Mathieu van der Poel confirms Omloop Het Nieuwsblad start; here’s his spring programme

The Belgian team said Van der Poel waited until he had completed his first training block after the cyclocross World Championships before making a final call on his road return. In a post on X. Alpecin–Premier Tech explained that he now “feels race-ready” and will take the start in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

That means Van der Poel will make his debut in the Belgian opener, traditionally the first big Classic of the European season.

Alongside the Omloop confirmation, Alpecin–Premier Tech also outlined Van der Poel’s broader spring campaign — which the team says is largely similar to last season.

In short: Tirreno–Adriatico will serve as preparation for Milano–Sanremo, the first Monument of the year. After La Primavera, Van der Poel is scheduled for E3 Saxo Classic, then In Flanders Fields – from Middelkerke to Wevelgem (the race better known as Gent–Wevelgem), before the Monuments Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix.

Last spring, Van der Poel made a late addition by starting his season at Le Samyn on 4 March 2025 — and won immediately from a reduced-group sprint.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad