Startlist Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026 | Riders: Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, Tim Wellens, Matthew Brennan, Soren Waerenskjold

The Opening Weekend of the European spring once again begins with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and while nothing is final just yet, the preliminary startlist for the 2026 edition already hints at a deep and intriguing race in waiting.

Traditionally the first real collision of the Classics specialists each year, Omloop has increasingly rewarded strength and initiative rather than patience alone, a trend that looks set to continue given both the route profile and the calibre of riders provisionally entered.

Omloop’s recent editions underline how selective the race has become. Wout van Aert powered to victory in 2022, Dylan van Baarle won from a reduced group in 2023, and Jan Tratnik prevailed with a late attack in 2024.

Last season, Soren Waerenskjold sprinted to victory after surviving a hard, attritional race, reinforcing Omloop’s dual nature. It can still end fast, but only for riders who have already endured the climbs and cobbles.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike look set to anchor the race around Wout van Aert, with young power rider Matthew Brennan also named in the squad, adding another dimension to their options if the race fragments late.

At Decathlon CMA CGM Team, Tiesj Benoot stands out as a natural Omloop rider. Few are as reliable on this terrain, particularly when the race turns into a battle of attrition rather than a single decisive move.

Uno X Mobility’s line-up again features defending champion Soren Waerenskjold, whose presence alone forces teams to think carefully about allowing any sizeable group to reach the finish intact.

There is also significant interest around Tom Pidcock, listed for Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. Omloop has not always played to his strengths in the past, but a harder finale could suit his ability to attack repeatedly on steep ramps.

INEOS Grenadiers’ squad includes Ben Turner, a rider whose aggressive style and Classics background make him a logical candidate for early moves if the race opens up sooner than expected.

Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates - XRG appear ready to animate the race with both Tim Wellens and Florian Vermeersch named on the preliminary list, giving them proven options for both long-range pressure and late race disruption