Sunday April 5th 2026: Ronde van Vlaanderen - Antwerpen-Oudenaarde (278.2 km) 

The 110th edition of the Tour of Flanders once again forms the centrepiece of the Flemish spring classics, with a traditional but slightly adjusted course that leaves room for different race scenarios. The race starts in Antwerp and finishes after 278 kilometres in Oudenaarde.

After the ceremonial start, there is a long approach phase of more than 100 kilometres in which the peloton heads toward the Flemish Ardennes. Traditionally, an early breakaway forms here, while the favourites stay quiet. The first cobbled sections, Lippenhovestraat and Paddestraat, only appear after about 110 kilometres and are mainly an initial fight for position.

The race changes around the middle section with the first passage over the Oude Kwaremont, followed by a succession of climbs and cobbled sectors that leave hardly any room to recover. From that moment on, the obstacles come thick and fast: short, steep climbs are alternated with technical cobbled sections, gradually thinning the peloton. Sections such as the combination of Holleweg, Wolvenberg, and the connecting cobbles often create nervousness and splits in the bunch.

As usual, the decisive part lies in the final 50 to 55 kilometres. This year, some obstacles are missing there, making the course slightly less selective than in previous editions. The finale begins with the Koppenberg and continues via the Taaienberg and Oude Kruisberg/Hotond toward the decisive passages on the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. These climbs are tackled again in the closing phase and traditionally provide the battleground where the strongest riders pull clear.

In terms of scenarios, several outcomes are possible, but a hard race with an attack by Pogačar on the second passage of the Oude Kwaremont seems most likely. A long solo after an attack on the penultimate climbs remains a classic winning formula, especially if cooperation behind is lacking. Could the addition of Evenepoel to the start list change that scenario? Or do Mathieu van der Poel and company, with Remco in the group, have a better chance of bringing back an unleashed Pogačar?

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