraged me the whole day and protected me the entire time, making sure I was in a good position going into all the important climbs, while I tried to save as much energy as possible. It was a nervous race, but we did a good job and we can be proud of this. Second place is a bit frustrating, especially as I was so close, but at the end of the day, it’s a podium in my first cobbled Classic, so at the same time, I am happy with this result after a hard race and an equally hard sprint in the headwind. It’s a good result for us and for our confidence to kick off the Classics. Now I will focus on Le Samyn next week and hopefully I will be in the position to fight for a good result also there.”
3rd, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I screwed up the sprint. I think I waited too long. I was actually waiting for the sprint of Wout van Aert, but he didn’t come. I don’t think he had the legs. After that it became a fight against Søren. I think I missed the killers mentality in that sprint, hopefully I will find it again in the coming weeks. I didn’t think I would have such good legs, so I’m happy with the feeling I had in the game. The team also did a great job today. Actually, the victory is the only thing missing now.”
11th, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I wasn’t feeling good at all in the race. I was never in the right position. I just didn’t have the legs for it. After the Molenberg I was too far behind the break, while I knew in advance that there was going to be a traffic jam… Positioning is important in a race, but of course that positioning also has to do with the legs and I didn’t have those today. I actually always had the feeling that we would come back. Many teams had missed the beat and now you could see that it was still going to be okay. Finally, in the sprint I didn’t have enough confidence, I think. There were still a lot of guys with fast legs. I noticed myself that there was nothing left.”
Arnaud De Lie (Lotto): “My wheel broke, that was obviously not the best moment. Coming back via the cars was not ideal. On the Molenberg I was well positioned, but unfortunately I had to put my foot on the ground. It was war. In the sprint I think something was definitely possible for me, but I was simply not there. That is also the sport. I was in a bloc. For me personally it was not good, but we have to stay positive. There are still great races to come, but that is life. Sometimes you win, today was not the best day of my life. But I stay positive. And thanks to Brent Van Moer’s fourth place it was also a good day for the team.”
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Result:
1. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility in 4:37:53
2. Paul Magnier (Fra) Soudal Quick-Step
3. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck
4. Brent Van Moer (Bel) Lotto
5. Samuel Watson (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
6. Lukas Kubis (Slov) Unibet Tietema Rockets
7. Piet Allegaert (Bel) Cofidis
8. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) EF Education-EasyPost
9. Marijn van den Berg (Ned) EF Education-EasyPost
10. Lewis Askey (GB) Groupama-FDJ.
Omloop’25
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – Women 2025
Lotte Claes was the surprising winner of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The Belgian of the Arkéa-B&B Hotels team proved to be the strongest in the early break, which was given a huge lead by the peloton. In a remarkably long sprint, she beat her fellow escapee Aurela Nerlo (Winspace Orange Seal). Demi Vollering and Puck Pieterse went in pursuit on the Muur van Geraardsbergen, but were too late. They finished third and fourth.
Marianne Vos would not repeat her Omloop Het Nieuwsblad win of last year. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider will not start her road season for another three weeks, in Milan-San Remo. Demi Vollering, Puck Pieterse, Silvia Persico and Lorena Wiebes were amongst the other top riders at the start in Gent. From there, the riders had to cover 138 kilometres to the finish in Ninove. In the final, they were faced with the Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg.
In the opening part, five riders went on the attack: Elena Pirrone (Roland), Aurela Nerlo (Winspace Orange Seal), Lotte Claes (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Julie Stockman (DD Group) and Mieke Docx (Lotto). A few other riders tried to cross, but they couldn’t. The early break took a huge lead. At one point, they had almost 14 minutes and with 40 kilometres to go, they still had 11 minutes. Stockman was dropped, but the other four were going well. The lead didn’t get any smaller, despite the fact that FDJ-SUEZ were going full on in the chase. It looked like the four would make it. At the foot of the Muur they still had more than 6 minutes, but the leading group immediately fell apart. Pirrone and Dockx were dropped, which meant that Nerlo and Claes were going to fight it out. The two were unable to drop each other on the Muur and they stayed together on the Bosberg. There was no more danger from behind.
On the Muur Demi Vollering attacked. Only Puck Pieterse could hold her wheel. The two Dutch riders had a small lead over Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Liane Lippert, who jumped just before the top. They couldn’t catch Vollering and Pieterse, who would also not catch Nerlo and Claes. Nerlo and Claes seemed to be no longer going to fight each other in the final, until Claes attacked. With just under 5 kilometres to go, she tried to leave Nerlo behind. The Belgian created a small gap, but the Polish rider managed to close up again, so there would be a two-woman sprint. Just after the start of the last kilometre, Nerlo attack again. Claes was surprised and created a gap. In the final straight, Claes got back on the wheel, after which she passed Nerlo. She had to give everything until the finish line to take the win, for her first professional victory. Nerlo, who was also fighting for her first victory as a professional, had to settle for second place. Vollering and Pieterse came in over three minutes later for third and fourth place. Pieterse was fourth and fifth place went Lorena Wiebes.
Race winner, Lotte Claes (Arkéa-B&B Hotels): “This is really the most beautiful day of my life. It is really fantastic, I never expected this. I didn’t expect it either because I don’t have such fast legs, but after a tough race I often still have something left. The other girl started quite early. That was to my advantage, because I am not that explosive. I thought: keep going, even though it hurt all over my body. I can’t believe it. She is a bit more explosive. I know her from other races: she can start quickly, but then she falls a bit quiet. I am lucky with a big engine. I can then give a little push. We were at the start here with ambitions. But more with the punchers, because it is usually a sprint at the end here. My job was actually to help the sprinters. But I am very happy that they gave us such a big lead and that it ended well. When did I start to believe in it? After the Berendries. Then I thought: we have to work well together until the Muur, maintain a good pace. And then make it a time trial at the end. It is really unbelievable. Actually, this is only my second year as a pro, because before that I combined it with working in the hospital, as a nurse. I hope that this is a step towards a bright future. What was more difficult, this Omloop or Kamp Waes? The last 200 meters of this race”
2nd, Aurela Nerlo (Winspace Orange Seal): “I think that collaborating with Lotte in the final was the right option to go as first to the finish. I knew that the peloton was chasing, that we had a big gap but our advantage decreased gradually. I really believed it with three kilometres to go. So it was a very good plan to go in the breakaway, I thank Damien (Pommereau, DS) for this! Of course, victory was very close but I think I did everything I could. If someone had told me before the race that I would finish second, I would not have believed it! It’s a special feeling to receive so many congratulations from the public and requests for autographs after the podium. It’s something new for me! We have now to continue to be ambitious for the future.”
