"Do not underestimate Nathan Van Hooydonck's absence" - Jose De Cauwer sees potential stumbling block for Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Classics hopes

The Classics season starts in earnest this weekend at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne. As with any race they take part in, Team Visma | Lease a Bike are expected to be right in the mix for the win.

Previewing the upcoming weekend for Sporza however, Jose De Cauwer can see one thing in particular that might hold back the all-conquering team. "They have the better riders, but there is a mark on the bodywork due to the loss of Nathan Van Hooydonck," he explains. "He knows these races so well and is at home here. Do not underestimate his absence, although the team is wide enough to accommodate that."

"There are of course still teams, but Visma-Lease a Bike seems better equipped to me," De Cauwer continues, and with the team able to boast the likes of Wout van Aert, Dylan van Baarle and Christophe Laporte among others. "Let's say that they hold the key for 75 percent. They will determine what happens."

In terms of other contenders, Jasper Philipsen is a notable name although with it being his first race of the season, the form of the Belgian is uncertain. "To be 100 percent as early as Saturday, that really shouldn't be expected, because then it will be over a month of waiting for what is still to come," De Cauwer explains. "It wouldn't be wise. Being good, yes, but where do you come out against guys like van Aert who have already raced? That will be a problem then, I think."

Although one man who won't be present is Mads Pedersen. "As Flemish people, we think that everyone will ride the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. That makes sense to us, but that time is long gone," laments De Cauwer. "All the good riders together in the same race, that will only happen a few times a year."

"The major races are almost all won by the same riders. In those teams, the opportunities are limited for the riders who are just below the leaders. If someone like Mads Pedersen is missing, it is up to the others to score," concludes De Cauwer.