Published on : 02/28/2026
An ideal start to the season for the Team Cofidis riders. At the Omloop Nieuwsblad, the northern team secured a fine top 10 finish with Alexis Renard and placed four of its riders in the top 30.
Once again, Team Cofidis was active at the Omloop Nieuwsblad, the traditional race that opens the Flemish classics season on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Over the 207km from Ghent to Ninove, the northerners were quickly represented at the front with Alexis Renard. A breakaway of five riders never had more than a 2'30" lead over a controlled peloton.
A fine team performance
However, the breakaway lasted for almost the entire race. Although Alexis Renard and his breakaway companions were caught up by a trio consisting of Van Der Poel, Van Dijke, and Vermeersh 45 km from the finish, the early breakaway riders remained in contention for the victory until about 15 km from Ninove. Finally dropped by the trio, Alexis fought to the end to stay in the peloton, which was battling for sixth place, and finished ninth, rounding off a great day. Dylan Teuns, who was in the same group, finished 20th. Cofidis' fine team performance was rewarded in the standings. Four of our riders finished in the top 30 of the race. A great way to start the Flemish campaign.
The reaction
Sébastien Hinault, sport director : "Alexis Renard finished in a respectable ninth place. He was part of the early breakaway that went a long way. He was caught up in the final stretch by Van Der Poel's group. He got stuck a little in the Mur de Grammont but managed to break into the group for fifth place and finished ninth in the sprint. We saw a very strong team, and we saw that Dylan Teuns was riding very well. Overall, the team performed very well. I would like to highlight the team's strong collective performance, with four riders in the top 30. This shows our strength and our good form. We hope for another good result tomorrow."