3rd, Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ): “At one point it was twelve minutes… I rode next to Puck (Pieterse) for a while and said: ‘Wow, that’s going to be exciting.’ But no, I don’t think it was necessarily up to us to take the initiative. There were a number of teams with sprinters. And if you want to go for a sprint, you have to close the gap of course. My teammates were really riding super hard at the front. Sometimes I was more concerned with slowing them down, because you don’t want to drive too fast too early in the season. Then everyone will be looking at you for the rest of the season. But I’m very proud of how my teammates did. And how we still made the best of it. I actually enjoyed it. I asked (SD Worx-Protime) if they didn’t want to ride. They said: ‘No, we’re not allowed to, from the car.’ I think they were also annoyed that they weren’t allowed to chase. But then that’s how it is huh? I think that everyone is too afraid to put their hands in the fire too early at the beginning of the season. And that they are afraid that they will have to ride first for the rest of the season. Then it is sometimes a gamble. Whoever gambles best, wins. Or you don’t win. None of us won today. I am very happy with my form. And with how we rode as a team. There were only five of us today, but we still did a great job. I am very proud of how those girls rode. On the points that we wanted to make it hard, we just did it. So yes, I don’t regret anything. And my teammates don’t have to either. As a team, we rode a great race.”
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – Women Result:
1. Lotte Claes (Bel) Arkéa-B&B Hotels in 3:53:43
2. Aurela Nerlo (Pol) Winspace Orange Seal
3. Demi Vollering (Ned) FDJ-SUEZ at 3:25
4. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck
5. Lorena Wiebes (Ned) SD Worx-Protime at 3:35
6. Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini (Ita) UAE Team ADQ
7. Francesca Barale (Ita) Team Picnic PostNL
8. Clara Copponi (Fra) Lidl-Trek
9. Ilse Pluimers (Ned) AG Insurance-Soudal Team
10. Margot Vanpachtenbeke (Bel) VolkerWessels Women’s Pro Cycling Team.
Omloop’25:
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2025
As expected, the 2025 Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne came down to a bunch sprint. Fairly unsurprisingly, it was Jasper Philipsen who was perfectly piloted to the finish-line by his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates to take the win. He soundly beat young Olav Kooij of Visma | Lease a Bike and Hugo Hofstetter (IPT).
It took almost 50 kilometres before the ‘break of the day’ managed to get away: Huub Artz (Intermarché-Wanty), Tomáš Kopecký (Unibet Tietema Rockets), Dries De Bondt (Decathlon AG2R), Ward Vanhoof (Flanders-Baloise), Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor), Ceriel Desal and Axandre Van Petegem (Wagner Bazin WB), the son of former classics specialist Peter Van Petegem. They built up a lead of almost 5 minutes. The difference had been reduced to less than 4 minutes when there was some action on the Hameau des Papins (1,2km at 6.6%). Jan Tratnik crashed, while Lewis Askey (Groupama-FDJ), Timo Kielich (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Emirates-XRG) went on the attack. Riders at the back were being dropped, including Søren Wærenskjold, the winner of the Omloop on Saturday, there were 95 kilometres still to go. Due to a puncture for Kielich, there were only two counter-attackers left. At Le Bourliquet (1,3Km at 6.8%), Matteo Jorgenson put the hammer down in the peloton. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider caused the peloton to split, but it all came together again going towards the Mont Saint Laurent (1,3km at 7.8%). There, Tim Wellens forced the pace. He rode with Jonas Abrahamsen and Stan Dewulf to Askey, who had to let Narváez go.
Over the summit, Wout van Aert also crossed to them with about ten other riders. They also picked up Narváez. This group dropped back into the peloton in the run-up to the Kruisberg. Then, on the Hotond, Van Aert made another attempt to get away. He looked to be riding better than the day before in the Omloop, but he couldn’t break away. So, it was a large peloton that headed to the Côte de Trieu. The leading group of seven started the penultimate climb with a lead of almost 1 minute. Two riders were between the leading group and the peloton: Wellens had attacked on the climb and was at the top with Stefan Bissegger, who had escaped earlier. They then caught the dropped Artz and joined the seven leaders just before the Kluisberg. Behind; Van Aert, who had to chase back when the peloton split, went on the attack. Only Roger Adrià could follow the Belgian. The Spaniard of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe didn’t work, so Van Aert had to do it all to get across to the leaders. Van Aert was unable to catch them without help. After chasing for almost 10 kilometres, he gave up. The two dropped back into the peloton with 50 kilometres to go. Tim Merlier’s Soudal Quick-Step team was now leading. Aided by Jonathan Milan’s Lidl-Trek, Jordi Meeus’ Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and eventually Milan Fretin’s Cofidis, they kept the gap to the nine leaders short. The difference fluctuated between 30 and 40 seconds.
The collaboration in the break had fallen to pieces. First there was an attack by De Bondt, and then Wellens. This led to thinning out at the front. De Bondt and Wellens remained with Mayrhofer and Desal. They held out until about 12 kilometres from the finish, just after the passage through finish. After that, the peloton could prepare for a bunch sprint. Three kilometres from the finish, there was a crash involving Matevž Govekar, who tried to dodge a warning flag. The stage was set for a bunch sprint, involving Merlier, Milan, Meeus, Fretin, Kooij, Philipsen and Van den Berg. Van den Berg was at the front with one kilometre to go on the wheel of a teammate, but then it was Visma | Lease a Bike who came through. First Van Aert, then Jorgenson, but Alpecin-Deceuninck stormed to the front for Jasper Philipsen. The men in grey led-out Philipsen perfectly and he finished off the work of his teammates. Olav Kooij was close, but couldn’t get next to the Belgian. Philipsen won the second day of the Opening Weekend, after his third place in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Olav Kooij had to settle for second, Hugo Hofstetter was third.
# You can see more photos in the full race report HERE. #
Race winner, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “It is incredible to win on my 27th birthday. Maybe that extra year gave me some extra strength. We had a very strong team in the final. Without them it would not have been possible. I knew that the chance of a sprint was big. There was some action in the hilly zone, but a large peloton always stayed together, fighting to come back. It was very difficult to come back. To be honest, my legs were not as good as yesterday on the hills. In previous years, the Opening Weekend was never really a success. Yesterday was a day with mixed feelings, but to win today, on my birthday, makes it extra special. We had one of our strongest lead-outs, with Jonas Rickaert and Kaden. Normally he can also win sprints himself, at the highest level. It’s super nice to get this on the same page and win the race as a team. I think Groves will also go to the Tour this year. Normally we have a really good combo. During the race I asked how everyone was feeling, but everyone had already lost their best legs. In the original plan, Kaden, if he had felt great, could have taken his chance. But everyone was a bit out of their best strength. But on the flat we can always do our thing.”
