75th Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: February 29, 2020

[Earns1985]

So looking at the startlist I see only two riders out of the classic stars who are not riding this race.

Sagan and Bettiol

All the others are in! This race will be fun!!

 

[MartinGT]

Sagan hasn't raced this since 2017 has he?

Sooooo excited about this.

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

I'm in Ghent today (where the race starts), it has been snowing today (freezing wet snow that melts on the ground). Ideal conditions for a heroic race if we're being honest.

 

[Berflamand]

Mathieu van der Poel won't start. Flu and high fever apparently.

 

[rick james]

It's to subdue the masses. Keep their mind of the Brexit sh!t storm and Prince Andrew's mate

OT :- Some interesting reading into the stats here

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

What the hell are you talking about?? you’d fit right in with a Eddie bravo Alex Jones talk show ....crackpot talk

 

[F_Cance]

De Kort out, not that it matters, but the replacement is interesting --> Quinn Simmons. First he was only supposed to ride KBK.

 

[Ricco']

Mathieu van der Poel won't start. Flu and high fever apparently.

Modolo out of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne for similar reasons. Both were in Algarve and Modolo is from Veneto.

I really hope that is just ordinary flu, but with the current state of affairs in Europe we never know.

 

[repre]

Mathieu van der Poel won't start. Flu and high fever apparently.

So he won't be allowed to race the Strade because of the government restrictions?

 

[jaylew]

Bummer

 

[Velolover2]

I see no clear favorite.

The rider who seems to be in the best shape is Teuns but.. I don't really know if he is the guy to beat. No one should have a 5 star rating.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Just an update on the weather. Not terrible (or good, whatever your prefereces are).
Afternoon forecast for Geraardsbergen, Temp: 8 °C, Wind: WSW 41 km/h, Wind Gusts: 56 km/h
According to Accuweather.

 

[yaco]

That will provide for a testing course - Could end up with only 30 or 40 finishing.

 

[Orbit501]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Wellens as a big favourite, given that he loves weather conditions that most hate.

 

[sir fly]

Alright... The virus can back off, it-s turn for the cobbles.
The weather stabilized in a northern way. Exactly what we've been hoping for.
We saw who's on form previous weeks, but this race almost always unveils someone from under the radar.

 

[Flamin]

Just an update on the weather. Not terrible (or good, whatever your prefereces are).
Afternoon forecast for Geraardsbergen, Temp: 8 °C, Wind: WSW 41 km/h, Wind Gusts: 56 km/h
According to Accuweather.

Actually gusts between 70 and 90km/h are predicted, locally even more. Longer periods of rain as well. It's going to be a total madhouse. A bit too much for my liking as I don't want a crash fest or a lottery.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Wellens as a big favourite, given that he loves weather conditions that most hate.

Wellens has gone a bit more under the radar compared to previous years, but with these weather circumstances, I agree he seems to be kind of overlooked by the press.

He's caught something after Algarve though so it's still a question mark if will be 100%.

 

[repre]

Agreed about Wellens. Also Benoot and Teuns could make noise tomorrow. Can't wait for the race

 

[repre]

And Colbrelli can surprise too

 

[Pantani_lives]

As far as I know Wellens has only won a stage in Poland or something during bad weather. Most of his wins were with good weather.

 

[Boes]

As far as I know Wellens has only won a stage in Poland or something during bad weather. Most of his wins were with good weather.

I remember him winning the GP's in Canada in heavy rain to.

 

[repre]

As far as I know Wellens has only won a stage in Poland or something during bad weather. Most of his wins were with good weather.

He is known as a rainman) he's at his best when its raining

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Agreed about Wellens. Also Benoot and Teuns could make noise tomorrow. Can't wait for the race

Teuns, yes. Benoot, i'd be surprised. It's his first race since Lombardia.

 

[F_Cance]

As far as I know Wellens has only won a stage in Poland or something during bad weather. Most of his wins were with good weather.

Not exactly true that most of his wins were in good weather, but the win in Poland is his only win in extremely bad weather.

 

[postmanhat]

If the weather is going to be a decisive factor, then Kung could finally emerge as the new Stannard.

Moscon also doesn't seem to mind bad conditions. Will be interesting to see if he puts it together this classic season, after a couple of seasons of getting it wrong.

Can't wait for tomorrow

 

[Ludwigzgz]

Not exactly true that most of his wins were in good weather, but the win in Poland is his only win in extremely bad weather.

Well... In the current cycling it is difficult to win in "extremely bad weather conditions", because when the weather conditions are extremely bad the race is suspended

 

[Wvv]

Really looking forward to Flemish roads and cobbles. Cycling spring is finally upon us again!