From 11 am, all previews can be classified: the legs of the riders will then speak during the 77th Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. But for one last round, we knocked on the door of our cycling jury. These are their stars for the Omloop.
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In just about every race where he will be at the start, Wout van Aert be the top favorite this spring. Even though he hasn’t competed yet this season, his name was blindly filled in at the top of the list.
He may be somewhat surprisingly joined by it Tom Pidcock† 4 weeks ago he was still the best motocross rider in Fayetteville, his (r)entry into the Algarve went somewhat without a hitch. How much fanfare will he make between Ghent and Ninove?
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The earlier the star parade is held in the season, the greater the chance that Tim Wellens prominently featured on the poster. But due to stomach problems, one of the shadow favorites has to draw a line through perhaps the only Flemish classic of his spring. He won’t start this morning.
In addition to Wout van Aert, Jasper Stuyven for a run-up to Tenerife and therefore chosen without race days. The winner of 2020 only set foot on Belgian soil on Thursday afternoon. He left the reconnaissance to his father, who dusted the course with his motorcycle and a camera.
The eternal Quick Step block does not seem to have a forward leader yet, but according to our jury, Yves Lampaert the biggest contender. The 2020 runner-up may well smell his chance – despite the usual sinusitis.
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At Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl they try to use their breadth again. Kasper Asgreen shifts from a favorite role after a corona infection, but our jury does not fall for that. Florian Senechal is then tipped off by many colleagues in the peloton.
Another one who opts for an atypical approach: too Sonny Colbrelli hasn’t raced yet. Everything he touched in 2021 turned to gold. Will 2022 be a blueprint?
You can take poison that his compatriot Matteo Trentin will be noted in the match story, but will it finally happen at the moment of truth?
Leaders Greg Van Avermaet and Oliver Naesen were not nominated, but AG2R-Citroën is not left empty-handed. Stan Dewulf jumps into the hole after impressing in the Ruta del Sol.