Scheldeprijs 2026: Dylan Groenewegen the man to beat? All eyes on Schoten | Sprinters' gala in Terneuzen

The most beautiful 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 believe me, this is an edition you won't want to miss for a second. The tension is palpable: will we see 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 sets off from Terneuzen, in Zeelandic Flanders. And I need to pause here, because this might just be the last time. Talks of a future without the Zeeland start haven't died down yet, so enjoy that departure from the Scheldekwartier. As soon as the flag drops, a classic course of over 205 kilometres awaits. The riders first dive into the Western Scheldt tunnel, after which 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

If I'm honest, there's only one true 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 got the better of 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, 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 duel

Of course, we can't forget the Belgians. Tim Merlier wears starting number 1. He won the last two editions, but is only just back after a nasty knee injury. He says he's taking it easy, but that's classic Merlier. As soon as that finishing 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 will still sting. Expect an explosive sprint between these two, with Groenewegen right in the middle.

Women and cycling fans also get a look-in

And please, don't forget the 2026 Scheldeprijs women's race. The event 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, the cycling enthusiasts pull on their boots for the Scheldeprijs Cyclo. Even tackling that lap over the cobbles of the Broekstraat? Now those are real heroes.

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