Profile & Route De Brabantse Pijl 2026

De Brabantse Pijl is one of the most iconic and prestigious one-day races in Belgium, perfectly fit between the cobbled and Ardennes classics. It is the classic that makes the transition between phases, which is set to take place on the 17th of April. We take a look at its profile, with the race estimated to start and finish at 13:30 and 17:05CET.

The first edition of the race took place in 1961 and was won by the legendary Pino Cermani. This is a race that has accumulated an enviable list of winners including Eddy Merckx, Roger de Vlaeminck, Johan Museeuws and Philippe Gilbert some of Belgium's most notable icons. Amongst the list are many other World Champions including those of the 21st century such as Óscar Freire, Peter Sagan, Mathieu van der Poel and Julian Alaphilippe.

This decade we've seen Alaphilippe, Tom Pidcock, Magnus Sheffield, Dorian Godon, Benoît Cosnefroy and most recently Remco Evenepoel take the wins. 12 months ago the Belgian took the win over Wout Van Aert in the final sprint.

The 162.5-kilometer race fits the puncheurs and cobbled classics specialists, featuring very explosive terrain with climbs both on tarmac and cobbled terrain, different types of obstacles which suit different riders.

The race revolves around it's final circuit in Overijse, where in 20 kilometers the riders find four ascents, two of them cobbled, and one corresponding to the finish. The Moskesstraat (500 meters at 8%, cobbled) is the main feature and the climb where usually the biggest differences can be created, and ends with 10.5 kilometers to go.

However the slight finale makes it very tactical, as saving energy is always a major requirement, and even those with a strong sprint can't depend on it at the end of it - and also such a difficult race. It's a highly explosive route which is very hard to control and very often leads to exciting and dramatic racing.