Visma’s lineup to help Wout van Aert win Middlekerke-Wevelgem 2026

The Team Visma - Lease a Bike heads into another key appointment at the heart of the Flemish Classics determined to shape the race. The arrival of In Flanders Fields - From Middelkerke to Wevelgem finds the Dutch squad ambitious and equipped for multiple scenarios.

In full spring momentum, the team directed from the car by Maarten Wynants faces a race defined by uncertainty… and by opportunity.

The Classic, now in its 88th edition, lays out a 240-kilometre route from Middelkerke to Wevelgem. After a benign opening, the passage through De Moeren is often the first flashpoint with the wind, before the race stiffens as it heads into the climbs.

That is where the key difficulties bite, with a succession of short ascents and a double passage of the Kemmelberg that usually forces splits.

Visma fields a robust unit led by two standout names: Wout van Aert and Christophe Laporte, both recent winners of the race and clear reference points within the team.

Alongside them, the line-up is completed by Edoardo Affini, Matthew Brennan, Tim Rex, Timo Kielich and Owain Doull, shaping a group that balances experience with tactical options.

Sports director Maarten Wynants set out the team’s approach on the eve of the start.

“We have a strong team with riders who can fight for the win. With Wout and Christophe, we have two former champions on the start line who can lean on their experience.”

He also underlined the squad’s versatility, especially with a potential sprint in mind.

“We also have a big asset in Matthew Brennan if the race comes down to a sprint. We can plan for multiple scenarios, and that gives us confidence.”

Wynants stressed the open nature of the race, one of its major attractions.

“Middelkerke-Wevelgem is an unpredictable race, and that makes it even more exciting. We are motivated to fight for the victory.”

With that message, Visma - Lease a Bike lines up in Flanders with a clear goal: to contest the win again in a race they know how to master… and where they aim to make the difference once more.