Bahrain Victorious Set for Opening Weekend
# Bahrain Victorious Gears Up for Exciting Classics Opening Weekend
Bahrain Victorious is set to kick off the UCI WorldTour calendar this weekend with the 81st edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on February 28, followed by the 78th Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne on March 1. These events mark the traditional Opening Weekend of the Classics season, presenting the first major challenges for riders on the cobbles.
The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad covers an arduous 207 kilometers from Gent to Ninove, serving as the initial test for the peloton in 2026. This race not only signifies the launch of the Classics campaign but also sets the tone for the competitive weeks ahead.
Leading Bahrain Victorious into these pivotal races is Matej Mohorič, flanked by new recruits Attila Valter and Pau Miquel, along with local Belgian ace Alec Segaert. Vlad Van Mechelen will also be a vital asset within the squad, while Kamil Gradek takes on the role of road captain—a critical position given the race’s strategic nature.
Sports Director Michał Gołaś expressed their anticipation: “We are very excited. We’ve been planning this weekend for a couple of months already and I just hope everything is ready. The boys are doing well and I think the whole group is in good shape, so we go there with high hopes.”
Gołaś elaborated on the course: “The race is quite similar to previous years. It will be decided on the loop with Haaghoek, Leberg, later Berendries and then the final on the Muur and Bosberg, which has already proven to be the key moment in previous editions.”
Highlighting team dynamics, he added, “Matej will be our leader and he will be protected. We will do everything so that he can ride smoothly through the middle part of the race and be able to follow the attacks in the final.” With Segaert’s local knowledge deemed crucial, Gołaś underscored the need for strategic riding: “We need to ride smart, use our experience, have numbers in the final and then, based on the situation, decide how to approach the last part of the race.”
The following day’s Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne presents a different set of challenges, covering 194.9 kilometers from Kortrijk to Kuurne. Traditionally, this race offers opportunities for both aggressive Classics riders and sprinters, and conditions often dictate whether the finale unfolds in a reduced group or a larger sprint.
Gołaś addressed the variability of Kuurne: “It’s a different race. Usually it’s a big fight between strong Classics riders and sprinters. The weather plays a big role.” He added insight into the tactics: “From around kilometre 90 we have a very hard section with climbs which can really shape the race. We need to see what the situation is after that and then decide on our tactics.”
Mohorič emphasized the significance of this opening weekend: “It’s the start of the Classics season and especially Omloop, where we have done really well in the past.” He spoke optimistically about team morale: “This winter has gone really, really well. I managed to stay healthy, stay strong and train well, and the same goes for my teammates. We have a really good team spirit.”
As Bahrain Victorious prepares for this crucial weekend, they are eager to make their mark as the Classics season unfolds.
