Lotto management have confirmed that Arnaud De Lie’s involvement in the forthcoming Opening Weekend at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad remains unaffected by his recent knee injury incurred during a training accident. Although De Lie was forced to delay his season’s commencement, initially scheduled for this weekend in Spain at the one-day GP Castellon and the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana, the team officials assured that the knee injury’s repercussions are minimal. Consequently, his long-term race schedule remains intact.
A Promising Start Delayed
De Lie, who was destined to start his year with the Étoile des Bessèges stage race from 5th to 9th February, is now set to begin later. Following this race, he’ll compete in the Volta ao Algarve (19th to 23rd February) before going to Belgium for the Opening Weekend and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on 1st March. Despite this interruption, De Lie’s trajectory as a fast finisher remains strong, given his substantial progress through cycling’s ranks.
In a conversation with the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper, sports manager Kurt van de Wouwer stated, “Actually, he could have raced this weekend. But we have decided to cancel the GP Castellon and the GP Valencia,” both of which De Lie has previously won, “to avoid potential issues later.” He further explained, “I do not think this will impact his performance at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Arnaud just needs to take it easy for a few days to ensure proper healing, but he won’t lose his form because of it.”
De Lie’s Rising Status
The young Belgian national champion, at just 22, notably secured second place during his debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in 2023, despite a fall. This race is the opener for the World Tour in Europe and is a staple for Belgian racing each season. His swift ascent through the hierarchy of cycling’s fast finishers positions him as a standout contender for the Omloop.
Main photo credit: Getty