2nd, Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike): “It was a battle towards the last corner, I had to be in a good position there. That was also discussed in advance. From there you can’t make up much more. Wout and Matteo did a perfect job on the last part. Alpecin-Deceuninck started the sprint and I no longer had the legs to catch up with Jasper. It was a fair sprint. Of course I would have liked to win, but Jasper was very strong. I couldn’t pass him anymore. Lots of things to look forward to. After two weeks of struggling, I hope to get back on track now.”
3rd, Hugo Hofstetter (Israel-Premier Tech): “Philipsen and Kooij are two of the best sprinters in the world, and there were also big names behind me. So this is just a very nice result that I am very happy with. I knew that the last left turn was crucial, you have to be in a very good position there. I was able to catch Olav Kooij’s wheel. The sprint was so fast, it was impossible to move up any further.”
4th, Arne Marit (Intermarché-Wanty): “This is a great result and very good for my confidence. Huub, Dries and Taco made a lot of efforts to represent our team in the breakaway. Thanks to Huub in the front, the responsibility of the chase was on the shoulders of the other teams, allowing us to focus on positioning in the peloton. Vito then focused on all attacks in the early final, while I stayed in the neighbourhood of the other sprinters with Jonas. Together we made a good move to the front with 3 kilometre to go, after which I only had to follow the slipstream of the fastest riders. I launched my sprint with 500 meter to go and finished fourth. After my work in service of the team in the first race half yesterday, I’m very happy I grabbed this opportunity today. Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne is one of the only classics with a sprint chance, that’s why we’ve been training on the parcours since November with the team. Finishing so close to the podium in such a major classic is satisfying. Especially with this level of participating sprinters.”
15th, Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step): “It was actually already lost with a kilometre to go. We were a bit too far and then had to jump over a traffic island. A missed opportunity. I didn’t get into the race the way I wanted, but I was always there. That was frustrating, but I always kept believing. I think I still had the legs to force something in the sprint, but today it wasn’t going my way.”
75th, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “There wasn’t more in it in terms of results. Did my legs feel the way I wanted? Yes, they did. But many teams wanted a defensive race, so that made it difficult. I am more satisfied than yesterday. We had come for more, but today we knew that such a scenario was possible. We had Olav with us for that and he sprinted to a great second place. We tried. I played a bit then of course. I knew that I would never ride there on my own. I had to keep trying to convince him (Roger Adrià) to ride at the front. At first I was also told that Meeus was no longer in the group, so I didn’t really understand it then. But afterwards I saw that Jordi was there. Then it is an understandable tactic. To have a slightly better chance, we should have been in that leading group already.”
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne Result:
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 4:42:24
2. Olav Kooij (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
3. Hugo Hofstetter (Fra) Israel-Premier Tech
4. Arne Marit (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
5. Rick Pluimers (Ned) Tudor
6. Jonathan Milan (Ita) Lidl-Trek
7. Marijn van den Berg (Ned) EF Education-EasyPost
8. Pavel Bittner (CZ) Team Picnic PostNL
9. Lukas Kubis (Slov) Unibet Tietema Rockets
10. Kaden Groves (Aus) Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Kuurne’25:
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route 2025
Magnus Cort won the Second Stage of O Gran Camiño, to go with his stage 1 win. The Uno-X Mobility Dane was in trouble for a while on the penultimate climb, but returned and was by far the fastest on the uphill finish. Martin Marcellusi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) and Carlos Canal Blanco (Movistar) were second and third on the stage, Cort held the overall lead.
After Magnus Cort opened O Gran Camiño on Wednesday with a sprint win, Thursday had a tougher stage. It went up and down all day, after which two more climbs in the final. The summit of the Alto de San Vincenzo (2.5km to 7.2%) was 12 kilometres from the finish. This was followed by the final climb to A Estrada, which climbed about 3 kilometres at around 4% average.
The break of the day consisted of Rémi Daumas (Groupama-FDJ), Ander Okamika (Burgos Burpullet BH) and Alvara Sagrado (Illes Balears Arabay), they had a lead of more than 3 minutes. Israel-Premier Tech did most of the work in the peloton. Twenty kilometres from the finish, Okamika and Sagrado were caught. Daumas had been pulled in already. On the last climbs, the favourites fought it out. It was Derek Gee who attacked on the Alto de San Vincenzo. The Canadian pushed hard, putting overall leader Cort in trouble. Five other riders followed Gee to the summit: Mauri Vansevenant (Soudal Quick-Step), Rémy Rochas (Groupama-FDJ), Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (Movistar), Davide Piganzoli (Polti VisitMalta) and Corts teammate Andreas Kron.
The attack didn’t last long. Six kilometres from the line, a large group, led by Uno-X Mobility, returned to the front group. The Norwegian team also shut down an attempt by 19-year-old Maxime Decomble. The youngest of the Groupama-FDJ devo team, who rides for the WorldTeam this week, held out for a long time, but at a kilometre from the finish he was caught. Uno-X Mobility prepared the sprint perfectly. Kron was first through the last corner with Cort on his wheel. Then Iván Cobo (Kern Pharma) tried to surprised with an early sprint, but Cort had him in his sights. The Dane won with a strong sprint and had time the celebrate before the finish line. He took his second stage win and kept the overall lead. Second place in the day’s result was for Martin Marcellusi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè). Carlos Canal (Movistar) finished third.
Stage winner and overall leader, Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility): “It’s great to win again. It doesn’t happen often to win on consecutive days and in the leader’s jersey. The team did a super, super job all day and then they brought me back on after the climb and set me up perfectly for the finish. I knew the finish was perfect for me because a lot of fast guys had been dropped. This finish was maybe even better than yesterday’s stage because only half the bunch survived.”
2nd on the stage and overall, Martin Marcellusi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè): “Today’s stage suited my characteristics and I knew I could do well, although there was the uncertainty of fatigue after yesterday’s effort. At the end there were three of us in front and, thanks to the great work of my teammates, I was able to prepare for the sprint in the best possible way. (Cort) Nielsen was stronger in the sprint, but getting second place behind him is still a great satisfaction.”
8th on the stage and 10th overall, Davide Piganzoli (Polti Visit Malta): “The attack in the hardest part allowed me to test my legs and confirm that I feel good. I was able to be with the best, it was a very demanding day in the final part. With this result, I am confident for tomorrow’s time trial.”
