Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marks the start of the 2022 spring classics on Saturday, Feb. 26. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is often referred to as the miniature Tour of Flanders because it features the Ronde’s much-loved finale over the Muur van Geraardsbergen into Ninove.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad kicks off a two-race weekend, known as the 'opening weekend' for the spring classics, and is an important first objective for any rider hoping to win the Tour of Flanders in April. 

FloBikes has identified four riders that could upset the favorites at the 2022 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. 

Philippe Gilbert

Philippe Gilbert, a veteran classics star, has 15 starts at Omloop. Gilbert knows what it takes to win the race, having won both the 2006 and 2008 editions. Notable also is Gilbert's intention to retire at the end of 2022—expect to see the Lotto-Soudal rider racing like there's no tomorrow this spring in Belgium.

Greg Van Avermaet 

Greg Van Avermaet is another classics star, with 14 Omloop starts and victories in the 2016 and 2017 editions. 

In recent years, Van Avermaet has struggled to match the pace of younger riders such as Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. The Belgium-born rider should never be counted out, but can he rebound from a 33rd place finish in last year's Omloop?

Florian Sénéchal

Frenchman Florian Sénéchal will more than likely ride in support of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl teammate Kasper Asgreen. However, the Belgian team likes to have multiple options in the spring classics, and Sénéchal is their man for a sprint finish. If a large group of riders manages to stay together over the Kapelmuur and Bosberg, Sénéchal has the finishing speed to win.

Matteo Trentin

UAE Team Emirates' Matteo Trentin is a consistent finisher in any classic. In fact, the Italian seems to thrive in the worst conditions, so bring on the cold, rainy springtime cobbles. 

Though he was only 8th at Omloop in 2021, his 2022 season has started well, with a second place finish at the Vuelta a Murcia.