"I have to take what I can, because the opportunities are limited": Jasper Philipsen to strike from Van der Poel's shadow

The 2026 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is expected to be completely in control of Alpecin-Premier Tech this Saturday. With two biggest favourites at the starting line, the Belgian team will be looking to ensure its first victory at the Belgian Classic. Either through their superstar Mathieu van der Poel, or their sprinter Jasper Philipsen. The latter already has history with the race, including a podium result in 2025. However this year's course, alongside weather forecast, will not favor a bunch finish. That plays perfectly into Van der Poel's hands!

"For classic cyclists whose hearts beat for quintessential Flemish races: incredibly important," Philipsen told HLN when asked about the importance of Opening Weekend. "The Omloop and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne are, in that respect, the first major and important events of the year."

The winner of 2024 Milano-Sanremo is yet to win a major cobbled classic in his career. And after two runner-up results at the Paris-Roubaix, a victory would be a dream come true for Philipsen:

"If I had the choice, it would be easy, of course. Of all the classics, Paris-Roubaix is 'The Holy Grail,'" Philipsen confirmed the goal in his mind. At the same time, it won't be an easy achievement to collect with Tadej Pogacar and Van der Poel around. Thus, Omloop win would already make for a great spring for the Belgian: "But I think I just have to take what I can, because the opportunities are limited in the spring anyway. So I'll be very happy if I win the Omloop on Saturday."

Race forecast predicts a windy day in Belgium with a chance of echelons before the peloton even reaches Gavere - the halfway point of the race. And if the race indeed develops in this direction, sprinters like Philipsen will have to play their cards perfectly to stand a chance against the numerous attacks. Including those that are inevitably to come from eight-time Monument winner Mathieu van der Poel.

"The weather conditions will play a major role in that. And how we'll approach it internally, right? We'll see," Philipsen provided his prediction of what will be the key aspects of the race on Saturday.

However a lot can happen on the road: "An offensive race, a sprint... I think we're well prepared and should be able to compete for victory in several possible scenarios."

Is being a teammate of Mathieu van der Poel on advantage as Philipsen can hide a bit in the Dutchman's shadow, or are those shackles that restrict his own options during the race? Philipsen leans towards the former, although his strategy for the race doesn't change much due to Van der Poel's presence:

"For me personally: not much. Because, in a sense, I can also benefit from it," said Philipsen. "Especially in terms of group dynamics, it's different and better. Without him, we might have raced with a more open mind. Now we're collectively stronger, we're starting with a clearer plan. And above all: with a clear leader."