8th overall, Samuel Fernández (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA): “We knew that the stage would be on the second climb to San Vicenzo. We tried to start well placed and in that second pass the break formed in which the first 25 finished. From that point on, both Abel and I tried to do our best and, thanks to yesterday’s power, I got this white jersey and got on the podium.”
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Stage 2 Result:
1. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility in 3:13:05
2. Martin Marcellusi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
3. Carlos Canal Blanco (Spa) Movistar
4. Thomas Pesenti (Ita) Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team
5. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma
6. Antonio Eric Fagundez (Uru) Lima Burgos Burpellet BH
7. Remy Rochas (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti Visit Malta
9. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH
10. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech.
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Overall After Stage 2:
1. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility in 7:31:34
2. Martin Marcellusi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè at 0:14
3. Carlos Canal Blanco (Spa) Movistar at 0:16
4. Thomas Pesenti (Ita) Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team at 0:20
5. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH
6. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma
7. Remy Rochas (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Samuel Fernandez Garcia (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
9. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech
10. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti Visit Malta.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 2:
Derek Gee won the time trial Stage 3 of the O Gran Camiño on Friday. The Israel Premier-Tech rider was the fastest on the 15.6 kilometres to Pereiro de Aguiar, and is now also the new overall leader. Davide Piganzoli (Polti VisitMalta) was second at 17 seconds and Maxime Decomble (Groupama-FDJ) was third at 0:21 seconds.
The O Gran Camiño time trial was not easy. In the first 7 kilometres, the climb goes from 100 to 400 metres in hight. In the opening hours of the stage there was good times from the Dutchman Alex Molenaar, the Basque Urko Burrade and the Norwegian Frederik Dversnes, but they were not among the top favourites to win.
The favourites before the start were Vansevenant, Gee and Jefferson Cepeda, who were tipped as possible final overall winners of the race. However, Vansevenant and Cepeda didn’t ride well on Friday and would lose a lot of time. Gee, as the top favourite, won. Gee, who was 9th in the last Tour de France destroyed the competition and now looks to be top favourite to win the O Gran Camiño with two tough stages to go.
His biggest competitor will be the Italian Davide Piganzoli. The 22-year-old Italian of Polti VisitMalta finished in second place in the time trial, 17 seconds behind Gee. The young Italian is best known for his third place in the Giro dell’Emilia in 2024 behind Tadej Pogačar and Tom Pidcock and also finished thirteenth in the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Magnus Cort is second overall, between Gee and Piganzoli.
Stage winner and overall leader, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech): “Really, really happy. I put a lot of pressure on myself to deliver on what was the expectation from the team – and myself – going into today, so I’m really happy. “We did some work on the TT bike over the winter and I wanted to start the year strongly in the discipline. This TT holds a special place in my heart because in 2022 my result in this race’s time trial is what helped me get my first pro contract. It was a hard one then and it was another hard one today! It’s uncharted territory but I’m looking forward to it. Tomorrow will be a super hard stage and then the last day could be chaos! Magnus did a great TT today and there are a couple of guys here who are really, really good climbers, so it’s going to be interesting.”
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Stage 3 Result:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 23:17
2. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta at 0:17
3. Maxime Decomble (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:21
4. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:25
5. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 0:27
6. Txomin Juaristi Arrieta (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi at 0:33
7. Urko Berrade Fernandez (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 0:35
8. Fredrik Dversnes (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:38
9. Hugo Houle (Can) Israel-Premier Tech at 0:44
10. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:45.
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Overall After Stage 3:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 7:55:11
2. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:05
3. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta at 0:17
4. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 0:27
5. Maxime Decomble (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:39
6. Txomin Juaristi Arrieta (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi at 0:40
7. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH at 0:46
8. Nelson Oliveira (Por) Movistar at 0:47
9. Abel Balderstone Roumens (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:51
10. Fredrik Dversnes (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:59.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 3:
A big surprise in the O Gran Camiño on Saturday, where Guatemalan Sergio Chumil (Burgos Burpellet BH) won the queen Stage 4 ahead of Canadian overall leader, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech), who finished second in the same time and consolidated his lead in the general classification.
Chumil and Gee attacked from the thinned out peloton on the penultimate climb of the day, Alto a Pitinidoira (10.1km at 6.4%), after which they gradually rode away from Jefferson Cepeda and Davide Piganzoli, who only lost 18 seconds to the two escapees in the last 11 kilometres. There was also a good performance from 2nd overall, Magnus Cort, who finished 6th on Saturday, 42 seconds behind the winner. The Dane lost his second place to Piganzoli, but with one stage to go, he should stay on the podium.
Overall leader and 2nd on the stage, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech): “It was great – the boys were amazing, I was really hoping to pull off the stage win for all the hard work they did,” says Gee. “I just couldn’t quite go solo on the climbs, but I can’t thank them enough. I mean, I’m glad I gained some extra seconds before the gravel, because it’s unpredictable. It can go very well, it can go poorly. But I feel good, and I’m confident that with the team we have here we can bring it home.”
3rd on the stage and 2nd overall, Davide Piganzoli (Team Polti VisitMalta): “Strong performances in demanding races like O Gran Camiño are crucial for both my growth and that of Polti VisitMalta. Tomorrow, we will defend what we have built and aim for another great result!”
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Stage 4 Result:
1. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH in 3:42:27
2. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech
3. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta at 0:18
4. Jefferson Albeiro Cepeda (Ecu) Movistar at 0:19
5. Jesus David Pena Jimenez Col) AP Hotels & Resorts/Tavira/SC Farense at 0:41
6. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility
7. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH
8. Jonathan Klever Caicedo Cepeda (Ecu) Petrolike
9. Viktor Soenens (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team
10. Mauri Vansevenant (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step.
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Overall After Stage 2:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 11:37:32
2. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta ay 0:37
3. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:49
4. Ivan Cobo Cayon Equipo (Spa) Kern Pharma at 1:14
5. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:33
6. Jefferson Albeiro Cepeda (Ecu) Movistar at 1:48
7. Viktor Soenens (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team at 1:51
8. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:52
9. Mauri Vansevenant (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step at 2:01
10. Johannes Kulset (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 2:14.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 4:
Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) took his third stage victory on the final Stage 5 of O Gran Camiño on Sunday. The Dane was by far the fastest in Santiago de Compostela after 160 kilometres. The overall victory went to Derek Gee (IPT).
