A Glimpse into Scheldeprijs History

Organized for the first time back in 1907, Scheldeprijs is one of the oldest races in Flanders. Over the years, it has consolidated its status as a sprinters' rendezvous, attracting the crème de la crème of the sprinters' brigade every year.

Decoding the Course

Spanning approximately 200 kilometers from Terneuzen in the Netherlands to Schoten in Belgium, the race provides a predominantly flat course that plays into the hands of the sprinters. It gifts the viewing audience an enthralling high-speed finale, fueled by the intense competition among powerhouse sprinters.

The Scheldeprijs Hallmarks

• Sprinters’ Showdown: With its flat terrain, Scheldeprijs provides the perfect platform for the world's fastest riders to go head-to-head.

• Cobbled Origin: While the race does feature some cobbled sectors, they seldom impact the eventual high-speed sprint finish.

Cycle Speak

• Lead-Out: The tactical maneuver where a team sets a high pace at the front of the peloton to set up their primary sprinter for the finish.

Highlight Reel

• Belgian sprint legend Tom Boonen won back-to-back races in 2004 and 2005, displaying electrifying sprint finishes.

• Marcel Kittel holds the record for the most wins, a testament to his absolute dominance in the sprinting world during his peak.

Conclusion

In the heart of the Belgian racing season, Scheldeprijs shines as a beacon for sprinters, offering an enticing blend of high-speed action and nail-biting finishes. The race demands great physical prowess and strategic foresight, making it not just an opportunity for the sprinters to shine, but also a strategic battleground for teams. As the excitement around Scheldeprijs continues to grow each year, we can only look forward to the new iconic moments that will add to the illustrious saga of this Sprinters’ Classic.