Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2026
01.03
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2026 takes place on 2 March 2026 and covers just over 190 kilometres, traditionally closing Belgium’s opening weekend. The 78th edition blends short Flemish climbs with exposed roads where crosswinds can split the race early. In the end it usually comes down to whether attackers can stay clear or the sprinters’ teams can reel them in on the run back to Kuurne.
How to watch?
Curious about how to watch the 2026 Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne? Discover it in our complete how-to-watch guide, featuring a full overview of all broadcasters and streaming options.
Route
After the start in Kortrijk, the peloton reaches the Tiegemberg within 17 kilometres. At steady intervals the route then rolls on to the Volkegemberg, Lepelstraat and Bossenaarstraat, with the race nearing the 70 kilometre mark by the time that last rise is done.
Soon after, Berg Ten Houte and La Houppe add another layer of pressure, a clear hint of what is still to come. Around 18 kilometres later the hardest cluster begins, with Hameau des Papin, Le Bourliquet and Mont Saint Laurent coming almost back to back. Each ramps into double digit gradients and this is where the selection is usually forced.
Roughly 10 kilometres after Mont Saint Laurent, the Kruisberg signals the next phase before the Hotond, Côte de Trieu and Kluisberg close out the main hill zone. From Hameau des Papin to the Kluisberg is barely 40 kilometres, a decisive stretch where most sprinters are likely to be dropped. If they limit the damage, there is still a chance to return, especially if the pace hesitates or the wind turns it into a tense chase.
After the Kluisberg, it is 61.3 flat kilometres to the finish on the Brugsesteenweg in Kuurne.
Read our preview for more information.
Favourites
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), the defending champion, is the top favorite to win the 2026 Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. Having already beaten Philipsen recently, 21-year-old rising star Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) is a major threat. Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) also enters with immense form, seeking to become the first Italian winner.
Other key contenders include versatile sprinters like Biniam Girmay (NSN Cyclcing Team) and Matthew Brennan (Visma | Lease a Bike). While a bunch sprint is likely, attackers like Christophe Laporte (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious) may attempt to disrupt the finish.
With three former winners on the start list, Philipsen faces a historic challenge to secure back-to-back victories.
Read our full preview here and you can find the start list via this link.
