The hopes of Visma-Lease a Bike for a strong start to the Classics season have been dealt a blow with the late withdrawal of Wout van Aert from Saturday’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The team confirmed the Belgian star is sidelined due to illness, a setback that significantly alters their plans for the opening weekend of the European cycling calendar. This news comes as the team was as well preparing to announce a new sponsorship deal with French AI company Mistral, but the focus quickly shifted to Van Aert’s health and its impact on their racing strategy.
Van Aert, a three-time winner of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad between 2022 and 2024 (with victories also coming from teammates Dylan van Baarle and Jan Tratnik), was expected to make his 2026 debut at the race. The illness, described as a virus or cold, forced a last-minute change of plans, leaving the Dutch squad to recalibrate their ambitions. Whereas the team didn’t specify the exact nature of the illness, they are hopeful it won’t sideline him for an extended period.
Shifting Focus to Brennan Amidst Van Aert’s Absence
With Van Aert out of contention, Visma-Lease a Bike will now look to 20-year-classic Matthew Brennan to lead their charge. Brennan is set to participate in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad for the second time, having finished 69th in his debut last year, a race that marked an early stage in his first full professional season. Team sports director Grischa Niermann indicated that Brennan will be “probably our best card to play” on Saturday. The team acknowledges that while Van Aert’s absence is significant, they remain determined to compete at a high level.
A Familiar Unpredictability in the Cobbled Classics
Despite the setback, Niermann emphasized that Visma-Lease a Bike approaches every race with the intention of winning. But, he also acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech), who recently joined the start list. “We’re clearly not the big favourites, that’s Mathieu and his team,” Niermann said, while maintaining confidence that his team could still play a key role in the race. The unpredictable nature of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was also highlighted, recalling Søren Wærenskjold’s surprise victory in 2025, where he came from far back in the field to claim the win.
Niermann pointed to the race’s history of unexpected outcomes, noting that even in previous editions, significant portions of the peloton had to fight their way back into contention after being dropped. He recalled Jan Tratnik’s victory in 2024, after being part of a large group that rejoined the race late in the day. This history underscores the potential for any rider to contend for the win, even under challenging circumstances.
Van Aert’s Recent Challenges and Road to Recovery
This latest setback adds to a challenging period for Van Aert, who recently recovered from an ankle fracture sustained in a cyclo-cross race in January. The injury required surgery and cast doubt on his ability to complete his training schedule for the road season. While his rehabilitation had progressed well, allowing him to resume training, this new illness presents another hurdle. The team is cautiously optimistic that the illness is minor and won’t significantly delay his return to racing, with a potential start at Le Samyn still on the table.
“It’s really unfortunate, of course, it’s shit he has this [infection], but he’s not the only one who has it these days,” Niermann stated. “It’s very bad timing, but not the end of the world. We hope he will be OK to ride Le Samyn, but we don’t know yet; we will have to see that on the day by day.”
Looking Ahead: Le Samyn and the Classics Season
Despite the disappointment of losing Van Aert for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Visma-Lease a Bike remains focused on the broader Classics season. The team’s primary goal is to have Van Aert in peak form within four weeks, coinciding with the main body of the Classics races. The team will continue to assess Van Aert’s condition daily to determine his readiness for Le Samyn and subsequent events. The unpredictable nature of cycling, as Niermann pointed out, means that anything can happen, and the team is prepared to adapt and capitalize on any opportunities that arise.
The team will be closely monitoring Van Aert’s recovery and providing updates as they turn into available. Fans can find the latest information on the Visma-Lease a Bike website and through official team channels. The team’s ability to navigate this challenge will be a key indicator of their resilience and adaptability as they embark on the 2026 Classics campaign.
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What do you think about Visma-Lease a Bike’s chances in the Classics without Wout van Aert? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow cycling fans.
