Scheldeprijs Preview
Analysis written by Sergio Yustos (@sergioyustos_) and Fantasy Tips by Cédric Molina (@ilcapoced)
ROUTE ANALYSIS
- Schedule: 13.05 - 17:15 CET
- TV Start: 15:45 CET
The profile of the Scheldeprijs 2026 is clearly favorable for sprinters. With no accumulated difficulty or truly selective points, the most probable scenario is the usual: control, high pace, and a mass sprint in Schoten. Only the wind could alter this, but it doesn't seem likely.
As a historical nod, the last time this logic was broken was by Alexander Kristoff in 2022, winning solo. An exception rather than a trend.
The only point of interest is the cobbled sections — Sint Jobsesteenweg (500m) and the Broekstraat (1700 m, 4 times) in the final circuit — but in dry conditions, their impact is minimal. They will serve to tense the peloton and fight for positioning before the finale.
THE WEATHER
Very favorable conditions for the 2026 men's Scheldeprijs: 18-20 º, overcast skies, and no rain. A gentle wind (15 km/h, with gusts of 25) is unlikely to break the race. It will be slightly against in the pavé and favorable at the finish, reinforcing the likelihood of a sprint finish.
FAVORITES FOR VICTORY
Maximum parity among sprinters. Jasper Philipsen and Dylan Groenewegen are almost on the same level: one due to specific preparation being in one of his peak moments of the season, the other due to recent form. Two different riders, similar status of favoritism.
The uncertainty surrounds Tim Merlier. If 100% fit, he would be the great favorite, but his return after injury raises doubts. Still, in a pure sprint, he should never be ruled out. Very close to all of them, almost on the same tier, is Jordi Meeus. Regularity, a victory this year, and a reliable lead-out make him a direct threat for victory.
We must not forget names like Phil Bauhaus, Pascal Ackermann, Pavel Bittner, Milan Fretin, Stanisław Aniołkowski, Maikel Zijlaard, Emilien Jeanniere or Matteo Moschetti, who always perform well in such finales.
And of course, we should also pay attention to potential surprises, riders such as Steffen De Schuyteneer, Tim Torn Teutenberg, Hugo Hofstetter, Itamar Einhorn, David Dekker, Riley, Thimoty Dupont, Riley Pickrell, Dušan Rajović, Tom Crabbe or Héctor Álvarez.
IL CAPO CED'S RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE A CAPO IN FANTASY
💥 Il capo's data.
Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen have won 4 of the last 5 editions (2 each).
🌟 Capos to follow.
This is a completely flat classic for sprinters where surprises are rarely seen.
To have a chance at final victory, you’ll need to be spot-on with the 3rd and 4th-tier sprinters.
In that range of riders, you can find:
Ben Oliver, Riley Pickrell, Oded Kogut, Dušan Rajović, Timothy Dupont, Matevž Govekar, Tom Crabbe, Stanisław Aniołkowski, Daniel Cavia or Luka Mezgec.
📂 Riders with -10% who managed to be T10.
2025: 3
2024: 3
2023: 2
2022: 5
2021: 3
📂 Riders with 200 coins who managed to be T10.
2025: 2
2024: 1
2023: 2
2022: 6
2021: 4