Lotte Claes will not defend her title in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

Lotte Claes surprised friends, foes, and herself last year with a victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but the Belgian will not defend her title on Saturday. Her new team, Fenix-Premier Tech, will deploy the 32-year-old rider in the Ardennes classics. "I fully understand that," she told Het Nieuwsblad.

Claes is somewhat disappointed that she can't be there on Saturday. "In a way, I do find it a shame. I have great memories of Omloop, and I probably will never get the chance to start with race number one again."

"But at the same time, I fully support the team's decision. They want to use me in the Walloon classics, races that better suit my profile. My next race is the Trofeo Binda in Italy. After that, I'll tackle the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, followed by the Vuelta."

Claes only started cycling at a later age and spent her first pro years in the shadow of others, but after her win in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, she suddenly became known throughout cycling-loving Flanders.

"I won't say it changed my life, but such a victory does make you a lot more recognizable overnight," she reflects now. "People approach you more easily, you get invites to events or those kinds of things. I can live with that."