The final stage of O Gran Camiño took the riders from Betanzos to the pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela. The stage had 2,800 metres of climbing and six gravel sections. The non-tarmac sections were on the penultimate climb of the day, which was on the final circuit, to be climbed twice. The Alto de Lampal (5.2km at 5.4%) was the main obstacle. Overall leader Derek Gee was defending a lead of 37 seconds on his closest rival, Davide Piganzoli.
There was a fierce battle to get into the break of the day. It took a while before a leading group finally got away. Eventually, 9 riders escaped. Josh Burnett of Burgos Burpellet BH was the best placed rider in the break and at one point got close to Gee in the virtual overall, but it was never dangerous. His team Israel-Premier Tech team, helped by Soudal Quick-Step, kept the attackers within range. On the Alto de Lampal, with the summit 25 kilometres from the finish, the leading group was caught by the peloton. Rémy Rochas managed to get away. The Frenchman crossed the summit alone and headed towards the gravel, but just before the first of three sections, he was caught. There were a few attack attempts, but Israel-Premier Tech and Uno-X Mobility had everything under control. An attack by Luca Paletti (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) was quickly closed down.
Gee had to chase down Viktor Soenens when he made move. The 19-year-old Belgian of Soudal Quick-Step, who normally rides for the devo team, gave it a good shot. The two were caught, but then Soenens went again, but Polti VisitMalta and Uno-X Mobility wanted to make it a sprint. After Soenens was caught for a second time, it was full gas to the last kilometre. After the red flag, Soenens took the lead again, this time for his teammate Thomas Pesenti, but it was Uno-X Mobility who took over. This was for Magnus Cort, who had already won the first two stages. The wearer of the green jersey then went on the attack. He created a gap on the other fast men and crossed the finish line well ahead. Gee finished in the peloton as the overall winner of 2025 O Gran Camiño. Piganzoli was second and stage winner Cort, third.
Final overall winner, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech): “I was pretty stressed going into it but I couldn’t have asked for a better team. I mean, I was at the front all day. They won every fight into all the important sectors, they controlled the breakaway, and there was almost no stress because they were so good today. These are class bike riders. They have amazing palmarès, and we even brought in a couple of our IPT Academy riders [into the squad], and they were amazing. They had to do a lot of work but they stepped up.”
3rd on the stage, Giovanni Lonardi (Polti VisitMalta): “This is already my third podium of the season, and my second here at O Gran Camiño after opening the race with one on Wednesday in Portugal. When we saw Piga securing those crucial bonus seconds with 5 km to go, we knew his position was safe so we could focus entirely on the sprint. I got on Cort’s wheel, but I got boxed in and had to settle for third again. Still, it’s another great result that boosts my morale ahead of my next race, the Tirreno-Adriatico.”
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Stage 5 Result:
1. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility in 3:43:42
2. Carlos Canal Blanco (Spa) Movistar at 0:01
3. Giovanni Lonardi (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta
4. Cesar Macias Estrada (Mex) Petrolike
5. Mirco Maestri (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta
6. Xavier Canellas Sanchez (Spa) Anicolor/Tien 21
7. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta
8. Francisco Juel Penuela (Ven) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
9. José Antonio Prieto De Luna (Mex) Petrolike
10. Thomas Pesenti (Ita) Soudal Quick-Step.
O Gran Camiño – The Historical Route Final Overall Result:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 15:21:15
2. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta at 0:37
3. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:48
4. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 1:14
5. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:33
6. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:52
7. Jefferson Albeiro Cepeda (Ecu) Movistar at 1:54
8. Viktor Soenens (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step at 1:57
9. Mauri Vansevenant (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step at 2:01
10. Johannes Kulset (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 2:20.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 5:
Faun-Ardèche Classic 2025
Romain Grégoire won the 2025 Faun-Ardèche Classic in a bizarre way. The Groupama-FDJ rider was the first to cross the finish line in Guilherand-Granges, because the leading group took a wrong turn in the last few hundred metres, after which the Frenchman soloed to victory.
The start list for the Faun-Ardèche Classic included the names of Marc Hirschi, Mattias Skjelmose, Enric Mas, Brandon McNulty, Romain Bardet and Michael Woods. It was a tailor-made course in the hills of the Ardèche with the climbs to Saint-Romain-de-Lerps (6.3km at 7.1%) and the Val d’Enfer (1.6km at 10.3%) in the last 30 kilometres.
When the peloton started the penultimate climb of the day, an early breakaway with Kamiel Bonneu, Jonas Gregaard and Xabier Azparren, had just been caught, after which it was a matter of waiting for the next attack. It came in the first kilometre of Saint-Romain-de-Lerps, when Valentin Paret-Peintre tried. The Frenchman was quickly caught, after which Lorenzo Fortunato put in a jump.
The XDS-Astana Italian’s attack was successful, because he quickly had 30 seconds on the group of favourites. Fortunato seemed to be on his way to victory, but behind him, the group came closer and closer. In the finale Mas managed to join Fortunato, but the two were still caught 2.6 kilometres from the finish. It looked like a select group of favourites would sprint for the victory, but then most of the riders went wrong way, 200 metres from the finish. Grégoire took advantage and finished solo. Marco Brenner (Tudor) was second, holding off three XDS Astana rider.
Race winner, Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ): “I’m standing here with a strange feeling, but I think the riders should know the course. We passed this part of the course three times today. I was really happy, because last year I was second here and before that fifth. I really wanted to win once and this year I succeeded. The Ardèche Classic is for me pretty much the best race of the year, and I rode my first race as a pro here. That’s why my bond with this race is special.”
3rd, Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana): “I attacked on the penultimate climb, and it created a great situation for our team – I was in front, while Christian (Scaroni) and Clément (Champoussin) stayed in the group, saving their energy for the final. The last kilometres were tough due to the headwind, so I couldn’t maintain my advantage and got caught two kilometres before the finish. The finale was chaotic, but I still managed to take third place. Overall, it was a great day for us, we earned a lot of points for the team, and we will keep fighting.”
Faun-Ardèche Classic Result:
1. Romain Gregoire (Fra) Groupama-FDJ in 4:13:22
2. Marco Brenner (Ger) Tudor at 0:03
3. Lorenzo Fortunato (Ita) XDS Astana
4. Clément Champoussin (Fra) XDS Astana at 0:07
5. Christian Scaroni (Ita) XDS Astana
6. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:10
7. Javier Romo Oliver (Spa) Movistar at 0:22
8. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Emirates XRG
9. Enric Mas Nicolau (Spa) Movistar at 0:31
10. Juan Ayuso Pesquera (Ita) UAE Emirates XRG at 0:41.
Faun-Ardèche’25:
Faun Drôme Classic 2025
The Faun Drôme Classic was the first win of the season for Juan Ayuso (UAE Emirates-XRG). The young Spaniard rode the last 40 hilly kilometres solo. Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) finished solo in second place. Ben Tullett (Visma | Lease a Bike) was third.
