Robbie McEwen predicts Wout van Aert – Tom Pidcock battle will decide Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025: “But still, I’m going to pick ….
As the cycling world turns its focus to the upcoming 2025 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, former professional rider Robbie McEwen has weighed in with his predictions for what promises to be an electrifying race. The Australian sprinting legend, who claimed numerous victories across his career, believes that the battle between Belgian powerhouse Wout van Aert and the versatile British rider Tom Pidcock will be the key to deciding the outcome of the prestigious early-season race.
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, which marks the start of the Belgian classics season, is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring an assortment of cobbled climbs and technical corners. It’s a race where only the strongest and most tactically astute riders thrive. For 2025, the attention is firmly on the duel between two of the most promising talents in modern cycling: Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock.
“I think it’s going to be Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock who will battle it out for the win in 2025,” McEwen said. “Both riders are in exceptional form, and when you look at their capabilities on the cobbles and their versatility, it’s hard to see anyone else getting in the way.”
Van Aert, who rides for Jumbo-Visma, has long been considered one of the best all-around riders in the peloton. His dominance in both cyclocross and road racing has made him a formidable opponent on the cobbled classics, where his power, endurance, and tactical awareness shine. He has a history of strong performances at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, having placed highly in the race multiple times and even securing a win in 2020. McEwen lauds the Belgian for his mental fortitude and experience on the course, calling him a “natural favorite” for 2025.
“Wout has that rare mix of power and technique that is absolutely necessary for a race like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad,” McEwen said. “He’s incredibly strong, and on the cobbles, he’s almost untouchable when he’s on his best form.”
However, McEwen isn’t ruling out Pidcock, who has made waves in recent seasons as one of the brightest young talents in the peloton. The Ineos Grenadiers rider, a former cyclocross world champion, has shown his ability to adapt quickly to the challenges posed by the cobbles and hills of Belgium. McEwen is particularly impressed with Pidcock’s climbing ability, which could prove decisive on the tough ascents that punctuate Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
“Tom has been impressing me for a while now,” McEwen explained. “He’s a brilliant all-rounder with incredible climbing skills, and he’s shown he can handle the cobbles, which is a big part of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. I think he has the ability to challenge Wout head-to-head, especially if the race comes down to the final climbs.”
Despite McEwen’s admiration for both riders, he has a clear prediction for the outcome of the 2025 race. “But still, I’m going to pick Wout van Aert for the win,” McEwen said. “His consistency in these kinds of races, his power, and his experience make him the rider to beat. If everything goes according to plan, I think he’ll have the edge over Tom, but it will be close.”
With the rivalry between van Aert and Pidcock intensifying, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated editions in recent memory. Both riders will bring their A-game, and with McEwen’s expert insights, fans can expect a thrilling contest. Whether it’s van Aert’s experience or Pidcock’s youthful determination that prevails, one thing is certain: the battle for the 2025 title will be a spectacle for the ages.
The outcome of this race could serve as a springboard for both riders as they look to make their mark on the rest of the spring classics, with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix on the horizon. With McEwen’s prediction of a van Aert victory, all eyes will be on the Belgian to see if he can continue his dominance or if Pidcock can create an upset and start his season off with a bang.
Be the first to comment