When not to leave the couch: the key moments in the Tour of Flanders
The Tour of Flanders rarely fails to deliver, but the 2026 edition carries an added sense of anticipation. With Tadej Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and debutant Remco Evenepoel all lining up, the race brings together a generation defining group of contenders in what could become a classic. But when should you tune in to catch the key moments?
The day starts early, with the unofficial start at 10:00 and the official flag drop at 10:20, but the race only truly comes to life later, with the Lippenhovestraat appearing around 12:46 as the first cobbled sector.
The passing times at the key moments will, of course, depend on the riders’ pace, but it is reasonable to assume the fastest schedule.
Key moments Tour of Flanders 2026
| Section | How far to go | Time |
|---|---|---|
Lippenhovestraat | 168.6 km | 12:46 to 13:00 |
Oude Kwaremont (1) | 136 km | 13:30 to 13:48 |
Kappelleberg | 120.1 km | 13:51 to 14:11 |
Wolvenberg | 116 km | 13:56 to 14:17 |
Molenberg | 103.5 km | 14:13 to 14:36 |
Marlboroughstraat | 99.5 km | 14:18 to 14:41 |
Berendries | 95.5 km | 14:24 to 14:47 |
Valkenberg | 86.9 km | 14:35 to 15:00 |
Berg Ten Houte | 74.4 km | 14:52 to 15:18 |
Nieuwe Kruisberg Hotond | 64.9 km | 15:04 to 15:32 |
Oude Kwaremont (2) | 55.1 km | 15:17 to 15:47 |
Paterberg (1) | 51.6 km | 15:22 to 15:52 |
Koppenberg | 45.3 km | 15:30 to 16:01 |
Mariaborrestraat | 41.2 km | 15:36 to 16:07 |
Taaienberg | 36.8 km | 15:42 to 16:13 |
Oude Kruisberg Hotond | 26.5 km | 15:56 to 16:28 |
Oude Kwaremont (3) | 16.7 km | 16:09 to 16:43 |
Paterberg (2) | 13.2 km | 16:13 to 16:48 |
Finish Oudenaarde | 0 km | 16:31 to 17:07 |
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