“This is a tough race, maybe not the one that suits me the best" - Jasper Philipsen tempers expectations ahead of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025

Jasper Philipsen has been proving himself as more than just an out-and-out sprinter over recent years, developing a real reputation as a threat in the Classics. As Opening Weekend kicks off the Spring of 2025 at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad however, the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader is unsure he'll be able to get an immediate victory.

“This is a nice race, but it’s also tough, so maybe not the one that suits me the best," he admits in a pre-race interview. “For sure, with the headwind towards Ninove there could be some opportunities today. We’ll see how the legs are, how the team will go in the race. We’ll try to be in front and be aggressive, but we’ll also see how strong the other teams are.”

Philipsen is still waiting for a first win in 2025, having fallen just short in the sprints of the recent UAE Tour. Given the season is still young though, the Belgian doesn't seem too concerned. “I'm not particularly nervous even if we haven't won yet. There were some good opportunities at the UAE Tour, but we couldn't win there," he assesses honestly. "But the season has just started and the feeling is good, I've had a very good preparation and so sooner or later the results will come."