28.02.2025
The cobbles await. The heart of cycling beats again in Belgium.
This weekend, Tudor Pro Cycling lines up for the much-anticipated Opening Weekend, marking the start of their Classics campaign. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne will set the stage for a thrilling season of grit, strategy, and raw power.
Months of preparation for the Classics specialists will turn into racing reality on Saturday. For Sports Director Bart Leysen, it is good to get the Classics underway: “It is a special part of the season. We have a strong team here. It will be all about being part of the right and decisive move. Then, we have several cards to play.”
Matteo Trentin, regular of the Belgian Classics can’t wait: “The Opening weekend is special. There is always tension in the air. We know that the body and the nerves will be put to the test. My preparation went well, I am healthy and ready for it.”
Newer to the game, Rick Pluimers is also excited: “After a good start in Oman, I’m feeling confident for the next races. The shape is here, and I hope I can show it on the road. It’s going to be my first Omloop Het Nieuwsblad so it’s hard to say exactly what to expect. But I love this kind of racing, in the end these are the races that make cycling beautiful.”
After three weeks of high-altitude training in Tenerife, Marius Mayrhofer was excited to arrive in Belgium, the Classics being one of his main goals for the season: "I feel good, legs seem to be good. We have an experienced team here and I hope I can play an active role in the finals of the races."
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, held on Saturday, will see the riders tackle over 200 kilometers of classic Flemish terrain, including legendary climbs like the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg. The following day, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne offers a different challenge—fast, aggressive racing with a flatter profile but no shortage of action.
Belgium, we’re ready. Let the Classics season begin.
Line-Up Omloop Het Nieuwsblad:
Robin Froidevaux (SUI)
Marco Haller (AUT)
Petr Kelemen (CZE)
Fabian Lienhard (SUI)
Marius Mayrhofer (GER)
Rick Pluimers (NED)
Matteo Trentin (ITA)
Line-Up Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne:
Robin Froidevaux (SUI)
Petr Kelemen (CZE)
Alex Krieger (GER)
Fabian Lienhard (SUI)
Marius Mayrhofer (GER)
Rick Pluimers (NED)
Matteo Trentin (ITA)