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

The finest sprinters' party of the cycling season is back on the menu. Today, the fastest men on earth roll 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: 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 just be the last time. Talks of a future without the Zeeland start haven't died down, so soak in that departure from the Scheldekwartier. As soon as the flag drops, a classic course of just 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 echelon action this year, so expect a bunch sprint. And what a sprint it will be!

Dylan Groenewegen: The man to beat

To be 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 outfoxed 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, guided by a five-time winner.
• Jasper Philipsen: Two-time winner, desperate to grab a third after two runner-up finishes.
• 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 cancel each other out.

Tim Merlier vs. Jasper Philipsen: The Belgian duel

Of course, we can't forget the Belgians. Tim Merlier wears race number one. He's won the last two editions, but is only 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 level. And then there's Jasper Philipsen. The "Flame of Ham" won here in 2021 and 2023. For the past two years, he's had to settle for second best behind Merlier. That will still be burning inside him. Expect an explosive sprint between these two, with Groenewegen right in the middle.

The women and the fans get their turn too

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 lot yet. Because early in the morning, cycling fans pull on their shoes for the Scheldeprijs Cyclo. Even that lap over the cobbles of Broekstraat? Now those are the 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 images of those trains hurtling along the Scheldt: the 2026 Scheldeprijs is going to be a spectacle.