OFFICIAL: Wout van Aert returns from injury as Visma confirm Opening Weekend line-ups

The wait is over. Team Visma | Lease a Bike have confirmed their line-ups for Opening Weekend, and the headline is clear: Wout van Aert will make his 2026 road debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

After weeks of rehabilitation, altitude work and cautious updates following ankle surgery, Van Aert is officially back in race mode. The Belgian will lead Visma’s charge in the first cobbled test of the spring, marking his long-awaited return to competition.

For Omloop on February 28, Visma have selected:

The most eye-catching combination is Van Aert lining up alongside rising British talent Matthew Brennan. The teenager continues his rapid ascent within the squad and now finds himself part of a heavyweight Classics unit on one of the most demanding days of the early season.

For Van Aert, this is more than just a season opener. After fracturing his ankle during the cyclocross winter and undergoing surgery, his road build-up has been carefully managed. He trained on rollers during poor weather at altitude and only recently reported that he was back riding close to normally. Omloop will now provide the first real measure of where he stands.

Laporte’s inclusion adds proven cobbled strength, while Affini and Hagenes offer depth and control for what is traditionally one of the most selective editions of the race calendar.

Visma have opted not to run Van Aert at Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne on March 1.

Instead, the Kuurne line-up features:

That decision underlines a measured approach to Van Aert’s comeback. Rather than doubling up across the weekend, Visma appear to be prioritising a controlled return ahead of a packed spring schedule that includes Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo and the Monuments to follow.

Laporte is set to lead in Kuurne, a race profile that traditionally favours fast finishers capable of surviving the early cobbled pressure.

The confirmation of Van Aert’s participation instantly raises the stakes for Opening Weekend. After months dominated by rehabilitation updates and speculation over his fitness, the Belgian now moves back into the centre of the Classics narrative.

Pairing him with Brennan adds intrigue. The established star and the emerging prospect will share leadership responsibilities within one of the strongest squads on the start list.

For Visma, the message is clear. Their spring campaign begins with intent, structure and depth. For Van Aert, Omloop will mark the first step in what he hopes is a return to Monument contention after an injury-disrupted period.

Opening Weekend just became significantly more interesting.