UAE Team Emirates Emerges as a Major Threat in Spring Classics Despite Van Aert’s Absence

With Wout van Aert sidelined from the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad due to illness, Mathieu van der Poel initially appears as the clear favorite. However, Tadej Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG presents a significant challenge to the Dutch champion’s prospects in the opening major Classic of the 2026 season.

Pogačar and Van der Poel: Dominance in One-Day Races

Pogačar and Van der Poel have collectively won 18 of cycling’s biggest one-day races, the Monuments, between them. Their rivalry is expected to intensify throughout the Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix races.^[1]

UAE Team Emirates’ Rising Strength

UAE Team Emirates demonstrated remarkable strength in the 2025 season, achieving a record 97 race wins with 20 different riders.^[1] This depth allows them to field potential winners in nearly every race, including the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

Key Riders for UAE Team Emirates at Omloop

The team will be led by Tim Wellens, who finished on the podium in the 2019 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and has shown increased strength. Nils Politt, a former runner-up, and rising Belgian talent Florian Vermeersch will also play key roles.^[1]

Addressing Early Season Setbacks

Despite some misfortune and the absence of key riders like Johnny Narváez and Mikkel Bjerg due to racing in Australia, UAE Team Emirates remains confident. Politt acknowledged the setbacks but emphasized the team’s ability to contend for a podium finish.^[1]

Wellens’ Form and Potential Challenge to Van der Poel

Tim Wellens’ recent dominant performance at the Clásica Jaén, where he rode 54km solo, suggests he is capable of challenging Van der Poel.^[1] Wellens recognizes that Van der Poel’s racing style – aiming to split the race – makes him a formidable opponent, but believes a smaller final group could benefit his team.^[1]

Rider Freedom and Strategic Flexibility

With Pogačar’s arrival anticipated for the major Monuments, Wellens, Politt, and Vermeersch will have the freedom to pursue their own opportunities. Vermeersch highlighted increased confidence going into the season, while acknowledging that results can change quickly.^[1]

A Mental Blow to Van der Poel?

A victory by a UAE Team Emirates rider at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, even without Pogačar, could deliver a psychological advantage leading into the Monuments, where Pogačar has yet to achieve success against Van der Poel.^[1]

^[1] Cyclingnews.com