Saturday February 28th 2026 - Omloop Nieuwsblad: Gent - Ninove (207.6 km)
On Saturday, February 28, the classic cycling season officially begins with a 207.6-kilometre race. Eight cobbled sectors and twelve climbs shape the route, with the traditional finale over the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg, followed by a flat run-in to Ninove.
This year’s finale is a little different compared to previous editions. The organizers have added two extra climbs—Tenbosse and Parikeberg—to the approach toward the Kapelmuur and Bosberg. As a result, the final sixty kilometres are a continuous sequence of cobbles and climbs, favouring aggressive riders. On the other hand, the run-in towards the final hills is across wider roads, which favours an organized peloton.
After two early cobbled sections, the Leberg marks the first climb after about sixty kilometres, followed by the Eikenberg and a quieter forty-kilometre stretch. With the Lange Munte still 95 kilometres from the finish and later the Haaghoek–Leberg combination, the tension gradually builds. Once the riders hit the Eikenberg again, with just over 60 kilometres remaining, the race truly comes to life.
From there, obstacles come in rapid succession: Holleweg, Wolvenberg, Kerkgate, Jagerij, Molenberg, Haaghoek, Leberg, Berendries, Tenbosse, and Parikeberg follow one another in quick order. The Muur van Geraardsbergen then delivers 475 metres of steep cobbles, quickly followed by the Bosberg (980 metres at 5.8%, half of it cobbled).
From the top of the Bosberg, only 11.8 flat kilometres remain to Ninove. The revised route appears designed to produce a more dynamic race than last year, when a largely intact front group reached the finale and only Stefan Küng attempted a solo move that ultimately proved unsuccessful. Will we see a bunchsprint (49 riders in 2025) again this edition?
📺 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026 – Broadcast
🇧🇪 Sporza (13.30 uur)
🇪🇺 Eurosport 1 (13.30 uur)
🇳🇱 NOS (circa 14.00–14.20 uur)
⏰11.15 u
🏁16.00 u
⛅️Lightly cloudy, light wind, 8 degrees
Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026 - favourites
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