Lorena Wiebes hopes for confirmation of good form in opening classic

Lorena Wiebes hopes for confirmation of good form in opening classic

‘Omloop het Nieuwsblad is high on my list’

26/02/2025

Lorena Wiebes started the new season like a rocket. The European champion convincingly won the three bunch sprints in UAE Tour. This year, the European champion hopes to win another classic. ‘The spring campaign is a bit different from the UAE Tour, though. So those victories in the sprints don't mean that I will also win the Omloop het Nieuwsblad just like that. But I was third and second before, so I hope I can take the top step this time.’

Linked race Omloop Het Nieuwsblad - Linked cyclists Lorena Wiebes

Lorena Wiebes: ‘The Omloop het Nieuwsblad is always an exciting race. This feels like the real start of the season. But it is nice to ride those earlier races, as they're ideal to gain race rhythm. It always remains to be seen how you will perform in the Omloop. I see on training that I have made steps forward, but only in the opening classic you know how that compares to the others and how exactly your form is.’

‘This race suits me. I came third in 2022 and second the year after. Last year I didn't have my best day. After the Muur I tried to ride back to the front, but I was caught between both groups. So it is important to survive the Muur in the leading group. You have to be sharp before the Molenberg. They are indicating relatively little wind for Saturday for now. That can be an advantage, but equally a disadvantage. It depends on the course of the race.’

‘We come to the start with a different team compared to previous seasons. Of course, with Lotte Kopecky at the start you have a bit more security, but this is still a very strong team. With Femke Markus, Elena Cecchini and Barbara Guarischi in support, we have three riders who are super at positioning. I expect Mischa Bredewold and Marta Lach to last a long time in the final. Judging from the training camp, we will have a lot to offer each other. Marta strikes me as someone who never gives up and, as a puncher type, is made for the classic spring. Hopefully we can play our cards right in the final.’

‘Personally, I obviously hope to add the Omloop to my palmares. But with my former teammates Demi Vollering and Marlen Reusser, the competition is not minus. Lidl-Trek also has a strong team at the start. I see Elisa Balsamo going for a long time. Kasia Niewiadoma and Puck Pieterse are also among the favourites. It would be nice to beat them and win the Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Then I immediately tick off one of my goals this season. I would like to win a classic. I would also like to experience in the race itself that I made another step forward. And it would be nice to become Dutch champion again in Ede. But first spring, starting with Omloop het Nieuwsblad and next Saturday's Strade Bianche.’

Back to overview | prochain | next

Read also

Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×