Ghent, Belgium – As the women’s elite Omloop Het Nieuwsblad unfolds, riders are pushing their limits in the 137.9km race featuring eight challenging climbs and six cobbled sectors. The race, now in its 20th edition, has attracted a roster of top talent, including favorites like 2024 Tour de France Femmes champion Kasia Niewiadoma, Demi Vollering from FDJ – SUEZ, Lorena Wiebes from SD Worx-ProTime, Marlen Reusser of Movistar, and Puck Pieterse representing Fenix-Deceuninck.
One of the prominent pre-race favorites, Kasia Niewiadoma, who took the yellow jersey in 2024 after winning the La Fléche Wallonne, is seeking victory in this prestigious Belgian Classic. With a strong team backing her up, the 30-year-old Polish rider aims to capitalize on her stellar performance last year and secure another triumph.
The race has witnessed a breakaway of five riders, including Elena Pirrone, Lotte Claes, Aurela Nerlo, Julie Stockman, and Mieke Docx, who have gained a significant lead ahead of the peloton. With the gap expanding to over 12 minutes at one point, it seems like a daunting task for the chasing teams to catch up.
Meanwhile, notable riders like Demi Vollering and Lorena Wiebes are also in contention for the win. Vollering, now leading her new team FDJ SUEZ, is aiming to secure her first Omloop victory with the assistance of a strong team, including Elise Chabbey.
Despite occasional difficulties in obtaining race updates due to technical issues with the race radio, the latest reports suggest a nine-minute gap to the breakaway group. The excitement mounts as the riders approach the Edelareberg climb and other challenging sections along the route.
As the race progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the performance of these elite riders as they navigate the demanding course in Ghent. With unpredictable twists and turns ahead, the women’s elite Omloop Het Nieuwsblad promises thrilling moments and fierce competition among the top contenders vying for victory in this prestigious event.