Scheldeprijs 2026: Dylan Groenewegen top favourite? All eyes on Schoten | Sprinters' gala in Terneuzen

The best sprinters' party of the cycling season is back on the menu. Today, the fastest men in the world roll through the streets of Terneuzen and Schoten for the 114th edition of the Scheldeprijs 2026. And trust me, this is one edition you won't want to miss for a second. The tension is palpable: will we witness Dutch dominance, or will one of the Belgians take the flowers?

Why this Scheldeprijs is different from all the rest

Let's start at the beginning: the start. For the eighth time in history, the peloton departs from Terneuzen, in Zeelandic Flanders. And I need to pause here, because this might be the last time. Talks about a future without the Zeeland start haven't died down, so soak up that departure from the Scheldekwartier. Once the flag drops, a classic course of just over 205 kilometres awaits. The riders first dive into the Western Scheldt tunnel, then the real racing begins on the windy dikes of Walcheren and South Beveland. The wind isn't quite strong enough for echelons this year, so expect a bunch sprint. And what a sprint it'll be!

Dylan Groenewegen: The man to beat

To be honest, there's only one genuine top favourite this year: Dylan Groenewegen. The Dutchman from Unibet Rockets is in blistering form. He recently won the Ronde van Brugge, where he simply outclassed Jasper Philipsen. But what makes the story even better? Behind his shoulders is none other than Marcel Kittel. Yes, you read that right. The German, a record holder with five wins in Schoten, is his sprint coach this season. Kittel has completely reinvented Groenewegen. That's the secret weapon. That experience combined with that killer instinct. I'm putting him at the top of the list.

• Dylan Groenewegen: The man in red-hot form, mentored by a five-time winner.
• Jasper Philipsen: Two-time winner, desperate to grab a third after finishing second twice in a row.
• Tim Merlier: The reigning champion, just back from a knee injury but always dangerous.
• Jordi Meeus: Perhaps the underdog who could spring a big surprise if the top sprinters take each other out.

Tim Merlier vs. Jasper Philipsen: The Belgian battle

Of course, we can't forget the Belgians. Tim Merlier wears number 1. He won the last two editions, but is just returning after a nasty knee injury. He says he's taking it easy, but that's classic Merlier. As soon as that finish arch comes into view, he shifts to another gear. And then there's Jasper Philipsen. The "Flame of Ham" won here in 2021 and 2023. For the last two years, he's had to acknowledge Merlier as his better. That'll still sting. Expect an explosive sprint between these two, with Groenewegen right in the middle.

The women's race and the fans also get a look-in

And please, don't forget the 2026 Scheldeprijs women. The race has been promoted to the UCI ProSeries, reflecting the growing status of women's cycling. The elite women start later in the day in Schoten. And I haven't even mentioned you lot yet. Because early in the morning, recreational cyclists will be pulling on their shoes for the Scheldeprijs Cyclo. Even tackling that lap over the cobbles of the Broekstraat? Now those are true heroes.

In short, get ready. The coffee's brewing. Whether you're watching for Groenewegen's glory, Philipsen's revenge, or just the stunning sight of those trains racing along the Scheldt: the 2026 Scheldeprijs is going to be a spectacle.