Jasper Philipsen outsider in Omloop: "Not fun when it rains at five degrees for old women"

Jasper Philipsen narrowly missed out on victory in a sprint at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last year. This coming weekend, he would have been one of the dark horses, if not for teammate Mathieu van der Poel announcing his participation earlier this week. "We are now collectively stronger, especially with a clear team leader," he told Het Laatste Nieuws.

The Belgian celebrates his 28th birthday on Monday but is looking ahead to the Opening Weekend with mixed feelings. “Flemish classics give me butterflies in my stomach. But honestly, I prefer racing in good weather. Give me the setting of something like the Tour of the Algarve (laughs, ed.). Either way, it won’t be pleasant if it rains ‘old woman’s rain’ at five degrees on Saturday and Sunday. But then it’ll just be what it is: an annoying day you inevitably have to get through.”

Philipsen sounds quite reassuring about his form level. "My condition is comparable to last year. After a great winter with quality training, partly under the Spanish sun, partly at the Syncrosfera high-altitude hotel, I’m already at a good level and fully confident that I can ride a strong race." Still, he tempers expectations for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. "To win, everything has to fall perfectly into place for me."

Philipsen is not yet ready to predict whether Omloop will end in a sprint. “The weather conditions will play a big role in that. And how we handle it internally, well, we’ll see,” he laughs again. He is referring to the presence of Mathieu van der Poel. "An aggressive race, a sprint.... I think we are well prepared and should be able to compete for the win from several possible scenarios.”

MVDP, according to the Belgian sprinter and classics rider, mainly changes the dynamics within Alpecin-Premier Tech. “For me personally, not much changes, because in a way I can also benefit from his presence. Especially in terms of team dynamics, the situation with Mathieu is now different. Without him, we might have raced with a more open mindset. Now we are collectively stronger, starting with a clearer plan. And above all: with a clear team leader."

Not weakened despite loss of key domestiques
Alpecin-Premier Tech has lost several strong domestiques like Gianni Vermeersch, Timo Kielich, Xandro Meurisse and Quinten Hermans to competitors. Yet Philipsen refuses to acknowledge any weakening. "The core has largely remained intact. For me, and also for Kaden Groves, extending Edward Planckaert’s contract was very important. Edward is one of those typical late bloomers but has taken big steps forward in recent years and gained a few more percentiles. That shows. He is truly invaluable.”

The newcomers also please him. “Moreover, some established riders we could always count on have left. But quality has come in its place. With his rich experience from Quick-Step and Arkéa-B&B Hotels, Florian Sénéchal will undoubtedly be a great asset. And during training camp, the still young Jonas Geens made an excellent impression on me. A strong, underrated rider with lots of potential. Rest assured: we have a good mix to build on again.”

On Sunday, Philipsen will defend his title at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.