'It's a Shame in a Way' – Defending Champion Lotte Claes Misses Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

Belgium - Ekhbary News Agency

Lotte Claes Opts Out of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Pivots Focus to Ardennes Classics

Cycling fans bidding farewell to the defending champion at the start line of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this year will be met with the absence of Lotte Claes. The surprise victor of the 2025 edition has confirmed she will not be competing in the opening weekend classic, choosing instead to watch the race on television. Claes, a prominent figure for her Fenix-Premier Tech team, expressed a blend of regret and understanding regarding her non-participation, highlighting a strategic decision to target races more aligned with her rider profile.

Speaking to Nieuwsblad, the 32-year-old revealed that her season's trajectory has been adjusted to prioritize the Ardennes Classics. These races, known for their challenging climbs and punchy finishes, are considered a better fit for Claes's characteristics as a cyclist compared to the often attritional and tactical nature of early-season Belgian classics like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

While acknowledging the sting of missing out on defending her title, Claes emphasized her full support for the team's strategic direction. "In a way, I do find it a shame," she admitted. "I have fond memories of the Omloop; I'll probably never get the chance to start with number one again." However, she quickly followed with, "But at the same time, I fully support the team's decision. They want to field me in the Ardennes Classics, races that are much more suited to my profile." This statement underscores a mature acceptance of team strategy and a focus on maximizing her potential in suitable events.

The timing of the Omloop means Claes will be heading to Spain for a training camp on the day of the race. She plans to follow the action from multiple locations – her home, her car, and the airport – demonstrating her continued interest and connection to the cycling world even when not competing.

Her revised race calendar will see her next compete in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda on March 15, a UCI Women's WorldTour event. This will be followed by her primary targets: the Ardennes Classics in April, including races like Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and culminating in the Vuelta España Femenina in May. This strategic shift aims to leverage her strengths in punchy, undulating terrain.

Claes's victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in 2025 remains a career highlight, a testament to her resilience and tactical acumen. The win was an unexpected triumph, largely attributed to a tactical oversight by the major teams who failed to adequately chase down an early four-rider breakaway that included Claes. This allowed the breakaway to gain a significant advantage, leading to a dramatic finale where Claes out-sprinted Polish rider Aurela Nerlo in a grueling sprint to claim her sole professional victory to date.

Reflecting on that memorable win, Claes described the physical toll: "Physically, I was on the verge of collapse, but mentally I wouldn't give in and I had to get back on that rear wheel." She vividly recalled the intensity of the final sprint, stating, "I've never felt my lungs and heart as much as I did in that sprint. I pulled everything I had left in my body out." This testament to her fighting spirit was crucial in securing the improbable victory.

The circumstances surrounding her 2025 win were as remarkable as the victory itself. Claes revealed that she was only given the go-ahead for aggressive tactics, including joining breakaways, just two minutes before the race start by her then-team, the now-defunct Arkéa-B&B. Their initial plan was for her to play a support role. The decision to break free, combined with the peloton's miscalculation in the chase, set the stage for one of the season's most improbable yet well-deserved wins, a testament to Claes's determination to seize the opportunity.

"Something like this happens every few years in the women's peloton," Claes commented on the unpredictable nature of cycling. She recalled a key moment on the Berendries climb where she urged the breakaway to maintain speed, countering calls from others for a slower pace. "That's where I responded for the first time that we had to keep going because one of us was bound to win. At the finish, we still had more than three minutes left." This proactive approach and self-belief were instrumental in her success.

While her absence from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marks the end of an era for her as defending champion, Lotte Claes's strategic shift towards the Ardennes Classics signifies a calculated move to optimize her strengths. Her journey from an unexpected champion to a focused contender in different terrains showcases her adaptability and ambition in the evolving landscape of women's professional cycling.

Ekhbary News Agency