"The main thing is to understand each other during the race" - Yves Lampaert will give everything for Magnier, but acknowledges that the favourite is Mathieu van der Poel

Yves Lampaert began his 2026 season at the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana and the Volta ao Algarve, marking his 10th year in the jersey of Soudal - Quick-Step.

With the Opening Weekend of the Spring Classics approaching, Lampaert is ready to work in support of Paul Magnier, who finished second at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in 2025. The team will tackle the Classics without Tim Merlier, who is recovering from a knee injury and will not return to competition in the coming weeks, as already confirmed by his general manager, Jurgen Foré.

Speaking to Domestique, Lampaert outlined his expectations for Saturday’s race. “Jasper was a bit ill, but he will also be there. The three of us form a strong unit, and behind that there are several riders who need to be ready for the final. The main thing is to understand each other during the race.”

The Belgian emphasised that his team will fight for a prestigious result, although he acknowledges that the main favourite for the opening Classic is Mathieu van der Poel. Lampaert, now 34, recalled the moment the group learned of the Dutchman’s participation while reconnoitring the Omloop course.

“It’s no surprise. Everyone more or less expected it, and with him here we know who the big favourite is. The question is how eager he will be to raise the pace. Alpecin-Deceuninck also have Jasper Philipsen for the sprint, so it could go either way for them,” he analysed.

For sports director Tom Steels, course reconnaissance is another step forward in preparation. “The memories and adrenaline come back automatically when you climb the hills, and a lot of experience is passed on to riders like Paul Magnier. More is said during a recon like this than most people imagine.”

Meanwhile, Iljo Keisse, sports director at Soudal–Quick-Step, rated the chances of a bunch sprint in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne as “fifty-fifty”. He also highlighted the strong possibility of crosswinds along the route, a scenario that could split the peloton.

“There will be wind that can cause selection,” Keisse said. “We will try to be in the final with Paul, who will have a strong team to support him there.”

After finishing second during the Opening Weekend of 2025, the question remains whether the Belgian squad can go one step further this year. The answer will come on the road, across cobbles, Flemish hills and potentially decisive crosswinds.

Soudal–Quick-Step for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Paul Magnier, Jasper Stuyven, Dylan van Baarle, Yves Lampaert, Casper Pedersen, Pepijn Reinderink and Dries Van Gestel.

Soudal–Quick-Step for Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne: Paul Magnier, Jasper Stuyven, Dylan van Baarle, Laurenz Rex, Bert Van Lerberghe, Cerial Desal and Jonathan Vervenne.