Walter Calzoni (Q36.5) and his Dutch teammate, Sjoerd Bax, joined Baptiste Poulard (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Matisse Julien (CIC-U-Nantes), Jonas Gregaard (Lotto) and Kenny Molly (Van Rysel Roubaix). Calzoni and Poulard were the first of the leaders to be caught on the tough course, but that was before the final had really started.
The others in the break couldn’t dream of the win as they were kept close by the peloton. There was a big crash in the peloton, in which Alex Aranburu was involved. Juan Ayuso attacked just over 40 kilometres from the finish. Just after the leaders had all been caught, he started on the Col de la Grande Limite (3.9km at 6.6%), dropping Mattias Skjelmose, who couldn’t hold him. Ayuso put in a very strong ride to take an impressive win. Skjelmose also rode a good solo for second place. Ben Tulett (Visma | Lease a Bike) won the uphill sprint from the peloton, a minute behind the winner.
Race winner, Juan Ayuso (UAE Emirates XRG): “We had a plan from the start to attack right where I did and the lead out from Isaac was planned and he did it perfectly. Isaac really put me in the perfect position to be able to attack so a big thanks must go to him. In the final kilometres there was quite a lot of headwind and my radio didn’t work so well, so I was looking behind a bit as I knew Skjelmose wasn’t too far away and I had no time references. I just did a time trial effort and pushed to the end and it all worked out. I’m thrilled to get this first win and get the season off to a good start with the team.”
Faun Drôme Classic Result:
1. Juan Ayuso Pesquera (Spa) UAE Emirates XRG in 4:31:48
2. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:23
3. Ben Tulett (GB) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:15
4. Marc Hirschi (Sui) Tudor
5. Andrea Bagioli (Ita) Lidl-Trek
6. Dorian Godon (Fra) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale
7. Clément Champoussin (Fra) XDS Astana
8. Quinn Simmons (USA) Lidl-Trek
9. Warren Barguil (Fra) Team Picnic PostNL
10. Lorenzo Fortunato (Ita) XDS Astana.
Faun Drôme’25:
Declassification and Yellow Card for Kaden Groves in Kuurne
Kaden Groves received a yellow card after Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and was also demoted in the results. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider piloted his teammate, Jasper Philipsen, to a perfect win on Sunday in the Belgian semi Classic, after which he celebrated while still in the bunch. This is no longer allowed according to the new UCI rules.
Groves played an important role in Philipsen’s victory. The Australian, who has also won bunch sprints in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, led-out the sprint perfectly for his team leader. When Philipsen threw his hands in the air, Groves also did the same. However, the UCI banned that at the beginning of this year. In the UCI regulations are: “A rider who decides to slow down during a sprint and thereby endangers other riders: deliberately keeping to the sprint line of other riders, cheering in the peloton, communicating via the radio or taking his hands off the handlebars while still in the peloton.”
A violation of this rule does not necessarily lead to a yellow card, but in Groves’ case the jury decided to do so. He can also expect a fine of between 100 and 500 Swiss francs. Groves was also declassed, as is the rule. He crossed the line in tenth place, but has been demoted to the last place in the front group: 57th.
You can’t celebrate if you haven’t won:
Wout van Aert Wore a Time Trial Helmet in Omloop: “I Wanted to Mislead Everyone a Bit”
The time trial helmet and Wout van Aert. It has been a much-discussed topic in recent weeks. During the reconnaissance of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Van Aert rode with a time trial helmet again, which made everyone think that the Belgian would appear at the start like that on Saturday. However, he suddenly appeared on the starting podium with a normal helmet, but that was a deception.
Niklas Behrens in the UAE Tour, Wout van Aert in the Volta ao Algarve… The men from Visma | Lease a Bike have already surprised a number of times this season with a special helmet. Last Friday they did that too, with the entire team even. All riders from the Dutch team reconnaissanced the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with the time trial helmet.
It made many people think that Van Aert and co would actually finish the Omloop on Saturday with that special helmet. Just before the start of the Omloop, the Belgian appeared on the starting podium with a regular helmet. However, that meant nothing. “I wanted to mislead everyone a bit, haha”
Aero van Aert:
Frederik Frison had a Bad Year Due to Dog Bite
One of the most notable injuries in 2024 was suffered by Frederik Frison. After years with Lotto Dstny, he switched to Q36.5 Pro Cycling last winter. However, a dog bite in his private parts put a cross over his spring. To make matters worse, he then broke several bones in the Four Days of Dunkirk and so he only had 22 racing days.
A man’s balls are sometimes a ‘touchy’ subject to talk about, But the Belgian didn’t mind speaking to WielerFlits. “I have to say that things are going well,” he said about the aftermath of the dog bite. “Of course it’s not like before, it’s a scar. But it doesn’t bother me on the bike or in normal life. That’s the most important thing. It is something incredibly annoying and people also make jokes about it. Me too. That should be possible, I can really laugh about that. But as a rider and a person it is a very annoying injury. It would have been better not to experience it. But what I say, they are still animals.”
Later in the year more injuries and illnesses followed. Nevertheless, Frison never gave up hope: “The new team has always motivated me. They always stood behind me and supported me. That feels really good, which certainly did not make me lose motivation. And of course my wife and two children helped me through this period. My wife has known me for quite a few years now. She kept me calm and kept talking to me, with what I have already achieved. That does not just go away. If I would keep working, everything would be fine again.”
Frison himself is hungry for the spring Classics, where he wants to reach his highest level. The new leader, Tom Pidcock, will also have to do that. “I was really happy when I heard that he was joining us. It is very positive for the team, all the riders and the staff. Tom is really a big name. If he joins, it gives everyone extra motivation. Because if you can work for a rider like Tom in the final, then that is really a dream, I would say.”
A nasty dog bite for Frederik Frison:
Patrick Lefevere: “The Dominance of UAE Emirates XRG is Frightening”
Patrick Lefevere will experience the Opening Weekend at home without any pressure. He is no longer the big boss with Soudal Quick-Step, as that is now Jurgen Foré. But Lefevere still keeps an eye on cycle sport: “In the meantime, the power of money also plays a role here in Flanders,” Lefevere wrote in his column in Het Nieuwsblad.
