The cycling season is finally back, bringing an incredible atmosphere along the race route. Fans will gather in large numbers for the team presentation at ’t Kuipke, where cycling enthusiasts can see their favorite riders in their new team colors for the first time. The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is widely regarded as the true season opener, and on Saturday, March 1, 2025, this iconic race will once again take place. For the first time that year, the riders will thunder across the infamous Flemish cobblestones and climbs. Cycling-Classics.com presents a detailed preview of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025, including all the details on the racecourse and the favorites!
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
When is Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025?
The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 will take place on Saturday, March 1, officially marking the start of the Spring Classics. Traditionally, the opening weekend concludes the next day with Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2025. After the Omloop, the season continues a week later with Strade Bianche on March 8, followed by the first Monument of the season, Milan-San Remo, on March 22.
Preview: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
The Omloop. The long-awaited first Spring Classic after a winter without racing. As the season’s first major classic, this race carries great significance and a unique symbolism. Formerly known as Omloop Het Volk, it usually takes place on the last Saturday of February or the first Saturday of March, depending on the calendar. The weather conditions vary from pleasant spring sunshine to bitter cold, making the race even more legendary.
While Dutch fans are still mourning the canceled Elfstedentocht, Flemish cycling fans have been eagerly looking forward to the start of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 for weeks. It’s finally time for racing again, and the Flemish cobbles and climbs will take center stage.
Last Year: Jan Tratnik’s Heroic Victory for Visma | Lease A Bike
The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2024 delivered a thrilling finale, where a breakaway full of favorites was caught, leading to a sprint-a-deux between Jan Tratnik and Nils Politt. The Slovenian could hardly believe his victory, admitting he hadn’t expected to win since he was riding in a supporting role.
Despite a strong early breakaway controlling the race for much of the day, the peloton reeled them back in, and Tratnik launched a decisive attack alongside Politt. He later described the victory as the biggest of his career, despite doubts about his sprinting ability. Visma | Lease A Bike thus opened the Spring Classics season with a statement win, with Wout van Aert rounding out the podium in third.
Favorites for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
Once known as Omloop Het Volk, this race has always held a special place in the heart of Flemish cycling. In the first 50 editions, only six non-Belgians claimed victory, emphasizing the dominance of Flemish riders.
Legendary winners include Jan Bogaerts, who won the first edition in 1945 after fueling up with egg yolks and cognac, and Roger De Vlaeminck, who won in 1969 on his professional debut. Other icons like Eddy Merckx and Peter Van Petegem have also etched their names into the history of this race.
However, in the last 15 years, the Omloop has become increasingly international. Only five Belgian riders have won during this period, including Sep Vanmarcke (2012) and Greg Van Avermaet, who took back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2017. The last Belgian winner was Wout van Aert in 2022, while Dylan van Baarle’s 2023 victory made him the first Dutch winner in decades.
Classic Moment: Ian Stannard vs. Quick-Step in 2015
Ian Stannard pulled off one of the most sensational victories in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad history, defeating three Etixx-Quick-Step riders in a four-man breakaway. This was his second consecutive win in the Flemish classic, with Niki Terpstra and Tom Boonen completing the podium.
An early seven-man break, including Dutchman Albert Timmer, was reeled in 45 km from the finish. Sep Vanmarcke suffered two flat tires, ruining his chances. In the final, Boonen and Terpstra launched multiple attacks, but Stannard countered everything and won the sprint against Terpstra.
Route: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025, the traditional opening Classic of the Flemish cycling season, once again promises a challenging course featuring a mix of cobblestones, steep climbs, and narrow roads that will test the peloton.
The race starts as usual in Ghent and finishes in Ninove, with riders tackling a series of iconic climbs in the Flemish Ardennes.
Key Sections of the Race
- The early sections feature a few cobbled sectors and climbs, such as the Leberg, Valkenberg, and Eikenberg, which begin to shape the race.
- As the kilometers pass, the terrain gets rougher and positioning becomes critical.
- The final 40 km mark the true battle:
- Molenberg: A decisive point where the race often splits.
- Haaghoek & Leberg: A brutal combination just before the final selection.
- Berendries: A short but steep climb that can shake things up.
- Muur van Geraardsbergen: The legendary climb where the strongest riders must make their move.
- Bosberg: The last major climb before the final run-in.
After cresting the Bosberg, riders face a flat run to Ninove. A solo rider with a gap can stay away, but a select chasing group may still come together for a final sprint.
This iconic course, combining the Muur, the Bosberg, and the challenging Flemish cobbles, ensures that only the strongest Classics specialists will prevail.
Favorites for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
Predicting the winner of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 is always a challenge, given the unpredictable nature of the season opener. However, Cycling-Classics.com will once again present a detailed overview of the favorites and dark horses.
After early-season preparation races such as the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana, Étoile de Bessèges, and Volta ao Algarve, we will analyze the top contenders for the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025.
Expect our full analysis of the favorites in the week leading up to the race!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 1, 2025—the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad promises another spectacular start to the Spring Classics season!