Even with three victories to start out her season from the UAE Tour, Lorena Wiebes acknowledges that “the spring marketing campaign is totally different” and an evasive victory this Saturday at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Elite Women wouldn’t solely give her a real indication of her race type but in addition examine off a field for a season objective.
The SD Worx-Protime sprinter proved she was the favorite to repeat with wins on a pair of flat levels to open the UAE Tour as she did in 2024. Not solely did she replicate that pace for the wins on levels 1 and a couple of, however she additionally scored the win on stage 4 into Abu Dhabi Breakwater for the primary time in three tries.
“The spring marketing campaign continues to be totally different from the UAE Tour, although. So these victories within the sprints do not imply that I may also win the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad identical to that,” the reigning European street race champion stated in a staff assertion.
“The Omloop het Nieuwsblad is at all times an thrilling race. This appears like the true begin of the season. But it’s good to journey these earlier races, as they’re very best to realize race rhythm. It at all times stays to be seen how you’ll carry out within the Omloop.”
Since competing at Belgium one-day race, recognized for its punch climbs and cobbled sections throughout the Flemish hills, Wiebes did not seize a podium till her fifth strive, going third in 2022. She then took second in 2023 earlier than going ninth final yr.
“I hope I can take the highest step this time. The race fits me,” she stated. “Last yr, I did not have my finest day. After the Muur I attempted to journey again to the entrance, however I used to be in between each teams.”
Last yr was a totally totally different dynamic, as her teammate Lotte Kopecky made the entrance group and would end second to Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) in a four-rider bunch dash. Her different teammate, Demi Vollering, now with FDJ-Suez, completed second in a four-rider chase group that was led by Thalita De Jong (Lotto Dstny) and included Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck).
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It all got here all the way down to positioning on the Muur van Geraardsbergen cobbled climb, which left a number of kilometres to 1 paved climb at Bosberg earlier than the ultimate 11.8km to complete in Nivone. But she predicted the staff must be alert as soon as the vast majority of cobble sectors have been accomplished with 90km to go, and the climbs have been underway.
“it is very important survive the Muur within the main group. You should be sharp earlier than the Molenberg,” she stated about two of the eight key climbs on the course. “They are indicating comparatively little wind for Saturday for now. That might be a bonus, however equally an obstacle. It depends upon the course of the race.’
This yr she could have Mischa Bredewold, Elena Cucchini, Barbara Guarischi, Marta Lach and Femke Markus on the squad. Kopecky is predicted to be on the beginning line the subsequent day at Fenix Omloop van het Hageland together with Anna van der Breggen, whereas Wiebes will sit that out and resume on the mid-week Le Samyn des Dames then Strade Bianche Women.
‘We come to the beginning with a distinct staff in comparison with earlier seasons. Of course, with Lotte Kopecky at the beginning, you’ve got a bit extra safety, however that is nonetheless a really robust staff. With Femke Markus, Elena Cecchini and Barbara Guarischi in assist, we’ve got three riders who’re tremendous at positioning,” she stated.
“I anticipate Mischa Bredewold and Marta Lach to final a very long time within the last. Marta strikes me as somebody who by no means provides up and, as a puncher sort, is made for the traditional spring. Hopefully, we will play our playing cards proper within the last.’
And what about dealing with former teammates Vollering and Marlen Reusser (Movistar) for the primary time this season?
“With my former teammates Demi Vollering and Marlen Reusser, the competitors is powerful. Lidl-Trek additionally has a robust staff at the beginning. I see Elisa Balsamo going alongside for a very long time. Kasia Niewiadoma and Puck Pieterse are additionally among the many favourites. It could be good to beat them and win the Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Then I instantly tick off considered one of my objectives this season,” Wiebes admitted.
“Personally, I clearly hope so as to add the Omloop to my palmares. I want to win a Classic. I might additionally wish to expertise within the race itself that I made one other step ahead.”
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