Mathieu van der Poel keeps his debut in the Omloop on Saturday in suspense

The presence of Mathieu van der Poel in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this Saturday, February 28, remains unconfirmed. With five days to go until the start of the Belgian Opening Weekend, the leader of Alpecin-Premier Tech is keeping the possibility of competing in the classic that kicks off the cobbled season open for the first time.

Van der Poel himself left the door open

In statements prior to the Cyclocross World Championship in Hulst, the Dutchman confirmed that he was considering his participation in the event on February 28. However, after that championship, he lowered any immediate expectations again and made it clear that the decision had not been made.

As he explained then, he would not resolve his calendar until the week of the race, keeping the Omloop as an unknown. Just as he did right before the CX World Cup in Benidorm, where Van der Poel announced his presence the day before, the rider will wait to analyze his feelings and progress in the days leading up to committing to his debut in the Opening Weekend.

RECOMENDADO

The Cannondale Factory Racing storms the Gobik offices to present its new kit

Are we facing a new version of Tom Pidcock?: power, race reading, and general ambition

The Cape Epic 2026 is left without a rainbow jersey, an accident with a car door leaves Keegan Swenson injured

Complete guide with the Classics and Monuments of Spring 2026

Victor Koretzky wins and enlarges his legend in Banyoles

Nicole Koller triumphs at the XCO Cathedral after controlling the race

From the team's structure, the option of seeing him at the start in Ghent is welcomed. In statements to Wieler Revue in early February, sports manager Christoph Roodhooft was explicit about his desire to have his leader on board. “Last year he was very clear that he did not want to participate in the Opening Weekend. I thought it was a shame because it is an important weekend for a Belgian team,” Roodhooft pointed out.

The sports manager also recalled that just a few days after that weekend, Van der Poel won Le Samyn convincingly, which showed that his level was already high at that time.

Roodhooft added a key condition: “I think it would be good for him to participate, but only if the start of the season goes well.” In other words, the team will not force his presence if the preparation does not fit perfectly with his planning.

Van der Poel has never started in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. His calendar in recent years has avoided the Opening Weekend, prioritizing other events within the block of classics.

His presence this Saturday would have a strong symbolic component for a Belgian team like Alpecin-Premier Tech and would alter the competitive focus of the race. But for now, everything depends on a decision that, as the rider himself indicated, will come in the coming days.