2026 Bredene Koksdije Classic preview - One for the sprinters?
On Friday, this Belgian sprint classic takes place. When wind conditions fail to animate the race, it typically comes down to a pure sprint for the fastest finishers. Former winners include big names such as Tim Merlier and Pascal Ackermann.
Last year’s race was shaped by echelons, as early crosswinds split the peloton. A breakaway that formed in the opening phase held on to the finish, just ahead of the bunch. Edward Theuns claimed a surprise victory, with Luke Lamperti and Nils Eekhoff completing the podium.
Five former winners line up this year: Luka Mezgec (2014), Pascal Ackermann (2019, 2022), Gerben Thijssen (2023), Luca Mozzato (2024) and Edward Theuns (2025).
Key information:
- Date - Friday, March 20
- Distance - 203.4km
- Start location - Oostende
- Finish location - Koksijde
- Start time - 12:21 CET
- Finish time - 16:40 CET
The route
More often than not, this race ends in a sprint when the wind stays calm, as is expected this year. Still, the middle section offers opportunities to shake things up. The peloton tackles the Baneberg twice, along with both sides of the Kemmelberg, but the impact of those climbs is usually neutralised by the 100 flat kilometres that follow.
The favourites
With Tim Merlier sidelined by a knee injury, Alberto Dainese (Soudal Quick-Step) finds himself in a position where he needs to deliver. The talent has long been evident, but previous teams failed to fully unlock it. Now, in what is widely considered the best sprint setup in the peloton, excuses are running out.
There are several riders who feel particularly at home in these Belgian sprint races. Matteo Moschetti (Pinarelli-Q36.5) proved that last year and gets another chance to underline it, while Pavel Bittner (Team Picnic PostNL) arrives under pressure, with his team still waiting for a win after nine months.
Raw speed is not an issue for Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility), who has shown his finishing kick on multiple occasions, but consistency remains the key question. In contrast, Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets) already ticked that box this season, opening his account for his new team straight away.
After missing out last year due to illness, Tim Torn Teutenberg (Lidl-Trek) gets a fresh opportunity in a race that suits him well. Luca Mozzato (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) may not be the fastest on paper, but his positioning and engine make him a constant factor in these finishes.
At Alpecin, the focus shifts to Sente Sentjens (Alpecin Premier-Tech), who impressed earlier this season in a supporting role but often looked stronger than the sprinters he was leading out. This time, he is likely to get his own chance.
There are also some question marks around Max Kanter (XDS Astana). A stage win in Paris Nice showed his level, but his subsequent abandonment leaves uncertainty over his condition. If he is not at full strength, Alessandro Romele could step in as a valuable alternative.
Among the other names to keep an eye on are Steffen De Schuyteneer (Lotto-Intermaché), Emilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies), Hugo Hofstetter (NSN Cycling Team), Tom Crabbe (Flanders-Baloise), David Dekker (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Juan Sebastián Molano (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Pascal Ackermann (Jayco AlUla).
Win a Visma | Lease a bike VIP experience!
Are you the guest of Team Visma | Lease a Bike at La Flèche Wallonne on 22 April 2026? Predict the finishing position of the highest placed men’s Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider in Paris Roubaix for a chance to win this amazing prize.