Lefevere started his column by writing that he does not miss the financial side of his old job. “For the ‘competitive balance’ of cycling, it will be crucial not to let the budgetary gap with the oil dirhams of UAE Team Emirates become too big. I find their dominance really frightening. Last year they won 81 races and their team has only become stronger. In the Tour of the Algarve, I remember the face of Joao Almeida on the Alto da Foia. He clearly didn’t like finishing second behind teammate Jan Christen. In the spring team of UAE, you can also stack up the leaders. Tadej Pogačar is not participating in the Omloop, but Mauro Gianetti grabs the basket once and on each of his fingers hangs a rider who can win the race. Anyone who has followed the races in Australia, Spain or Portugal with even half an eye in the past few weeks saw Antonio Morgado, Jhonatan Narváez and Tim Wellens prominently cycling through the picture. I expect them all in the Omloop as well. As a reminder: last year UAE already finished in third, fourth and fifth place in the Tour of Flanders. Even without Pogačar,” said Lefevere.
The former general manager continued: “In football it is common knowledge: if you want to predict the final ranking correctly before the start of the season, it is best to rank the teams according to budget. The race – and especially in the spring – followed that logic much less, but in the meantime the power of money also plays a role here in Flanders. Look at UAE and see Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. With Laurence Pithie, Oier Lazkano, Jan Tratnik and the Van Dijke brothers, they simply shopped together a very strong spring team in one ‘mercato’. They brought in everyone who was on the market. Plus Maxim Van Gils, who was actually not even on the market.”
Lefevere still has a lot to say:
Tom Boonen on the 2015 Omloop: “I Almost Fought with Niki Terpstra”
In the 2015 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the break was made up of three riders from Patrick Lefevere’s team and Ian Stannard. You would think it was an easy win, but it went completely wrong for Tom Boonen and team. Stannard won, which led to anger among the men of Lefevere. “That was nose to nose”, Boonen said in Wielerclub Wattage.
In the podcast, Boonen talks about that edition of the Omloop again. “Stannard had already been on our wheel for 50 kilometres. The three of us (Boonen, Niki Terpstra and Stijn Vandenbergh) had been riding for a long time. Fitte (DS, Wilfried Peeters) came up and asked how we were going to arrange it. The most logical solution was that we would go to the finish together and that I would beat Stannard in the sprint, but Niki and Stijn said they wanted to win too,” Boonen said. “What I often did in the opening weekend was try to help them. That way I had super-convinced helpers in the following weeks. So Stijn attacked, Stannard closed the gap. I thought it was my moment then and I went myself, but after 500 meters I already felt that the best was gone from my legs. Stannard played it super smart, kept riding and came back. And then came the epitome of how not to do it. Niki jumped with Stannard, I hung behind them and was exploding. Instead of waiting, Niki pulled the sprint and that was actually for Stannard. The rest is history.”
A huge disappointment for Boonen, Terpstra and Vandenbergh. In addition, there was also anger. “I’ve already digested it, you know. But that’s the only time I almost fought with Niki Terpstra. That was nose to nose, shouting for fifteen minutes. It was a cruel fuss then. Even though it was a mistake by all of us. I should have said I would sprint and Niki shouldn’t have been riding so far up front with Stannard on his wheel. But after fifteen minutes it was okay and we could talk again. You have to be able to put something like that away, because the next day it was racing again.”
It all went wrong in the finale:
Strangest Race Finish Ever! | INEOS Grenadiers | Behind the Scenes Video
Join the team for an eventful Volta ao Algarve. Go behind the scenes on a controversial finish to the opening stage and watch as Laurens De Plus put in one of the best rides of his career.
Franky Van Haesebroucke Reinforces the Performance Team
Intermarché-Wanty welcomes Franky Van Haesebroucke to the Performance Team as a new sports director. The former Belgian professional cyclist brings his valuable experience to the structure led by Jean-François Bourlart, with twenty years of experience behind the wheel across five continents.
Following his professional cycling career, which concluded in 2001, Van Haesebroucke discovered the role of sports director in 2002 with the Australian team iTeamNova. Since then, he has worked on five continents, in both the men’s and women’s peloton. His versatility and experience were acquired within international structures such as Champion System Pro Cycling Team, Veranda’s Willems Cycling Team, Wiggle Honda, and most recently, the New Zealand-based team Bolton Equities Black Spoke.
He led the latter to become the best UCI Continental team in the two seasons following its founding, enabling its promotion to the Pro Continental level. The team made a splash in Europe with successes in events such as the GP Cerami, La Roue Tourangelle, and the Tour de Luxembourg, highlighting his ability to develop talent and achieve results with diverse rider profiles.
Franky Van Haesebroucke will make his debut behind the wheel of the Škoda-Steveny cars this opening weekend of the Belgian classics. Within the Intermarché-Wanty structure, he reinforces the team of sports directors managed by Performance Manager Aike Visbeek, which also includes Dimitri Claeys, Steven De Neef, Sébastien Demarbaix, Ken Hashikawa, Kévin Van Melsen, Pieter Vanspeybrouck, and Bart Wellens.
Franky Van Haesebroucke: “I’ve always felt a certain affinity for the Intermarché-Wanty team, with whom I’ve had many contacts, as they are the best example of those teams considered outsiders, capable of achieving prestigious successes with limited resources. This was also the case with my last team, Bolton Equities Black Spoke. Like Intermarché-Wanty, we got the best out of our riders by being opportunistic. As a sports director, you have to convince the riders that they can accomplish great things by taking advantage of smart strategies at crucial moments. My strength lies in inspiring and motivating riders. Working with an expanded Performance Team offers new perspectives and the opportunity to develop strategies together. This is my first experience in a World Tour structure, so I look forward to working with many familiar faces and getting to know the rest of this big family this week, finding my bearings, and putting my experience to good use.”
Aike Visbeek (Performance Manager): “With Franky Van Haesebroucke, we welcome to our team a Belgian sports director who brings his rich international experience behind the wheel. He strengthens our Performance Team, both organizationally and sports-wise. With the Bolton Equities Black Spoke team, Franky demonstrated that he could lead his riders, from diverse backgrounds, to remarkable results against the best teams in the peloton. A working method and development strategy that perfectly align with our philosophy. We are therefore happy to welcome him before a baptism of fire this Belgian opening weekend at Omloop Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.”
