Startlist Brabantse Pijl 2026 | Riders: Jhonatan Narvaez, Benoit Cosnefroy, Tibor del Grosso, Romain Gregoire and more

The startlist for Brabantse Pijl 2026 is beginning to take shape, with a punchy and unpredictable contest expected on Friday, 17 April as the race bridges the cobbled Classics and the Ardennes week.

Known for its relentless rhythm and short, sharp climbs, the Belgian one-day race traditionally suits aggressive, versatile riders capable of handling repeated efforts and finishing from reduced groups. This year’s line-up reflects that profile, bringing together a mix of Classics specialists, fast-finishing climbers and opportunists who thrive on rolling terrain.

Leading the billing are Jhonatan Narvaez, Benoit Cosnefroy, Tibor del Grosso and Romain Gregoire, all riders well suited to the race’s explosive demands. Each has the ability to force selections on the climbs and deliver in small group finishes, setting up the prospect of an aggressive and tactical race from distance.
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What makes Brabantse Pijl particularly difficult to control, however, is the number of different rider profiles capable of shaping the outcome. If the race becomes selective but not completely fragmented, fast finishers such as Fernando Gaviria and Bryan Coquard could emerge as serious contenders, provided they remain in contact over the final climbs.

A more aggressive scenario would favour riders willing to attack before the finale. Dries De Bondt fits that mould, while Alessandro Covi and Mauro Schmid have already shown they can convert long-range moves into victories at this level.

There is also a group of riders who sit between those two extremes, capable of following accelerations and exploiting tactical moments late in the race. Attila Valter is one such rider, alongside a wider supporting cast across multiple teams who could take advantage if the main favourites hesitate.

With so many overlapping strengths across the peloton, Brabantse Pijl once again looks set to reward instinct and timing over hierarchy. In a race where control is often an illusion, the winning move is just as likely to come from opportunism as it is from the headline favourites.