Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne was long regarded as a sprinters’ classic, but in recent years attackers have been too successful to keep saying that with a straight face. Four of the last seven editions were won from an attack. Bob Jungels (2019) and Kasper Asgreen (2020) triumphed solo, while Tiesj Benoot (2023) and Wout van Aert (2024) took victory from groups that had broken clear of the peloton early in the race.
Last year, however, it was a more subdued affair, which naturally played into the hands of the fast men. Despite the efforts of riders such as Tim Wellens, Stefan Bissegger and Wout van Aert, it was clear from a long way out that it would be a day for the sprinters. Groves and Philipsen sensed that too, and after the Australian delivered an excellent lead-out, it was a formality for Philipsen to finish it off.
The weather can be a decisive factor in Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne, and in that respect the outlook appears favourable for the fast men. A calm and dry day is forecast, with only a modest south-westerly breeze.
For the likes of Tim Wellens, Christophe Laporte and probably Matthew Brennan as well, the key is to avoid entering the finishing straight alongside speed merchants like Jonathan Milan and Jasper Philipsen. That means stirring things up in the hilly section and inflicting as much damage as possible on the sprinters. Ideally, that will set up the familiar cat-and-mouse game between attackers and sprinters in the finale, which is always gripping to watch.
Favourites 2026 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne
**** Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, Paul Magnier
*** Tim Wellens, Christophe Laporte, Dylan van Baarle
** Arnaud De Lie, Matej Mohoric, Stefan Küng, Matthew Brennan
* Cees Bol, Stefan Bissegger, Tom Crabbe, Jordi Meeus, Davide Ballerini