Flanders Classics has revamped the finale of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad for 2026, adding the Tenbosse and Parikeberg climbs to the closing kilometres while dropping the Elverenberg-Vossenhol sequence used in recent editions.
The changes to the 81st edition, scheduled for Saturday February 28, are likely to increase selectivity before the Muur-Kapelmuur and Bosberg, with a star-studded list of riders including Wout van Aert and Lotte Kopecky already confirmed to race.
Tenbosse and Parikeberg are bergs that often split the pack, and the successive climbs of Muur and Bosberg are likely to decide the race outcome.
The announcement came alongside confirmation that the start will remain in Ghent through 2031. Flanders Classics has concluded a six-year agreement with the City of Ghent, securing 't Kuipke, the indoor velodrome, as the venue for team presentations for both the men's and women's races.
Route changes in the finale
The route adjustment places Tenbosse, a 450-metre climb averaging 6.4%, approximately 28 kilometres from the finish in Ninove. The Parikeberg follows immediately, covering 800 metres at 4.9% with ramps reaching 12%.
Both climbs come after the Berendries, creating a more continuous sequence of obstacles that reduces recovery time before the Muur-Kapelmuur, a 475-metre cobbled wall averaging 9.3% with a maximum gradient of 19.8%.
The men's race covers approximately 207 kilometres, while the women's edition runs 137 kilometres. Both races share the revamped finale.
Field and wildcard confirmations
All men's and women's UCI WorldTeams have confirmed participation in both races. Seven ProTeams have received invitations for the men's event, including automatic wildcards for Pinarello-Q36.5, Cofidis and Tudor Pro Cycling. Burgos-Burpellet-BH, Unibet Rose Rockets, Team Flanders-Baloise and TotalEnergies complete the invited men's field.
The revised profile features repeated short climbs. Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) have confirmed their participation, while reports suggest Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is considering a return to Opening Weekend.
Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) is scheduled to start in the women's race. The Parikeberg adds another steep climb to the finale, similar to terrain where she has frequently excelled.
"The fact that the opening classic will also start in Ghent for the next six editions is an extra reason to raise a glass at the end of the year," Flanders Classics CEO Tomas Van Den Spiegel said.
The Parikeberg is situated in Brakel, the hometown of three-time Omloop winner Peter Van Petegem, returning the race to the Flemish Ardennes region.
