Mathieu van der Poel RETURNS To Face Wout van Aert and Pidcock | Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026 PREVIEW

Описание: The cobbled classics return with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026, and this year the storyline writes itself. Mathieu van der Poel is back on Belgian soil to open his campaign against Wout van Aert, with Tom Pidcock adding another layer of intrigue to what already feels like a monumental early-season showdown.

This preview show dives deep into what we can expect from the first major cobbled test of the year. We examine van der Poel’s return and what his previous early-season performances tell us about his likely condition. We analyse van Aert’s preparation and whether he can finally seize early momentum on home roads. We also explore Pidcock’s tactical possibilities and whether his explosiveness can disrupt the established hierarchy on the Flemish bergs.

Beyond the headline trio, we break down the key climbs that traditionally decide Omloop, including the Molenberg, Leberg, Berendries and the iconic Kapelmuur. We look at potential race scenarios, from long-range solo moves to reduced group sprints, and identify the dark horses who could take advantage if the favourites hesitate.

Omloop is never straightforward. It is February racing at its most unpredictable, where positioning, weather and timing can define the outcome as much as raw strength. But when van der Poel and van Aert line up together, the tension rises immediately, and history suggests we rarely get a quiet race.

The cobbled season begins here, and this could be the first decisive chapter in the 2026 classics rivalry.

Follow us @thecyclingdane
YouTube:    / thecyclingdane  
Instagram:   / thecyclingdane​  
Facebook:   / thecyclingdane8​  
Twitter:   / thecyclingdane  
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/01cFTZu...

Our new merchandise webshop:
https://teespring.com/en-GB/stores/th...

You can contact us:
thecyclingdane(at)email.com