Soudal leaders Magnier, Van Baarle, and Stuyven double up in opening weekend

The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is fast approaching, and the line-ups for the opening classic are slowly coming in. On Saturday, Soudal Quick-Step will rely on their key riders Paul Magnier, Jasper Stuyven, and Dylan van Baarle. These three stars will also start the following day at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

In the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Yves Lampaert, Casper Pedersen, Pepijn Reinderink, and Dries Van Gestel will also make an appearance, while at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne—besides the aforementioned leaders—attention will be on Cerial Desal, Laurenz Rex (returning from an injury sustained in January), Bert Van Lerberghe, and Jonathan Vervenne.

"It will be a nerve-wracking but at the same time exciting race," looks ahead team director Tom Steels on the Omloop. "We have a strong squad, and we are curious to see how the dynamics will be with the new riders. Anything can happen in a race like the Omloop, but we have confidence in our chances and are motivated to give it our all on Saturday."

"Several riders will do the double this weekend, which means we will see Paul, Jasper, and Dylan in Kuurne as well," adds the other team director, Iljo Keisse, in a press release. "The Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne route is tough, with many climbs and narrow roads. And although the final part is flat, it’s not certain there will be a bunch sprint."

"I estimate the chance of a bunch sprint at fifty-fifty, so the attackers also have their chances. Especially because the wind could play a role in creating a selection," says Keisse. "We will try to have Paul in the finale, where he can count on a strong team to support him."