Men Elite race info
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Official Fan Guide
Looking for all the practical information about the opening classic? Download our free Official Fan Guide below. In this guide, you can consult the timetable and roadmap, and you can also read all about mobility and the not-to-be-missed team presentations in ’t Kuipke. Read on quickly and be prepared for the start of your cycling spring!
Course
As tradition has it, Omloop het Nieuwsblad will once again be the first UCI WorldTour race on European soil in 2026. The Kuipke in Ghent is already preparing for a major cycling celebration at the start on Saturday, 28 February. After the Kerkgate–Jagerij duo, the Molenberg will once again open the finale. With 45 km to go, the cobbled climb in Zwalm will be followed by the third passage over the Haaghoek–Leberg duo, which traditionally plays a key role in the opening classic. The Berendries will also feature, before the race heads towards Geraardsbergen. Will the decision come on the Muur–Bosberg duo? The successor to Søren Wærenskjold will once again be crowned at the finish on Elisabethlaan in Ninove. Download the Official Fan Guide below, including the timetable and the course on street level.
Start: Emile Clauslaan in Ghent – 11:05
Finish: Elisabethlaan in Ninove – around 15:52
Distance: 207,6 km
Team presentation
The opening classic is more than just a race. Before the sporting spectacle in the Flemish Ardennes breaks loose, we turn Ghent upside down with an atmospheric team presentation in ’t Kuipke. It is one of those unique moments that the riders look forward to all winter, but also one of those mornings that you as a cycling fan would not miss for love nor money. Find out below how you can join or click through to the Proximus livestream!
The doors of ’t Kuipke will be wide open again this year. You do not need a ticket to attend the team presentation and the spectacle in this cycling temple par excellence. Come and cheer on your favourite and enjoy the unique atmosphere at the start of the new cycling season. Linde Merckpoel and Max Vrijens will be there. After the Men Elite team presentation, you can also enjoy the presentation of the Women Elite!
Practical information
- 8:30 | Doors open
- 9:00 | Start DJ
- 9:20 | Start team presentation men
- 11:05 | Start men's race
- 11:15 | Flanders Classics puts on a treat
- 11:30 | Presentation She Plays Gent
- 12:00 | Start team presentation women
- 13:35 | Start women's race
Can’t make it to ’t Kuipke? No problem. Thanks to our partner Proximus, you won’t have to miss a single second of the spectacle from home either. Click below to go to their livestream on Pickx.be and experience the opening of the cycling season!
Before the starting shots echo on the Emile Clauslaan, we invite the teams, both men’s and women’s, onto the podium one by one during an atmospheric team presentation. From 11:15 to 12:15, following the men’s start and before the women’s team presentation, cycling fans can once again enjoy a happy hour at ’t Kuipke, just like last year.
She Plays Gent is a collaboration between 9 women’s clubs in Ghent from different sports, with one goal: connecting women through sport. They aim to give women and girls the opportunity to play sports in Ghent and develop to the very highest level.
Before the women's team presentation begins, we invite them onto the podium at 11:30 for a short introduction.
Participants
Who will succeed Søren Wærenskjold? Soon you'll discover the start list for Omloop het Nieuwsblad 2026 below.
Broadcasters
Can you not be present on Saturday, February 28th? No worries! Below, you will find an overview of the broadcasters on which you can follow the opening classic!
- BEL - VRT & RTL
- USA - FloBikes
- DEN - TV2
This list will be expanded in the run-up to the race.
Soren Waerenskjold
2.
Paul Magnier
3.
Jasper Philipsen
4.
Brent Van Moer
5.
Samuel Watson
6.
Lukas Kubis
7.
Piet Allegaert
8.
Vincenzo Albanese
9.
Marijn van den Berg
10.
Lewis Askey
Results 2025
Søren Wærenskjold sprinted to his first WorldTour victory on the Elisabethlaan in Ninove. He was faster than Paul Magnier and Jasper Philipsen.
Experience Omloop het Nieuwsblad as a VIP
Discover what we have in store to combine enjoyment and networking during Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Read on and discover our VIP formulas. Ready for an unforgettable experience in the middle of the race?
Become a partner
Ready to set the pace with us? Please do not hesitate to contact us or to download the partner brochure via the buttons below and discover all our business possibilities for establishing a sustainable partnership. Does your company share our vision and core values and would you like to know more about opportunities to work together? We will gladly make time for an exploratory discussion and we thank you in advance for your interest in Flanders Classics or one of our events.
Your start to the cycling season
It is not only the pros who are looking forward to the opening weekend. Join us at Omloop Nieuwsblad Cyclo and test your legs for the first time on the cobblestones of the Haaghoek in combination with the Leberg or give your all on the duo Muur van Geraardsbergen-Bosberg. Will you be there on Sunday 1 March?
