Tom Boonen does not see Van der Poel's presence as a 'decisive factor' in Omloop

Now that Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed his participation in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the top favorite is known, although Tom Boonen does not expect the race dynamics to change drastically. According to the former rider, the racers should mainly focus on... the weather conditions.

"Of course, Van der Poel is the decisive rider all the others will watch closely. But I don't think the racing will be fundamentally different," says Boonen - who himself never reached the top step at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad - in the first episode of the new season of Wielerclub Wattage.

"A small bunch sprint like last year is also possible on Saturday. That has nothing to do with which riders start, but rather with the weather conditions. It will all depend on the wind direction. If it’s right, the race can be dynamited."

"That won’t make the difference"
The organizers have tweaked the course in hopes of more racing excitement. For example, the riders must now climb the Parikeberg in the finale. "That’s a tough section," says the World Champion from Madrid. "But that won’t make the difference. It’s mainly the wind and how they use it that will be decisive."

According to Weeronline, the weather in Belgium on Saturday will be partly changeable. The riders start the day dry with broad clearings and clouds. During the afternoon, cumulus clouds will develop and may produce a few showers. Between showers, the sun will shine regularly and temperatures will reach a maximum of 10 or 11 degrees Celsius. The southwest wind will be mostly moderate.