Franky Van Haesebroucke and Aike Visbeek:
Sep Vanmarcke Discusses Race Safely with the UCI
After several recent incidents, the discussion on safety in cycle racing is once again on the table. Former cyclist Sep Vanmarcke has concrete ideas to make cycling even safer. The Belgian will soon meet with the UCI, where he will explain his thoughts.
In Sporza Daily, he explained more, although Vanmarcke also wants to emphasise that racing on public roads simply involves risks. “It is difficult to secure everything. Racing is simply a dangerous sport and we can be proud of how we approach it in our country (Belgium).”
Vanmarcke, who is a commentator and analyst, does see room for improvement. The former cyclist just does not want to point the finger too quickly. “It is too easy to always complain about the organisers from the sidelines. It is also too easy to always point the finger at the UCI.” He prefers to enter into dialogue with the UCI. “You cannot stop looking at what can be improved. And that can be done tomorrow. I can certainly list five things that can improve the problem. Next month I have a meeting with the UCI where I can discuss my ideas. I do not know if they will do anything about it, but then I will have done everything myself.”
But what are possible solutions to the safety problem according to Vanmarcke? “Farmers’ straw bails work really well if you come in contact with one. It does not always have to be spectacular with arrows and strips. It can be efficient. But you also have to look at the rider and what has changed on the bike that makes us go faster. For example, go for a decent handlebar width. Now you can go up to 36 centimetres and the riders also put their brakes inwards at least. That is super narrow. They also do that to be able to lie aerodynamically, like on a time trial bike. But it is not allowed and yet they do it. A width of 40 centimetres is more stable.” Vanmarcke also talks about a longer stem, shorter seatpost and tyres with more resistance as possible implementations.
Vanmarcke also has his doubts about the use of bike computers. “I will not make myself popular with it, but in the car you are not allowed to look at your phone while riders are constantly staring at that screen on their bike in front of them. You then look at the route on that screen, but you miss the manoeuvre of a colleague. People even fall on a climb because they look at the wattages and the screen on a climb. Only show kilometres and the time there and then there is nothing more to experience.”
Sep Vanmarcke discusses race safely:
The 2027 Grand Départ to be in Britain?
The BBC is certain that the Tour de France will return to Great Britain in 2027, 13 years after the Grand Départ was in Yorkshire. According to the BBC, ASO will make an announcement next month. The Netherlands, which was also interested, seems to miss out on the Grand Départ.
After the successful Tour de France Femmes in Rotterdam and The Hague, it was announced that Rotterdam and The Hague were also in the running for a Tour start for men in 2027. “Christian Prudhomme has informed the administrators in Rotterdam that there may be possibilities for 2027. Money has already been set aside in Rotterdam for a Tour start, but it is always the question how a new political coalition and mayor of the port city will view this,” WielerFlits reported in August 2024.
Government body, UK Sport, didn’t want to confirm the news about the British Grand Départ to the BBC, but didn’t deny the reports either. “We make no secret of the fact that we are very keen to bring the Tour de France to Great Britain to let even more people enjoy cycling and to give various cities a boost. However, communication about this will go through the ASO. We continue to work hard on the possibility of bringing the Tour to Great Britain.” It is not yet known which cities will host the Grand Départ in 2027. Behind the scenes, the first stages in Great Britain are still being mapped out. This year the Grand Départ will take place in Hauts-de-France, in 2026 it will be Barcelona’s turn.
UK to host the Tour de France in 2027?
Teams Announced for Bianche Women Elite and Sanremo Women
RCS Sport has announced the list of teams set to participate in its spring UCI Women’s World Tour races: Strade Bianche Women Elite Crédit Agricole and Sanremo Women presented by Crédit Agricole.
Strade Bianhe Women Elite Crédit Agricole (March 8) – Sanremo Women Presented by Crédit Agricole: 15 UCI Women’s WorldTeams, 4 UCI Women’s ProTeams, 5 UCI Women’s Continental Teams (24 teams of 6 riders each)
15 UCI Women’s WorldTeams
AG INSURANCE – SOUDAL TEAM
CANYON//SRAM ZONDACRYPTO
CERATIZIT PRO CYCLING TEAM
FDJ-SUEZ
FENIX-DECEUNINCK
HUMAN POWERED HEALTH
LIDL – TREK
LIV-ALULA-JAYCO
MOVISTAR TEAM
ROLAND
TEAM PICNIC POSTNL
TEAM SD WORX – PROTIME
TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE
UAE TEAM ADQ
UNO-X MOBILITY
4 UCI Women’s ProTeams
COFIDIS WOMEN TEAM
EF EDUCATION – OATLY
LABORAL KUTXA – FUNDACION EUSKADI
VOLKERWESSELS CYCLING TEAM
5 UCI Women’s Continental Teams
AROMITALIA 3T VAIANO
BEPINK – IMATRA – BONGIOANNI
ISOLMANT – PREMAC – VITTORIA
TEAM MENDELSPECK E-WORK
TOP GIRLS FASSA BORTOLO.
The woman’s Strade Bianche:
La Vuelta Femenina’25 by Carrefour.es: Teams Selection
The organisers of La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es have chosen the teams that will take part in the 3rd edition of the Spanish Grand Tour. La Vuelta Femenina 25 by Carrefour.es will start on May 4 and finish on May 10.
The following 13 WorldTeams will participate:
• AG INSURANCE – SOUDAL TEAM (BEL)
• CANYON//SRAM ZONDACRYPTO (GER)
• FDJ-SUEZ (FRA)
• FENIX-DECEUNINCK (BEL)
• HUMAN POWERED HEALTH (USA)
• LIDL – TREK (USA)
• LIV-ALULA-JAYCO (AUS)
• MOVISTAR TEAM (ESP)
• TEAM PICNIC POSTNL (NED)
• TEAM SD WORX – PROTIME (NED)
• TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE (NED)
• UAE TEAM ADQ (UAE)
• UNO-X MOBILITY (NOR).
In addition to these 13 teams, the organisers have awarded the following wildcards:
UCI ProTeams y UCI Continental Teams:
• ARKEA – B&B HOTELS WOMAN (FRA)
• COFIDIS WOMEN TEAM (FRA)
• EF EDUCATION – OATLY (USA)
• LABORAL KUTXA – FUNDACION EUSKADI (ESP)
• BEPINK – IMATRA – BONGIOANNI (ITA)
• ENEICAT-CMTEAM (ESP)
• LOTTO LADIES (BEL)
• TEAM COOP-REPSOL (NOR).
La Vuelta Femenina 25 by Carrefour.es will take place from May 4 to May 10, 2025. All the details of the route will be revealed on March 10 in Barcelona, the city that will host the official start of the race.
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