The 95th edition of the Baloise Belgium Tour starts in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem on Wednesday; the final stage of this five-day stage race from the UCI ProSeries (2.Pro) finishes in Hoeilaart on Sunday.The field is spearheaded by a mix of fast men, classic riders and attackers. This week, the Baloise Belgium Tour is also introducing a technological first designed to improve rider safety.
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) and Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step), the two most successful Belgian sprinters of recent years, will be at the start in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem. Philipsen is chasing his fifth stage win in the Baloise Belgium Tour this week, whilst Merlier already has six to his name and could add to that tally.
Their main international rivals will initially be the Dutchman Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) and the Eritrean Biniam Girmay (NSN). However, the Colombian Sebastian Molano (UAE), the Irishman Sam Bennett (Pinarello-Q36.5) and the Slovak Lukas Kubis (Unibet Rose Rockets) are also on the radar, as are young Belgians Milan Fretin (Cofidis), Steffen De Schuyteneer (Lotto Intermarché) and Tom Crabbe (Flanders-Baloise).
There are also opportunities for more classic riders and attackers such as Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-Quick Step), Dylan van Baarle (Soudal-Quick Step), Tibor del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Florian Vermeersch (UAE), Quinten Hermans (Pinarello-Q36.5), Oliver Naesen (Decathlon CMA CGM) or Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies). Jenno Berckmoes (Lotto Intermarché), last year’s stage winner in Durbuy and third in the overall standings, is also one to be reckoned with. As is the strong Norwegian trio of Jonas Abrahamsen, Rasmus Tiller and Sören Waerenskjold from Uno-X.
And then there is fit Liam Slock (Lotto Intermarché), who on Sunday in Switzerland crossed the line first in the GP Gippingen in unrivalled fashion, securing his first professional victory. Can the 25-year-old from East Flanders carry that momentum into his home country this week?
Route
The Baloise Belgium Tour opens on Wednesday 17 June with a stage in and around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, a stage in the Hageland region where both breakaway riders and sprinters could come out on top. The evening before, the Basilica of Scherpenheuvel will provide the impressive backdrop for the official teams presentation. The Thursday stage, from Merelbeke-Melle in East Flanders to Knokke-Heist in West Flanders, finishing at De Wandelaar, is iconic within the Baloise Belgium Tour.
In Friday’s Ardennes stage, starting and finishing in Durbuy, the riders will have to climb the Mur de Durbuy four times, finishing there as well.
The following day, the riders return to the Hageland for a stage starting in Betekom (Begijnendijk) and finishing in Aarschot, featuring numerous challenging climbs along the way. The battle for the overall victory will be decided on Sunday in the Druivenstreek, another region known for its particularly tough climbs. This final stage starts in Gingelom, Limburg, and finishes in Hoeilaart.
Golden Kilometre
In every stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour, time bonuses can be earned during the so-called Golden Kilometre, a triple bonus sprint 20 to 40 km from the finish line. In addition, there are also three Flandrien Checkpoint Sprints in each stage, for a separate sprint classification.
Safety
Organiser Golazo and title partner Baloise are introducing a technological first in professional cycling during this Baloise Belgium Tour: digital, dynamic signal boards for mobile marshals, replacing the traditional yellow flag. The new signalling system combines bright, flashing LED warnings with a piercing audible alarm. The aim is to drastically increase the peloton’s reaction speed and safety within the cycling convoy.
Liesbeth Laureys, Director of Marketing & Development, Baloise: “As an insurer, safety and prevention are in our DNA. This feature of the Baloise Belgium Tour perfectly demonstrates how we use innovation to reduce risks. This first-of-its-kind initiative protects riders today and inspires road safety for tomorrow.”
Last year, Baloise and Golazo introduced fixed digital signage boards and innovative finish line cushions to further enhance safety on and around the course. The safety innovations have been developed by Norwegian company Safe Cycling, part of the Golazo Group and active in safety solutions for cycling, in collaboration with Metec, a specialist in creating collision protection at vulnerable points in car parks and logistics centres.
Jan Nys, Race Director at Golazo Cycling: “The riders’ safety is our absolute priority. The traditional yellow flag has served its purpose well, but in modern, fast-paced cycling, maximum visual and auditory clarity is crucial. With this digital first, we are setting a new standard for mobile marshals.”
Michel Megens, CEO of Metec: “At Metec, we place great importance on safety, which is why we are keen to contribute to the development of new initiatives. With our Metec – Solarwatt Continental Cycling Team, we are right in the thick of the peloton ourselves, which makes us feel the importance of such innovations all the more keenly.”
Live on TV
The Baloise Belgium Tour can be followed live every day on Sporza, RTBF and Eurosport.
STAGE SCHEDULE FOR THE 2026 BALOISE BELGIUM TOUR:
• Tuesday 16 June 2026: Teams presentation in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
• Wednesday 17 June 2026: Scherpenheuvel-Zichem – Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
• Thursday 18 June 2026: Merelbeke-Melle – Knokke-Heist
• Friday 19 June 2026: Durbuy – Durbuy
• Saturday 20 June 2026: Begijnendijk (Betekom) – Aarschot
• Sunday 21 June 2026: Gingelom – Hoeilaart
