With the opening weekend of the Classics season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the first European WorldTour race of the year. The men and women will take to the cobbles on Saturday, with the action continuing at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday. The stage is set for an exciting weekend of racing, marked by unpredictable weather, the challenging terrain of Flanders, and the return of some of cycling’s biggest stars. Here’s what to keep an eye on as the 2025 Classics season kicks off.
1. Tom Pidcock’s Season Debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
While Tom Pidcock has already enjoyed an impressive 2025 with four wins, he’s yet to compete in a WorldTour race. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad will be a major test for the 25-year-old and his Q36.5 team. Although the cobbled terrain may not play perfectly to his strengths, Pidcock’s form and confidence make him a rider to watch. If he can secure a top 10 finish, it would signal that he’s ready for the spring Classics.
2. Visma-Lease a Bike’s Bid for a Historic Fourth Consecutive Victory
Visma-Lease a Bike has dominated Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in recent years, with Wout van Aert winning in 2022, Dylan van Baarle in 2023, and Jan Tratnik in 2024. Now, the team is looking to make it four in a row, an impressive feat that would further solidify their Classics pedigree. Van Aert is eager to bounce back after a crash-ridden 2024, while new signing Victor Campenaerts could also be a dark horse to watch.
3. Demi Vollering Makes Her WorldTour Return
After securing a victory at the Valenciana stage race, Demi Vollering will return to the WorldTour circuit with her new FDJ-Suez team at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Though a showdown with Lotte Kopecky is not expected just yet, Vollering could use this race to kickstart her Classics campaign with a strong result. Whether she wins or just performs well, she will undoubtedly be a key figure throughout the season.
4. The Impact of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on the Classics Season
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad may only be the first race of the weekend, but its results will have lasting implications for the rest of the spring Classics. A victory by Van Aert or Vollering would boost their status as race favorites, while unexpected performances by under-the-radar riders could signal that a new contender is emerging. The race is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for what’s to come in the weeks leading up to the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
5. The Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Showdown
On Sunday, the second race of Opening Weekend, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, will provide an opportunity for riders to redeem themselves or build on their Saturday performance. Although it’s a 1.Pro event, the race is known for its tough conditions and often ends with a solo winner or a small group sprinting for victory. It’s a perfect chance for any riders who fall short in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad to bounce back and make a statement.
Riders to Watch
Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) – 4/5: Vollering’s 2024 season was marked by consistency and several wins, though she didn’t capture a Classics title. A change of team has rejuvenated her, and with two victories already in 2025, she enters Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with confidence. This race will serve as a key test as she ramps up her Classics campaign.
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) – 5/5: Van Aert enters the season with a point to prove after a crash derailed his 2024 spring campaign. Despite a shortened cyclo-cross season, he has his sights set on a strong start at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. After a podium finish last year, the Belgian will be determined to return to victory on home soil.
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) – 4/5: Girmay made history last year with stage wins and the green jersey at the Tour de France. The Eritrean is a formidable force in the Classics, with the ability to mix it up with punchier riders in the climbs. If he finds himself in the right group, expect fireworks from the sprinter who has already proven himself at Gent-Wevelgem.
Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) – 4/5: With Lotte Kopecky absent from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Wiebes will take center stage for SD Worx. The Dutchwoman is no one-trick pony, having shown her versatility in numerous races, including a victory at Gent-Wevelgem. With the race likely to be decided in a small group, Wiebes is one of the favorites to claim victory.
Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic PostNL) – 3/5: Georgi was one of the standout performers of last year’s Paris-Roubaix Femmes, and she’s capable of making her presence felt in any tough Classic. The British champion enters Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with a chance to showcase her potential on the cobbled roads.
Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) – 3/5: While Omloop Het Nieuwsblad may not provide the ideal terrain for Pidcock, the cross-discipline star could still make an impact in the right breakaway. The 25-year-old has the speed and tactical acumen to surprise in the final stages, especially if he gets into a select group of riders.
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