"Mathieu is a rider who prefers not to have us finish with forty men" - Tim Wellens and UAE may have in van der Poel an ally for Omloop het Nieuwsblad

Mathieu van der Poel is the biggest wildcard ahead of Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Whilst ordinarily the Dutchman is the man to beat in the cobbled classics, the first classic of the year is not overly difficult and is also his first race day of the season. However, you never know what to expect from the former road World Champion, and an aggressive stance would be highly favourable for UAE Team Emirates - XRG tactics for the Opening Weekend.

The Belgian team is starting with Juan Sebastián Molano, but the Colombian does not provide enough security for a top result in neither of the Belgian one-day races. Rather, the team will put its emphasis on attacking tactics, having Tim Wellens as the man who can make the difference uphill; Whilst Florian Vermeersch and Nils Politt are experienced classics riders and rouleurs who can carry out long-range attacks.

Hence, UAE need to attack Omloop het Nieuwbslad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne if they want to be within a realistic shot to take a big win this weekend in Belgium. In that scenario, Tim Wellens believes that the team may have an unlikely ally.

"Mathieu is a rider who prefers not to have us finish with forty men. That also applies to our team. On the other hand, Van der Poel's presence also means that my chances of winning are diminishing," Wellens said in words to Sporza ahead of the race.

It is a difficult situation to manage for the Belgian national champion, but ultimately without the presence of the specialists; the likes of Arnaud de Lie, Paul Magnier and Matthew Brennan will ultimately have the best chances of succeeding in terrain that favours them.

However, the veteran is starting the 2026 season perhaps stronger than ever, having had great indications from his recent training and racing data, which hint that his wattage over long efforts may be at the highest its ever been.

"My times there were already incredibly good. My best times ever over sixty minutes, in fact," he reveals. Most likely, this has been achieved at the Clasica Jaen Paraiso Interior, where he took an impressive solo victory after an attack with 60 kilometers to go.

"I feel my engine is getting stronger every year. Those are the training sessions that pay off. Although that doesn't automatically translate into victories".