The Omloop van het Hageland will return to the women’s cycling calendar in 2025 after Cycling Team Tilt vzw managed to overcome the challenges that threatened its future. The Belgian race, traditionally held as part of the opening weekend of the cycling season, was set to be discontinued after organisational difficulties earlier this year.
Board member Theo Vanderhaegen explained the dramatic turnaround, recalling, “Last summer, we at Cycling Team Tilt vzw threw in the towel, as they say. It was with a heavy heart, but the organisational burden became too much after the departure of several indispensable team members.” He confirmed that new personnel had now joined the team, providing the support needed to revive the event. “Today, the world looks completely different. We have found new people to support our organisation and bring fresh energy. I have also picked up the reins again, with hopes of ensuring the Omloop van het Hageland thrives for years to come,” he added.
Planning For 2025
The 2025 edition will follow the race’s established format, beginning at Café de Knoet in Aarschot and finishing in Tielt-Winge. Vanderhaegen hinted at the excitement building for next year, saying, “It’s already exciting to look ahead to the Belgian opening weekend in 2025 as we search for the successor to Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner, who won this year’s edition.”
While the full details are yet to be announced, the return of the Omloop van het Hageland has been welcomed by fans and the wider cycling community alike.
The race’s future had been in jeopardy since June 2024, when Cycling Team Tilt vzw released a statement citing the immense pressure placed on its remaining members following the departure of key organisers. The statement explained, “The responsibilities, the safety measures, and the tightened requirements for a professional race, even for women, could no longer be justified by the reshuffled board.” It also extended thanks to partners and contributors who had supported the race over the years, with the organisers acknowledging its development into a globally broadcast event.
A History Of Winners
First held in 2005, the Omloop van het Hageland quickly established itself as a key early-season event. After gaining UCI status in 2011, it grew in prominence, attracting top talent. Previous winners include Lorena Wiebes, who has claimed victory twice, and Marta Bastianelli, a three-time champion. Kristen Faulkner secured the 2024 title in what many thought would be the race’s final edition. However, with new organisers now in place, the future of the event looks more secure.
Cycling Team Tilt vzw is hopeful that this revival will ensure the Omloop van het Hageland remains a fixture in women’s cycling for years to come.
Main photo credit: Mark Van Hecke/Getty Images
