Bredene Koksijde Classic 2026 preview, profiles, favourites & predictions - Sprint expected on 'mini Gent Wevelgem'

Taking place on the 20th of March, the Bredene Koksijde Classic is the third of three consercutive semi-classics that are highly prestigious, even if they are not part of the World Tour division. The sprinter's classic has had great quality in its short history, however it delivers exciting action every year. We preview the race ahead, with the start and finish expected at 12:20 and 16:40CET.

This race is much more recent than its peers, having its first edition only back in 2011 with Steve Schets taking the win. The likes of Luka Mezgec, Pascal Ackermann, Tim Merlier, Gerben Thijssen and Luca Mozzato have won here whilst 12 months ago it was Edward Theuns who took the glory in a sprint finale.

If at the GP de Denain we've had the mini Paris-Roubaix, at the Bredene Koksijde Classic the continental teams have their own 'mini Gent-Wevelgem', with over 200 kilometers on the menu and a course that features a very similar formula and literally the same climbs as in the Belgian World Tour classic.

On paper, the race is almost fully pan-flat. However, from 125 to 100 kilometers to go, the riders are going to climb the Baneberg, the Monteberg and the Kemmelberg twice, through both sides. Brutally steep cobbled climbs that are enough to split the peloton to bits, however so far from the finish.

Even in the best case scenario, there would still be two hours of racing on flat roads before reaching the finish line in Koksijde - where there is a final circuit to race - however in this region the winds also blow hard and echelons can also create meaningful differences in the race.

*** Tim Torn Teutenberg, Juan Sebastián Molano, Matteo Moschetti
** Alberto Dainese, Dylan Groenewegen, Milan Menten, Max Kanter
* Gerben Thijssen, Henri Uhlig, Jensen Plowright, Paul Penhoet, Vito Braet, Hugo Hofstetter, Itamar Einhorn, Pascal Ackermann, Erlend Blikra, Sam Bennett, Emilien Jeannière, Luca Mozzato, Tom Crabbe

Pick: Juan Sebastián Molano

How: Regular bunch sprint