Scheldeprijs 2026: Dylan Groenewegen the top favourite? 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 domination, 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 about a future without the Zeeland start haven't died down yet, so enjoy that departure from the Scheldekwartier. Once the flag drops, a classic route of over 205 kilometres awaits. The riders first dive into the Western Scheldt tunnel, after which the real race begins on the windy dikes of Walcheren and South Beveland. The wind this year isn't quite ideal for echelon formation, so expect a mass sprint. And what a sprint it will 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 blazing 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 top form, guided by a five-time winner.
• Jasper Philipsen: Two-time winner, burning 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 take each other out.

Tim Merlier vs. Jasper Philipsen: The Belgian battle

Of course, we can't forget the Belgians. Tim Merlier wears race number 1. He won the last two editions, but is just returning from 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 had to acknowledge Merlier as his superior. That must still sting. Expect an explosive sprint between these two, with Groenewegen right in between.

The women and the enthusiasts get their turn too

And please, don't forget the 2026 Scheldeprijs women's race. 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 all yet. Because early in the morning, recreational cyclists take on the challenge during the Scheldeprijs Cyclo. Even that lap over the cobbles of the Broekstraat? 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 racing along the Scheldt: the 2026 Scheldeprijs is going to be a spectacle.