Canyon SRAM have outlined their ambitions ahead of Saturday’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, with the team eager to start their Belgian classics campaign on the front foot. The squad – featuring Chiara Consonni, Tiffany Cromwell, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Soraya Paladin, Alice Towers, and Maike van der Duin – will take on the iconic cobbled climbs and twisting roads of Flanders, targeting a strong performance in the first major one-day race of the season.
The team said they are expecting a demanding race, particularly in the final two hours, when the relentless nature of the course will make recovery almost impossible. They highlighted the importance of positioning, with the key climbs and cobbled sectors requiring constant awareness and teamwork.
Photo Credit: GettyNiewiadoma-Phinney looking for a strong showing on the Muur
Canyon SRAM stated that Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is relishing the opportunity to test herself in the first cobbled classic of the year. After finishing 7th in 2024, they said she is aiming to be at the sharp end when the race hits its key moments.
The team reported that Niewiadoma-Phinney believes Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is a race that forces riders into the right mindset for the spring. They said she had spoken about how intense the final hours will be, with every sector and climb requiring full effort, and only the descents offering brief moments of respite.
Canyon SRAM explained that Niewiadoma-Phinney wants to be well positioned over the Muur van Geraardsbergen, knowing that it often decides the race. They said she has been working on fine-tuning the small details in the two weeks since Setmana Ciclista Valenciana and feels ready to take on the challenge.
Paladin prepared for multiple race scenarios
The team also outlined Soraya Paladin’s approach to the race, noting that she is looking forward to the unpredictable nature of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. They said she is prepared for both an aggressive race and a possible reduced sprint, while also being ready to support her teammates in key moments.
Canyon SRAM emphasised Paladin’s belief that positioning will be crucial, particularly as the race is expected to be nervous and chaotic. They stated that she is keen to play a role when the decisive racing begins and will be focused on staying in the right place at the right time.
Cromwell reflects on 12th Omloop Het Nieuwsblad start
The team highlighted Tiffany Cromwell’s experience, with the Australian set to start the race for the 12th time. They noted that she has seen significant changes to the event over the years, particularly the way the course has evolved to resemble a mini Tour of Flanders.
Canyon SRAM reported that Cromwell believes the spread of cobbled sectors and climbs throughout the race has made it a tougher contest, especially with the Muur and Bosberg now forming the key finale. They also stated that she sees a difference in how riders approach the race, with form less of an unknown now that the season begins earlier and teams have already had opportunities to assess their strengths.
