Stacked sprinter showdown - 2026 Baloise Belgium Tour preview

Filippo Baroncini claimed the overall title in 2025, finishing just four seconds ahead of Ethan Hayter and seven seconds clear of Jenno Berckmoes.

The Italian secured his victory with a strong individual time trial on stage three before defending his advantage on the demanding stage around Durbuy, which returns to the route in 2026.

Recent winners underline the varied nature of the race. Søren Wærenskjold won the 2024 edition by four seconds, while Mathieu van der Poel took a commanding victory in 2023, finishing 40 seconds ahead of Wærenskjold. Mauro Schmid narrowly beat Tim Wellens in 2022, while Remco Evenepoel won in both 2019 and 2021. His first triumph marked the first professional stage race victory of his career.

The race begins with a 188.4 kilometre stage starting and finishing in Scherpenheuvel Zichem, in the east of Flemish Brabant.

With 1,258 metres of climbing, the opening stage is not completely flat, but none of the rises should be difficult enough to prevent a reduced bunch sprint. The repeated undulations could still weaken some riders before the final approach to the line.

Stage two offers a much clearer opportunity for the pure sprinters. The riders will start in Merelbeke Melle, just outside Ghent, before travelling towards Knokke Heist on the Belgian coast.

The 197 kilometre route contains less than 700 metres of elevation and concludes with three laps of a local circuit. Barring strong winds or late disruption, a bunch sprint appears almost inevitable.

Stage three is the queen stage and is expected to play a decisive role in the fight for the general classification. The route features 23 climbs, although none is especially severe in isolation.

Instead, it will be the repeated accumulation of short efforts that gradually removes riders from contention and encourages aggressive racing. The final climb is crested with 12 kilometres remaining, leaving enough distance for attacks to succeed or for small groups to regroup before the finish.

The fourth stage is slightly undulating, but the strength and number of sprint teams in the race should make life difficult for the breakaway. The 182.8 kilometre route to Aarschot is likely to produce another fast finish.

The race concludes with a 182.6 kilometre stage from Gingelom to Hoeilaart. Several rises in the final 20 kilometres could provide a platform for late attacks, particularly if the general classification remains tight.

Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech) and Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG head into the race as the top three favourites to succeed Baroncini. 

The latter, Vermeersch, was in mighty form in the spring classics with several high-placed finishes and podiums across the spring. Del Grosso is tailor-made for the parcours with his explosive punch, perhaps a weapon that can be utilised well when the race reaches the Ardennes. 

The same can be said for Aranburu who has been performing well in 2026 and even took his yearly victory at the Itzulia Basque Country in typical, entertaining Aranburu fashion.

Potential outsiders for the general classification include 2024 winner, Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility), Lukáš Kubiš (Unibet Rose Rockets) and Rick Pluimers (Tudor).

The 2026 Baloise Belgium Tour features an exceptionally strong group of sprinters, led by Tim Merlier.

The Soudal Quick-Step rider won two stages at the race last year and starts as the leading favourite whenever the peloton reaches the finish together. His recent consistency and finishing speed make him the rider to beat in the expected bunch sprints.

Olav Kooij will contest his second stage race for Decathlon CMA CGM after an encouraging performance at the Boucles de la Mayenne. The Belgian race gives him another opportunity to develop his sprint train and build momentum ahead of the next part of the season.

Jasper Philipsen has changed his programme and will race on home roads rather than starting the Tour de Suisse. The Alpecin Premier Tech rider and his performance staff decided that a sprint focused preparation would be more valuable ahead of the Tour de France.

The Belgian is looking to sharpen his speed, improve his positioning and build confidence in direct competition with several of the fastest riders in the peloton. Having won a stage in each of his last four appearances at the race, Philipsen also brings an impressive record to the start.

With Merlier, Philipsen, and Kooij , the battle for stage victories could be every bit as compelling as the contest for the overall title.