Dwars door Vlaanderen 2026: Route

Wednesday 1 April - Dwars door Vlaanderen is contested over a 184.6-kilometre route featuring seven stretches of pavé and twelve climbs. The majority of the action is concentrated within an 85-kilometre section south of cycling hotbed Oudenaarde.

The first 70 kilometres of the race are easygoing. After starting in Roeselare, the route winds through the finish town of Waregem to the first climb, the Hellestraat, and then continues right into the heart of the race, which begins with a crossing of Oudenaarde.

The riders face eight climbs and two cobbled sectors over the following 84 kilometres. This 'heart of the race' section begins with the Volkegemberg and the cobbles of the Holleweg, followed by two laps featuring the Berg Ten Houte, Knokteberg-Trieu, Hotond, and the cobbles of the Mariaborrestraat. At the end of the first lap, they also tackle a small climb on the Onderbossenstraat.

Just before the second passage through Oudenaarde, the Eikenberg awaits, and then the riders head back to Waregem. Via the Nokereberg — reached with 21.8 kilometres to go — the riders enter the final circuit. It includes two cobbled sectors of 800 metres on the Herlegemstraat and a second ascent of the Nokereberg. This time they tackle it via the Waregemsestraat, approaching from the opposite side, making it a 750-metre climb at 5.7%. From the top, there are 9.2 kilometres remaining, including the already Herlegemstraat cobbles.

Last year, it seemed straightforward for Visma | Lease a Bike to take the win. After an impressive powerplay by the full team, a breakaway formed with around 60 kilometres to go. Visma bees Wout van Aert, Matteo Jorgenson and Tiesj Benoot were accompanied by Neilson Powless. Yet it was the lone EF Education rider who claimed victory. The yellow brigade had put all their money on Van Aert, but Powless outpowered him in the sprint.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 2026 Dwars door Vlaanderen.

Dwars door Vlaanderen 2026 starts at 11:55 and is expected to finish around 16:15 - both local times (CEST). Check the slideshow below for scheduled times, and see the corresponding file for details on the climbs and cobbled sectors.