Elisa Balsamo Secures Second Place at Thrilling Ronde van Brugge
The 2026 Ronde van Brugge women’s race delivered a classic Belgian experience – rain, wind, and challenging cobblestones. The 143-kilometer one-day race saw Lidl-Trek’s Elisa Balsamo finish second to Movistar’s Carys Lloyd in a thrilling sprint finish, marking her best result of the season so far.
A Race Defined by Tough Conditions
Thursday’s race was characterized by relentless conditions, including crosswinds and even hailstones. The Lidl-Trek team demonstrated strong teamwork, protecting Balsamo and actively seeking opportunities throughout the race. Lauretta Hanson launched a promising attack over the cobbles, showcasing the team’s aggressive spirit.
Strategic Lead-Out for a Close Finish
Despite the chaotic final kilometers, Lidl-Trek maintained composure. Clara Copponi and Fleur Moors expertly positioned Balsamo, utilizing the left side of the road to shield her from the wind. As the riders approached the flamme rouge, the team initiated the lead-out for their sprinter.
Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images
Balsamo Reflects on a Promising Performance
Balsamo acknowledged the challenging conditions and the team’s collaborative effort. “It was different than expected because we were really hoping for wind to attempt to make an echelon, but then it was not windy enough. It was sunny, then cold, then raining, then even hailing. Everyone was freezing,” she said. She noted a slight delay in initiating her sprint, but expressed optimism for the remainder of the Classics season.
It was different than expected because we were really hoping for wind to try to make an echelon, but then it was not windy enough. It was sunny, then cold, then raining, then even hailing. Everyone was freezing. As a team, we really took care of each other and the leadout was really decent. In the last moment, it was a little bit closed and I couldn’t start my sprint when I wanted, so I had to wait a little bit and it was a bit too late. But anyway, this start of the season was not the best one so I am happy to be back on the podium at an important race.
I have confidence for the rest of the Classics not only for myself but for the team. If I think back to how the team was moving today and taking care of each other, it was amazing, so I’m really happy.
Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images
Ronde van Brugge: A Sprinters Classic
The Tour of Bruges, previously known as Classic Brugge–De Panne, has a long history dating back to 1977. Since 2018, it has been raced over two days, with the women’s race taking place on Thursday. The race is renowned as a “sprinters classic” due to its generally flat terrain, often culminating in a bunch sprint finish. However, as demonstrated in 2026, unpredictable weather and challenging course elements can add complexity.
Recent Changes to the Race
In 2026, the race underwent a significant change, with both the men’s and women’s finishes now located in Bruges, rather than De Panne. This alteration was partly motivated by safety concerns following crashes in the previous year’s edition. The men’s race was promoted to the UCI World Tour in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Tour of Bruges start?
- The race began in 1977.
- What type of race is the Tour of Bruges?
- It is a road cycling race, considered a “sprinters classic.”
- Where does the race finish now?
- Since 2026, the finish line is in Bruges.
Did you know? Eric Vanderaerden holds the record for the most wins in the men’s Tour of Bruges, with five victories.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Belgian Classics season! Explore our other race reports and team news here.
