Results Tour of Flanders WE 2026 | Demi Vollering proves strongest on Kwaremont to take commanding Tour of Flanders victory from Pieterse and Ferrand-Prevot

Demi Vollering has won the 2026 Tour of Flanders WE after a decisive attack on the Oude Kwaremont, riding clear of all her rivals before extending her advantage on the Paterberg and the run to Oudenaarde.

In a race that moved from a hesitant opening into a relentless, selective finale, the European champion made the difference on the key climb, while the battle behind split into separate fights for the remaining podium places.

The race opened at speed in Oudenaarde, with repeated attacks before a breakaway of Anastasiya Kolesava, Teuntje Beekhuis, Allison Mrugal and Sophie von Berswordt established itself at the front.

With little organisation behind, the gap stretched beyond five minutes as the peloton repeatedly eased and regrouped. That calm was broken by a series of crashes, including a large fall in the bunch that forced several riders into chase mode and led to the abandonment of Victoire Berteau. As the race approached the cobbled sectors, the tempo rose again, with teams fighting for position ahead of the decisive climbs.

The first real pressure came on the Molenberg, but it was the Koppenberg that created the decisive early selection.

Driven by Franziska Koch, the front group was reduced to a core of favourites including Vollering, Lotte Kopecky, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Puck Pieterse, while several riders were distanced. The early break was swept up in the same phase, bringing the strongest riders together at the front.

Behind, the race fragmented into smaller groups, with gaps opening and closing as riders attempted to return. Despite the selection, the race did not settle.

A number of riders bridged back to form a larger leading group, with FDJ continuing to apply pressure through Koch and Celia Gery, while Elisa Balsamo successfully made it across to rejoin the front. Lorena Wiebes, however, was unable to make the move and was left chasing, a key development given her sprinting threat.

Repeated accelerations on the Taaienberg and the run towards the final climbs ensured the group continued to thin, with the race becoming increasingly selective.

The decisive move came on the Oude Kwaremont. After being positioned by Koch, Vollering attacked on the cobbles and quickly opened a gap. Ferrand-Prevot was the last rider able to follow before being dropped, while Pieterse and Kopecky were forced into a chase behind. By the summit, Vollering already held a significant advantage, having been clearly the fastest rider on the climb.

Behind, the race split again. Pieterse and Ferrand-Prevot formed the closest pursuit, while Kopecky was unable to hold their pace and was absorbed into a chasing group with Elisa Longo Borghini, Silvia Persico and others.

On the Paterberg, Vollering increased her lead further, riding clear to put the outcome beyond doubt. Behind her, Pieterse and Ferrand-Prevot briefly split and then came back together on the flat, continuing their fight for the remaining podium places, while the Kopecky group hovered just behind but was unable to close the gap.

With the race fully fragmented, the final kilometres became a series of individual efforts rather than organised chases. Vollering rode alone into Oudenaarde to take victory, completing a dominant performance built on patience early and a decisive move at the key moment.

Behind her, Pieterse and Ferrand-Prevot secured the remaining podium places after their pursuit held off the chasers, while Kopecky was left to contest the minor placings following her efforts earlier in the race.