A sprint showdown in the Belgian capital? - 2026 Brussels Cycling Classic preview

On paper, the race looks like one for the fast men. In practice, the Brussels Cycling Classic has rarely been that simple.

Recent editions have shown how many ways the race can be won. Tim Merlier powered to victory in a bunch sprint last year, while Jonas Abrahamsen and Remco Evenepoel both succeeded with late attacks in 2024 and 2021. The roads through Flemish Brabant and Flanders give the peloton enough difficulty to control, but also enough uncertainty for attackers to believe.

Merlier will not return to defend his title. That leaves Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), as the only former winner on the start list.

The 2026 edition covers 206.3 kilometres and includes 10 classified climbs and four cobbled sectors. There is little flat road, with the route constantly rolling through terrain that can wear down a peloton before the final run back into Brussels.

The most recognisable climbs are the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg. Both are deeply familiar to Belgian cycling fans and both can shape the race long before the finish.

The first passage over the Muur comes with 114.8 kilometres remaining. The climb is 1.2 kilometres long and includes cobbled sections, making it an early test rather than a decisive point. Shortly afterwards, the riders take on the Bosberg, a one kilometre climb averaging 6.2 percent, with the final 500 metres rising above 10 percent.

The Congoberg follows soon after. It is a gentler climb, but forms part of a circuit that will be repeated. The riders will tackle the Muur, Bosberg and Congoberg three times in total, with the final ascent of the Congoberg coming with 47 kilometres still to race.

From there, the race turns back towards Brussels. The sprinters’ teams will have time to organise a chase, but the rolling roads mean they may have to work hard to bring back any dangerous move.

Inside the final 20 kilometres, another cobbled sector comes before the Heiligekruiswegstraat, a gentle rise that is unlikely to decide the race on its own. The run in is then relatively straightforward, with wide roads into the city centre before a slightly uphill finish near the Atomium.

Biniam Girmay starts as the clearest favourite. The Eritrean came close to winning this race in 2024, finishing second behind Jonas Abrahamsen, and the uphill drag to the line should suit his strengths.

Now racing for NSN, Girmay has already taken victories in 2026 and arrives with the speed, strength and experience to handle a race like this. His team should also have enough depth to control the key moments and position him well for the finish.

Jordi Meeus is likely to be one of his main rivals. The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sprinter has been in good form this season and arrives after winning the opening stage of the Tour de Wallonie. He also knows this race, having finished third in 2023.

Other fast riders who could feature include Tom Crabbe of Flanders -Baloise, Alberto Dainese of Soudal Quick-Step, Paul Penhoët of Groupama-FDJ United, Martin Malucelli of XDS Astana and Marijn van den Berg of EF Education-EasyPost.

A sprint may be the most likely outcome, but the race has enough history to keep the attackers interested. Abrahamsen will know that better than anyone after his solo victory in 2024. Aimé De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5), Dries De Bondt (Jayco AlUla), Toon Aerts (Lotto-Intermarche) and Laurence Pithie ((Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) are also among the riders who could try to upset the sprint teams if the race opens up.

Much will depend on how much control the sprinters’ teams can impose after the final climbs. If the race comes back together, Girmay looks like the rider to beat. If hesitation sets in on the road to Brussels, the Brussels Cycling Classic has shown often enough that a late attack can still survive.