Scheldeprijs 2026: Dylan Groenewegen the Man to Beat? All Eyes on Schoten | Sprinter's Showdown in Terneuzen
The best sprinter's 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 sky-high: are we in for a Dutch domination, or will one of the Belgians take the win?
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 rolls out 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 soak in that departure from the Scheldekwartier. As soon as the flag drops, a classic course of over 205 kilometers 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 mass sprint. And what a sprint it'll be!
Dylan Groenewegen: The Man to Beat
If I'm being honest, there's only one real top favorite this year: Dylan Groenewegen. The Dutchman from Unibet Rockets is in blistering form. He recently won the Tour of Bruges, where he simply outclassed Jasper Philipsen. But what makes the story even better? Behind him 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 paired with that killer instinct. I'm putting him at the top of the list.
- Dylan Groenewegen: The red-hot man, guided by a five-time winner.
- Jasper Philipsen: Two-time winner, burning to grab a third after finishing second twice in a row.
- Tim Merlier: The defending champion, just back from a knee injury but always dangerous.
- Jordi Meeus: Possibly 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 he's just coming back 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 into another gear. 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 better each time. That's still going to sting. Expect an explosive sprint between these two, with Groenewegen right in the middle.
Women's Race and Amateurs Also in the Spotlight
And please, don't forget the 2026 Scheldeprijs women's race. The event has been promoted to the UCI ProSeries, reflecting the rising status of women's cycling. The elite women start later in the day in Schoten. And I haven't even mentioned you all. Because early in the morning, cycling fans will brave the Scheldeprijs Cyclo. Even that lap over the cobbles of Broekstraat? Now those are real heroes.
In short, get ready. The coffee is brewing. Whether you're watching for Groenewegen's glory, Philipsen's revenge, or just for the stunning shots of those trains racing along the Scheldt: the 2026 Scheldeprijs is going to be a spectacle.