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Belgium 01 Jun – 05 Jun 2026 Class 2.Pro – Stages – UCI ProSeries
Website https://ethiastourdewallonie.be/en/
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The 2026 Ethias-Tour de Wallonie (UCI ProSeries, 2.Pro) takes place from June 1 to June 5, 2026.
The 5-stage race covers a total distance of 892.9 km across the hilly and undulating terrain of Wallonia, Belgium, heavily favoring puncheurs and versatile sprinters.
Stage Schedule & Route
| Stage | Date | Day | Route | Distance | Elevation Gain |
| Stage 1 | June 1 | Monday | Manage – Lobbes | 180.7 km | 2,286 m |
| Stage 2 | June 2 | Tuesday | Jodoigne – Libramont-Chevigny | 192.1 km | 2,606 m |
| Stage 3 | June 3 | Wednesday | Habay – Vaux-sur-Sûre | 176.9 km | 2,040 m |
| Stage 4 | June 4 | Thursday | Dison – Eupen | 166.7 km | 2,548 m |
| Stage 5 | June 5 | Friday | Bassenge – Aubel | 176.5 km | 2,756 m |
Race Overview
Top Contenders / Star Riders: Arnaud De Lie, Jordi Meeus, Laurence Pithie, Natnael Tesfatsion, and Axel Laurance.
Total Distance: 892.9 km
Category: Men Elite (2.Pro)
Key Teams Expected: Major WorldTour and ProTour configurations, including Alpecin-Deceuninck, INEOS Grenadiers, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, Lidl-Trek, and Groupama-FDJ.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Ethias-Tour de Wallonie is one of Belgium’s premier stage races, serving as a vital testing ground for classics specialists, puncheurs, and top-tier sprinters. Characterized by the grueling, undulating topography of the French-speaking Walloon region, it mimics the terrain of the Ardennes Classics.
Here is the breakdown of how the race evolved from an amateur event into an elite fixture of the UCI ProSeries.
1. The Early Years & Constant Rebranding (1974–1995)
The race was founded in 1974 but did not start under its current moniker. It began as an amateur event and underwent an identity crisis over its first two decades, frequently changing names based on its shifting regional focus and sponsorship.
- 1974: Launched as the Tour du Hainaut Occidental, won by Belgian rider Luc Demets. Interestingly, a young Patrick Lefevere (now the legendary boss of the Soudal Quick-Step team) finished second.
- 1975–1989: The race rotated through names like Trois Jours de Péruwelz, Tour du Hainaut, and Quatre Jours du Hainaut Occidental. Despite being an amateur race, it attracted massive future talent, including East German powerhouse Mario Kummer (the first multi-time winner) and future Italian World Champion Maurizio Fondriest (1986).
- 1990–1995: It transitioned briefly to the Tour du Hainaut before expanding its scope to become the Tour des Régions Wallonnes in 1994, reflecting a broader route across the entire southern half of Belgium.
2. Going Professional & UCI Integration (1996–2019)
The year 1996 marked a massive turning point for the event when it officially opened its doors to professional riders and rebranded as the Tour de la Région Wallonne.
- The Professional Era Begins: With professional status came high-profile winners. Belgian icon Frank Vandenbroucke claimed victory in 1998, followed by Axel Merckx (son of Eddy Merckx) in 2000.
- The Name Crystalizes: In 2007, the organizers simplified the title to the Tour de Wallonie.
- UCI Europe Tour: From 2005 to 2019, the race was classified as a 2.HC event on the UCI Europe Tour, the highest ranking for a continental stage race at the time. This status consistently attracted elite WorldTour teams looking to build fitness for the late-season Classics or the Vuelta a España.
3. The ProSeries Era & Ethias Sponsorship (2020–Present)
In 2020, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) restructured professional road racing, and the Tour de Wallonie was promoted to the newly formed UCI ProSeries (2.Pro).
- The Ethias Era: In 2021, the Belgian insurance giant Ethias stepped in as the title sponsor, officially renaming the event the Ethias-Tour de Wallonie.
- Global Superstars Take Over: The 2020s solidified the race as a hunting ground for absolute superstars. Heavy hitters like Arnaud Démare (2020), Filippo Ganna (2023), and Matteo Trentin (2024) have used their versatility on short, punchy climbs and time trials to secure the general classification. New Zealander Corbin Strong captured the title in 2025.
Historic Records & Trivia
Most Overall Victories: Only two riders in history have won the general classification twice:
- Mario Kummer (East Germany) – 1984, 1987
- Greg Van Avermaet (Belgium) – 2011, 2013
- The Ultimate Springboard: The race has a profound history of crowning future World Champions and Grand Tour winners early in their careers. Past winners include Abraham Olano (1991 winner, 1995 World Champion) and Paolo Bettini (2002 winner, 2006/2007 World Champion).
- The Modern Calendar Slot: Traditionally held in late July alongside the final week of the Tour de France, the race shifted its dates earlier into the calendar for the 2026 season, establishing its place at the start of June.
