Click on the flag to change language. The automatic translation of this website is done by “Gtranslate” and may contain translation errors. The English text is authoritative.
Belgium 25 Mar 2026 Class1.UWT – 1 day – UCI WorldTour
Website rondevanbrugge.be
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Ronde Van Brugge (Tour of Bruges) is a prominent Belgian cycling classic that has undergone several major identity shifts in its nearly 50-year history. As of 2026, it has transitioned into its current form, focusing entirely on the city of Bruges.
Here is the breakdown of its evolution:
1. The Stage Race Era (1977–2017)
Originally known as the Driedaagse De Panne (Three Days of De Panne), the race was founded in 1977.
- Purpose: It served as the traditional “final dress rehearsal” for the Tour of Flanders, held mid-week just days before the main event.
- Format: It was a grueling multi-day stage race that typically included a mix of flat coastal stages, Flemish Ardennes climbs, and a decisive individual time trial.
- Legends: Riders like Eric Vanderaerden (who holds the record with 5 wins), Sean Kelly, and Johan Museeuw dominated this era.
2. The One-Day Classic Transition (2018–2025)
In 2018, due to a calendar reshuffle with Dwars door Vlaanderen, the race was shortened to a one-day format and renamed Classic Brugge-De Panne.
- Identity: It became known as a “Sprinter’s Classic.” The route was famously flat but treacherous due to the De Moeren—a vast, polder landscape known for brutal crosswinds that often shattered the peloton into echelons.+1
- Women’s Race: A dedicated Women’s WorldTour event was added in 2018, quickly becoming one of the most prestigious one-day races on the female calendar.
- Recent Champions: Sprinters like Jasper Philipsen, Sam Bennett, and Lorena Wiebes (women’s) have been the standout winners of this period.
3. The Modern Ronde Van Brugge (2026–Present)
Beginning in 2026, the race officially rebranded as the Ronde Van Brugge – Tour of Bruges.
- Route Change: For safety and logistical reasons, the finish line was moved from the coastal town of De Panne back to Bruges. The historic (and often crash-prone) finish in De Panne and the exposed passage through De Moeren were removed.
- New Character: The race now consists of loops around the city of Bruges. While it remains a target for the world’s best sprinters, the new course features more urban sections and “obstacle-free” finishing straights designed to provide a safer, high-speed finale.
Historical Winners & Stats
| Category | Record / Detail |
| First Winner (1977) | Roger Rosiers |
| Most Wins (Men) | Eric Vanderaerden (5) |
| Most Wins (Women) | Lorena Wiebes & Elisa Balsamo (2 each) |
| 2025 Defending Champ | Juan Sebastián Molano |
The men’s race is traditionally held on a Wednesday in late March, followed by the women’s race on Thursday.
