Legendary Australian sprinter and cycling pundit Robbie McEwen has weighed in on the race, acknowledging Van Aert’s formidable strengths but also highlighting a key tactical factor that could shake up the dynamics of the race.

Legendary Australian sprinter and cycling pundit Robbie McEwen has weighed in on the race, acknowledging Van Aert’s formidable strengths but also highlighting a key tactical factor that could shake up the dynamics of the race.

 

With the 2025 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad just around the corner, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling contest between some of cycling’s finest talents. Among the top contenders, one name consistently stands out—Wout van Aert. Renowned for his versatility and dominance across a range of terrains, Van Aert enters the race as the top favorite, but his biggest rival, teammate and compatriot, will ensure he doesn’t have an easy ride.

 

Legendary Australian sprinter and cycling pundit Robbie McEwen has weighed in on the race, acknowledging Van Aert’s formidable strengths but also highlighting a key tactical factor that could shake up the dynamics of the race: the shadowing tactics of his rival, a rider who will do everything to keep the Belgian in check.

 

“Wout is undoubtedly the favorite, but he’s not going to have an open road to victory,” McEwen said. “The way the race unfolds, it’s clear that one particular rider will shadow Van Aert every step of the way. Where Wout goes, this rival will go too.”

 

While McEwen didn’t name the rival outright, it’s widely speculated that he is referring to Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch powerhouse who has developed an intense rivalry with Van Aert over the years. Van der Poel is known for his aggressive and unpredictable racing style, making him a perfect candidate to match Van Aert’s every move.

 

Both Van Aert and Van der Poel have dominated the classics in recent seasons, with each showing their prowess in the one-day races that are so highly regarded in the cycling world. Their head-to-head battles have captivated fans, with both riders often in the spotlight for their head-to-head showdowns. At Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the tension between the two is expected to reach new heights as they fight for supremacy in one of the first major races of the spring.

 

McEwen’s observation underscores the importance of tactics in the race, particularly with such high-caliber riders involved. While Van Aert may have the raw power and all-around skill to win the race, Van der Poel’s ability to anticipate and react to his moves could make a decisive difference. Their rivalry has already produced dramatic moments in previous races, and with both riders having shown exceptional form in the lead-up to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, it seems certain that their battle will be a focal point of the race.

 

However, McEwen also emphasized that the race will likely see other strong contenders making their move as well. “It’s not just a two-horse race,” he cautioned. “There are plenty of riders in the peloton capable of causing upsets, and with the nature of the race, anything can happen. But ultimately, the spotlight will remain on Wout and Mathieu, and they’ll be the ones that everyone is watching.”

 

The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is known for its tough, cobbled climbs and unpredictable weather, which can often turn the race into a war of attrition. With the eyes of the cycling world fixed firmly on Van Aert and Van der Poel, both riders will need to be at their best to come out on top.

 

As the race draws nearer, McEwen’s predictions seem to be gaining traction, with cycling fans eagerly awaiting another chapter in the legendary rivalry between Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. One thing is for certain—Omloop Het Nieuwsblad will be a race not to be missed.