De Brabantse Pijl 2026, April 17

[Dazed and Confused]

Admittedly, I do like this race, hence the thread. Last year Remco beat WvA in a sprint, but this year none of them participate, giving space to other riders.

A nice test for some, just before AGR two days later. Startlist: https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/brabantse-pijl/2026/startlist

Another two man sprint could be coming up, maybe with Gregoire and del Grosso. Who knows.

 

[Samamba]

Race ruined by Flanders Classics putting it on Friday.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

For a semiclassic, in all honesty it's a pretty tragic field. Moving the race to Friday is a part of it, RB and Visma not being there meaning that last year's top two is out is a part of it, the likes of Pidcock, Matthews and Christen getting injured after their participation was announced is a part of it.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Weak field or not, this is generally the most interesting of the Ardennes classics. I will try to enjoy it, and I'm hoping for a big performance from Zambanini.

 

[AlfaLum]

Schmid vs. Del Grosso sprint part 2

 

[gavia88]

Weak field or not, this is generally the most interesting of the Ardennes classics. I will try to enjoy it, and I'm hoping for a big performance from Zambanini.

it's not part of the Ardennes classics. For a long time it was even on the spot of Gent-Wevelgem and a preparation race for RVV.

 

[gavia88]

Race ruined by Flanders Classics putting it on Friday.

and that only because they want to gave the 'spectacular' Ronde van Limburg a more important spot

 

[Dazed and Confused]

I'm not that bothered by some WT teams skipping the race, after all this is a .Pro level event. However the move from Wednesday to Friday is another one of these decisions that belongs on the scrapheap. The minus 30 km distance difference from historic norm is an insult as well.

 

[tobydawq]

and that only because they want to gave the 'spectacular' Ronde van Limburg a more important spot

It seems quite a no-brainer to switch Limburg and BP...

 

[Netserk]

it's not part of the Ardennes classics. For a long time it was even on the spot of Gent-Wevelgem and a preparation race for RVV.

like amstel

 

[Ilmaestro99]

it's not part of the Ardennes classics. For a long time it was even on the spot of Gent-Wevelgem and a preparation race for RVV.

To me it is, maybe we make a poll on this?

 

[the asian]

Race ruined by Flanders Classics putting it on Friday.

Yes. Should be on the Wednesday. They have reduced the length too.

 

[Netserk]

To me it is, maybe we make a poll on this?

is kuurne even a flemish classic with so much of it in wallonia ?

 

[tobydawq]

is kuurne even a flemish classic with so much of it in wallonia ?

Wait until you hear which country the Monte Carlo tennis tournament takes place in.

 

[KoopaCycling]

Yes it's a nice race. No idea why so few bigger names want to win it this year.
Not sure who to root for yet. Berckmoes maybe

 

[Netserk]

Wait until you hear which country the Monte Carlo tennis tournament takes place in.

fake news tournament in a fake news sport ?

 

[Devil's Elbow]

like amstel

Amstel is at least in the foothills of the Ardennes, that cannot be said of this race.

 

[KoopaCycling]

Amstel is at least in the foothills of the Ardennes, that cannot be said of this race.

huh, I'm guessing you mean the foothills of flemish ardennes, not the actual ardennes.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

huh, I'm guessing you mean the foothills of flemish ardennes, not the actual ardennes.

There are 150 kilometres of flat between South Limburg and the Flemish Ardennes, so no.

 

[Brullnux]

huh, I'm guessing you mean the foothills of flemish ardennes, not the actual ardennes.

Limburg is a lot closer to Liege than Gent.

 

[Brullnux]

it's not part of the Ardennes classics. For a long time it was even on the spot of Gent-Wevelgem and a preparation race for RVV.

Geographically I agree but spiritually it is in between cobbled hellingen and the slightly longer climbs of Amstel – and that was reflected in the Wednesday position. It made sense that it was an easier prelude to Amstel, but Friday is just way too close to it.

It matters less with E3 and GW as those are similar enough in prestige that you want to win both.

 

[Sciatic]

huh, I'm guessing you mean the foothills of flemish ardennes, not the actual ardennes.

So which Ardennes are we supposed to go by: geologic, geographic, or geo-cultural (which is what I assume you mean by your statement?)?

 

[QueenStagiaire]

The most prestigious U23 race on the planet…

 

[tobydawq]

huh, I'm guessing you mean the foothills of flemish ardennes, not the actual ardennes.

Good luck challenging DE on geography knowledge.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

The most prestigious U23 race on the planet…

These days the U23 bunch are chipping away at the top 10 overall in the hilly races....