Scheldeprijs 2026: Dylan Groenewegen the Top Favourite? All Eyes on Schoten | Sprinter Showdown in Terneuzen

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

Why This Scheldeprijs is Different From All the Others

Let's start at the beginning: the start. For the eighth time in history, the peloton departs from Terneuzen, in Zeelandic Flanders. And I have to pause here, because this might just be the last time. Talks about a future without the Zeeland start haven't died down yet, so enjoy the send-off from Scheldekwartier. As soon as the flag drops, a classic course of 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 in favour of echelons this year, so expect a mass sprint. And what a sprint it will be!

Dylan Groenewegen: The Man to Beat

If I'm being honest, there's only one real top favourite this year: Dylan Groenewegen. The Dutchman from Unibet Rockets is in blistering form. He recently won the Tour of Bruges, where he simply outsmarted 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, guided by a five-time winner.
• Jasper Philipsen: Two-time winner, hungry to grab a third after finishing second twice.
• 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 wear each other out.

Tim Merlier vs. Jasper Philipsen: The Belgian Dual

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 nagging 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 level. And then there's Jasper Philipsen. The "Flame of Ham" won here in 2021 and 2023. The last two years, he's had to acknowledge Merlier as his superior. That still stings. Expect an explosive sprint between these two, with Groenewegen right in the middle.

Women and Amateurs Also Get Their Turn

And please, don't forget the 2026 Scheldeprijs women. The race has been upgraded 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 yet. Because early in the morning, cycling enthusiasts put on their brave faces for the Scheldeprijs Cyclo. Even tackling that stretch of cobbles on Broekstraat? Now those are real heroes.

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