Published on : 06/17/2026
The Baloise Belgium Tour got underway on Wednesday with a 187.9-kilometre opening stage in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem. As expected, the stage came down to a bunch sprint after an animated day of racing in hot conditions.
The action started early with a four-man breakaway that was caught with 76 kilometres remaining. Later in the day, the peloton split several times as the pace increased.
With 35 kilometres to go, Alex Kirsch and Hugo Page joined an attacking group that tried to gain an advantage, but the peloton quickly brought them back. A lone rider then held off the bunch until just 150 metres from the finish before finally being caught.
The stage eventually ended in a bunch sprint, with Hugo Page taking 20th place after being boxed in during the final metres.
Sébastien Hinault's reaction :
"Today's stage was made difficult by the heat. Our three riders who crashed on Sunday – Piet Allegaert, Milan Fretin and Jenthe Biermans – were not feeling well. Milan suffered from cramps, Piet had breathing difficulties and Jenthe had a headache. I think these were direct consequences of Sunday's crash, made worse by the heat.
Despite that, it was a good race from the team. We were very active in the finale, especially with Alex Kirsch and Hugo Page. Hugo contested the sprint but couldn't sprint the way he wanted because he was blocked in the final 150 metres."
The Baloise Belgium Tour is only just beginning, and more opportunities will come throughout the week.