The Grand Return: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
On Saturday, March 1, the world’s most elite cyclists will descend upon the picturesque streets of Flanders for the 77th edition of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, a race that has captivated cycling enthusiasts since 1945. This cobbled classic, known for its grueling route and historic significance, will see more than 400 cyclists competing in both the men’s and women’s categories. The men’s race will cover nearly 200 kilometers, starting from Gent and finishing in Ninove, while the women’s race, also beginning and ending in the same cities, will span approximately 135 kilometers. This year’s event is particularly noteworthy as it marks the beginning of the cobbled classic season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting series of races.
The Favourites: Who Will Triumph?
The omloop, with its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, always brings a mix of excitement and suspense. For the women’s race, Demi Vollering, a strong and versatile cyclist from the Netherlands, is widely considered the favourite. Her recent performances in similar conditions have shown her resilience and skill, making her a formidable contender. In the men’s category, the eyes will be on Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock. Van Aert, a Belgian powerhouse known for his all-around ability, has a history of excelling in these types of races. Pidcock, a British rider with a reputation for his explosive power, will also be a major threat. Both have the potential to dominate the field and add another prestigious victory to their impressive resumes.
Where to Watch: Streaming Options
While the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 will not be broadcast on traditional TV channels in the United States and Canada, fans can still catch all the action through FloBikes. FloBikes, a leading streaming platform for cycling events, will provide live coverage of both the men’s and women’s races. The men’s Elite Race will start at 7:40 a.m. Eastern Time, and the women’s Elite Race will kick off at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Subscribing to FloBikes ensures that you won’t miss any of the thrilling moments, from the grueling cobblestones to the nail-biting finishes.
Prize Money and Rewards
The financial incentives for the racers are substantial, with a total prize money of €40,000 available for both the men’s and women’s races. The winners in each category will take home a generous sum of €16,000, while the second and third-place finishers will receive €8,000 and €4,000, respectively. This prize structure reflects the growing importance and recognition of women’s cycling, ensuring that both genders are equally rewarded for their outstanding performances. The financial rewards, combined with the prestige of the event, make the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad a must-win for any professional cyclist.
The Challenging Route: A Test of Skill and Endurance
The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is renowned for its demanding route, which tests the limits of even the most seasoned cyclists. The men’s race will cover 197 kilometers (122.41 miles) and feature 11 climbs and eight sections of cobblestone roads. These cobbled sections, often uneven and rough, can be particularly tricky and can quickly separate the strong from the weak. The women’s race, though shorter at 137.9 kilometers (85.69 miles), is no less challenging, with eight climbs and six stretches of cobbled streets. Both races will start near Gent’s Kuipke velodrome and finish in Ninove, taking the cyclists through some of the most scenic and historic parts of Flanders.
Weather Forecast and Past Winners
The weather forecast for the race day is relatively mild, with temperatures expected to hover in the low 40s Fahrenheit and a slight chance of rain. This weather, while not ideal, is typical for early March in Belgium and should not significantly impact the race’s outcome. Looking back at recent history, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad has seen a diverse array of winners. In the men’s category, the past five years have been dominated by riders from Slovenia, the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium. Jan Tratnik of Slovenia won in 2024, Dylan van Baarle from the Netherlands triumphed in 2023, and Wout van Aert secured victory in 2022. On the women’s side, Marianne Vos from the Netherlands claimed the top spot in 2024, while Belgian Lotte Kopecky took the win in 2023. Annemiek van Vleuten, another Dutch cyclist, has been a consistent performer, winning in 2022 and 2020. These past winners set a high bar for this year’s contenders, and the 2025 race is sure to deliver more thrilling moments and memorable performances.
