Arnaud De Lie reveals first plans for 2026

Arnaud De Lie is starting the new cycling season early. In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, the Belgian reveals his first plans for 2026. "I want to compete in the major races in the spring, but I’m not targeting monuments like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix yet; it’s still too soon for that."

De Lie had a strong end to the 2025 season and plans to carry that form into 2026. The leader of the new fusion team Intermarché-Lotto is preparing for the spring with a new approach. "I have done a lot of training in Spain and have already covered the necessary kilometers—something that isn’t really possible in Belgium due to the rain and cold."

In January, the Belgian will start his season early with the GP Castellón-Ruta de la Ceramica and the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana. In February, the Ster van Bessèges awaits. "The idea is to regain confidence in myself for the big races there."

De Lie’s first major event will then be Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, followed by several Flemish spring classics. "I want to compete in the major spring races, but I’m not yet aiming for monuments like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix; it’s still too early for that," he concludes.