CyclistSpring Classics 2026: Our form guideThe Classics are here at long last. Opening Weekend is but a single sleep away, with Omloop Nieuwsblad kicking things off tomorrow. Before you know it well be deep in the throes of cobble chaos and punchy hills. To get you ready, we have put together a bumper form guide to assess which contenders are primed for the Classics.Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)David Pintens, Belga MagMathieu van der Poel couldnt have had a better cyclocross campaign, winning 13 consecutive races and another rainbow jersey to boot. Hes starting his road season slightly earlier than usual, lining up to make his debut at Omloop Nieuwsblad. The flying Dutchman always sets the Classics alight, and while he has no road form to go off just yet, were pretty confident hell be ready to dominate once more.In 2025 he won Milan-San Remo, E3 Saxo Classic and Paris-Roubaix, and his growing rivalry with Tadej Pogaar will be the main draw of this years Classics once again, with the Slovenian hoping to turn around his fortunes at San Remo and Roubaix, while Van der Poel aims to get back on the top step at the Tour of Flanders.Mathieu van der PoelAge: 31Classics seasons: 7Best Classics performances: 1st (Milan-San Remo x2, Tour of Flanders x3, Paris-Roubaix x3, Strade Bianche, Dwars door Vlaanderen x2, E3 Saxo Classic x2, Amstel Gold Race, Brabantse Pijl, Ename Samyn)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Milan-San Remo, E3 Saxo Classic, Paris-Roubaix)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Milan-San Remo, E3 Saxo Classic, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix 2026 last five results1st: Cyclocross World Championships1st:CX World Cup Hoogerheide1st:CX World Cup Maasmechelen1st:CX World Cup Benidorm1st:CX World Cup ZonhovenJasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)A.S.O./Billy CeustersAlpecins next best choice, Jasper Philipsen, just happens to be one of the best sprinters in the world. Philipsen will take over leadership duties in the flatter Classics, but he can also get the job done in the Monuments, with Van der Poel leading his Belgian teammate to the 2024 Milan-San Remo win. The Alpecin-Premier Tech pair are formidable at Paris-Roubaix too, with two consecutive 1-2s in 2023 and 2024.Hes not got off to the best start in 2026, but will be hoping to leave Opening Weekend with at least one win, having come away with third and first last time around.Jasper PhilipsenAge: 27Classics seasons: 7Best Classics performances: 1st (Milan-San Remo, Scheldeprijs x2, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, Brugge-De Panne x2), 2nd (Paris-Roubaix x2), 3rd (Omloop Nieuwsblad), 4th (Dwars door Vlaanderen, Gent Wevelgem)Best result in a Classic in 2025: 1st (Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Nokere Koerse, Milan-San Remo, Ronde van Brugge, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Scheldeprijs, Paris-Roubaix2026 last relevant results10th: Stage 4, Volta ao Algarve4th:Stage 2, Volta ao Algarve Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)Tim de Waele/Getty ImagesWout van Aert was set to start his season at Omloop Nieuwsblad despite fracturing his ankle less than two months ago, however he has been forced to pull out through illness. Van Aert didnt win a Classic in 2025, finishing second at Dwars door Vlaanderen and Brabantse Pijl then fourth at the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and the Amstel Gold Race.Discount him at your peril though. With wins in Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, Gent-Wevelgem, Omloop Nieuwsblad, Amstel Gold Race and the E3 Saxo Bank Classic over the years, he thrives on the toughest terrain and only needs a bit of luck to get things clicking again.Wout van AertAge: 31Classics seasons: 8Best Classics performances: 1st (Milan-San Remo, E3 Saxo Classic x2, Amstel Gold Race, Strade Bianche, Omloop Nieuwsblad, Gent-Wevelgem, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne)Best result in a Classic in 2025: 2nd (Dwars door Vlaanderen, Brabantse Pijl)2026 schedule: Ename Samyn Classic, Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-RoubaixVan Aerts only race in 2026 was on 2nd January when he fractured his ankle.Tadej Pogaar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) Luca Bettini - Pool/Getty ImagesThere arent many races left that Tadej Pogaar hasnt won, but two of those are Monuments in Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix, its a safe bet hes going to continue to try everything he can change that.In any of the Classics on his schedule, its a case of where hes going to attack, how far he wants to go solo, and if Van der Poel can stick with him.Tadej PogaarAge: 27Classics seasons: 7Best Classics performances: 1st (Tour of Flanders x2, Lige-Bastogne-Lige x3, Strade BIanche x3, Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne x2)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Tour of Flanders, Lige-Bastogne-Lige, Strade BIanche, La Flche Wallonne)2026 schedule: Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Lige-Bastogne-LigePogaar is yet to race in 2026.Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content PoolRemco Evenepoel had a tough start to his 2025 season thanks to injury, but immediately won his first race at Brabantse Pijl and podiumed at the Amstel Gold Race. Now on a new team in Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, the double Olympic gold medallist got off to a great start in 2026 by winning his first three one-day races in Mallorca in dominant fashion.But he had less success at the UAE Tour though, when, after winning the time-trial, he lost heaps time on both summit finishes. Thats very different terrain to the Classics though, and his one-day record this season is reason enough to be confident hell be lighting up the action in the Ardennes this season.Remco EvenepoelAge: 26Classics seasons: 3Best Classics performances: 1st (Lige-Bastogne-Lige x3, Brabantse Pijl), 3rd (Amstel Gold Race)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Brabantse Pijl)2026 schedule: Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne, Lige-Bastogne-Lige2026 last five relevant results15th: Stage 6, UAE Tour18th:Stage 3, UAE Tour1st:Stage 4, Volta Comunitat Valenciana1st:Trofeo Andratx Pollenca1st:Trofeo Serra TramuntanaJonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)A.S.O./Charly LpezIf you see a guy out in front in a sprint finish, its likely to be Jonathan Milan. If hes bobbing and weaving and youre left wondering how the bike isnt in two pieces as he crosses the line in first place, then its definitely Jonathan Milan. The sprinting giant is no stranger to Grand Tour stage success but is yet to win a Classic having raced to second at Brugge-De Panne and third at Gent-Wevelgem last season.Its hard to see past his name in the races that come to bunch sprint finishes, with the cobbles and punchy hills are more suited to his teammate Mads Pedersen, though his return from injury is still to be confirmed. Milan has got off to a fast start in 2026 with stage victories at the AlUla Tour and UAE Tour, but hes not unbeatable.Jonathan MilanAge: 25Classics seasons: 5Best Classics performances: 2nd (Brugge-De Panne), 3rd (Gent-Wevelgem), 6th (Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 2nd (Brugge-De Panne)2026 schedule: Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix2026 last five relevant results1st: Stage 7, UAE Tour1st:Stage 5, UAE Tour1st:Stage 4, UAE Tour144th:Stage 1, UAE Tour2nd: Stage 4, AlUla TourPaul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) Dario Belingheri/Getty Images21-year-old Paul Magnier commands attention everywhere he goes now after a 2025 season that brought a second place at Omloop Nieuwsblad, three consecutive stage wins at the Cro Race and four consecutive stage victories at both the Tour of Slovenia and Tour of Guangxi.Hes already kicked off 2026 with two stage wins at the Volta ao Algarve and looks to have taken a leap in his development. He has already admitted to wanting to take more steps in the Classics and with Evenepoel off the team and Soudal-QuickSteps first choice sprinter Tim Merlier out injured, were about to really see what Magnier is made of.Paul MagnierAge: 21Classics seasons: 1.5Best Classics performances: 2nd (Omloop Nieuwsblad, Ename Samyn Classic)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 2nd (Omloop Nieuwsblad, Ename Samyn Classic)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Milan-San Remo, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders2026 last relevant results1st: Stage 4, Volta ao Algarve1st:Stage 1, Volta ao Algarve2nd:Clssica Comunitat ValencianaTom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling)AlUla Tour/Pauline BalletTom Pidcock won Brabantse Pijl, Strade Bianche and the Amstel Gold Race with Ineos Grenadiers. Now in his second season with Pinarello-Q36.5, the Brit comes off a year that saw a strong Classics campaign with second at Strade Bianche, third at La Flche Wallonne and top ten finishes at the Amstel Gold Race and Lige-Bastogne-Lige before finishing his season with an impressive overall podium at the Vuelta.Never one to shy away from lighting up a race, expect to see him at the front a fair few of the many Classics he has lined up for 2026, hes one of a couple of riders brave enough to attack Pogaar. Pidcock is looking good so far this season, finishing second at Clsica Janand third overall at Vuelta a Andalucia after winning the last stage.Tom PidcockAge: 26Classics seasons: 5 Best Classics performances: 1st (Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, Brabantse Pijl) 2nd (Lige-Bastogne-Lige), 3rd (La Flche Wallonne)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 2nd (Strade Bianche)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, Milano-Torino, Milan-San Remo, Brabantse Pijl, Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne, Lige-Bastogne-Lige2026 last five results1st: Stage 5, Vuelta a Andalucia8th:Stage 3, Vuelta a Andalucia (bunch sprint)16th:Staeg 2, Vuelta a Andalucia2nd:Clsica Jan3rd:Vuelta a la Regin de MurciaBen Healy (EF Education-EasyPost)A.S.O./Billy CeustersBen Healy loves a breakaway and the Classics suit his do-or-die attitude perfectly. Last season, the Irishman finished fourth at Strade Bianche, fifth at La Flche Wallonne and third at Lige-Bastogne-Lige before having a memorable run at the Tour de France in the summer. He has finished second at both the Amstel Gold Race and Brabantse Pijl in the past and hes always there or thereabouts in the hilly Classics. This might be the season he closes the gap to cross the line first.Ben HealyAge: 25Classics seasons: 4Best Classics performances: 2nd (Amstel Gold Race, Brabantse Pijl), 3rd (Lige-Bastogne-Lige), 4th (Strade BIanche)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 3rd (Lige-Bastogne-Lige)2026 schedule: Faun-Ardche Classic, Faun Drome Classic, Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne, Lige-Bastogne-LigeHealy is yet to race in 2026.Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch) Luc Claessen/Getty ImagesArnaud De Lie has been really unfortunate in the Classics over the years with badly timed setbacks, whether it be Lyme disease in late March in 2024, a knee injury at the beginning of last season or sprained ankle ligaments at the end of it. When fully fit, De Lie is a formidable Classics rider and sprinter.The Belgian raced to an impressive second place at Omloop Nieuwsblad in 2023 on debut with top ten finishes to follow at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Brabantse Pijl and Tro-Bro Lon. Now on the newly merged Lotto and Intermarch squad, the 23-year-old has a packed Classics schedule including a debut at the Tour of Flanders.Arnaud De LieAge: 23Classics seasons: 4Best Classics performances: 1st (Tro-Bro Lon), 2nd (Omloop Nieuwsblad), 3rd (Nokere Koerse), 6th (Dwars door Vlaanderen), 7th (Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 14th (Ename Samyn Classic)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, GP de Denain, Ronde van Bruges, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix2026 last relevant results83rd: Stage 4, Volta ao Algarve5th:Stage 1, Volta ao Algarve6th:Clasica de AlmeriaMatthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)Visma-Lease a BikeMatthew Brennans debut pro season in 2025 could hardly have gone any better, racking up 14 victories including the Tour of Norway general classification. He raced in two major Classics at Omloop Nieuwsblad and Paris-Roubaix, making quite the impression in the latter at the head of the race. Now, with Visma team leader Van Aert coming off injury and illness, Brennan might be able to play an even bigger role. His race schedule has a handful of Monuments in Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Given he can crush cobbles, survive the hills and sprint with the best of them, itll be interesting to see how his spring campaign unfolds.Matthew BrennanAge: 20Classics seasons: Barely 1Best Classics performances: 1st (GP Denain), 44th (Paris-Roubaix), 69th (Omloop Nieuwsblad)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (GP Denain)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix2026 last five relevant results2nd: Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race72nd, Cadels Criterium1st:Stage 5, Tour Down Under12th:Stage 3, Tour Down Under2nd:Stage 1, Tour Down UnderPaul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM)A.S.O./Tony EsnaultPaul Seixass potential is through the roof, having been handed the crown as Frances next great Tour de France hope with only one pro season under his belt as the youngest rider in the WorldTour. Last season, the only one-day races he did in the spring were French 1.1 races, but that included second at Paris-Camembert. Following that, he impressed at the Tour of the Alps and Critrium du Dauphin, won the Tour de lAvenir then capped things off with 13th at Worlds, third behind only Pogaar and Evenepoel at the European Championships and seventh at Il Lombardia.Seixas already has experience in the Classics at age group level, with victory at the junior Lige-Bastogne-Lige in 2024. This year, hell kick things off at Faun-Ardche Classic before making his debuts at Strade Bianche, La Flche Wallonne and Lige-Bastogne-Lige, and he arrives in great form having won a stage and finished second overall at the Volta ao Algarve.Paul SeixasAge: 19Classics seasons: 0Best Classics performances: 2nd (Paris-Camembert)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 2nd (Paris-Camembert)2026 schedule: Faun-Ardche Classic, Strade Bianche, La Flche Wallonne, Lige-Bastogne-Lige2026 last relevant results3rd: Stage 5, Volta ao Algarve1st:Stage 2, Volta ao Algarve Related Posts Everything you need to know ahead of the Classics Which riders could actually prevent Pogaar and Van der Poel dominating the Classics? Omloop Nieuwsblad 2026 preview: Routes, favourites, how to watch and start lists Cycling Spring Classics 2026: Race dates, Monuments, cobbles and live TV guide Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez)Szymon Gruchalski/Getty ImagesMoving onto the womens peloton, FDJ United-Suezs Demi Vollering is fearsome in the hills. The Dutch star has a pair of Lige-Bastogne-Liege victories to her name as well as wins at Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold and La Flche Wallonne. She has wasted no time in getting her 2026 underway too, immediately winning the first stage solo at the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana and topping the GC at the end of the race. Vollering will be on the start line for Omloop Nieuwsblad, followed by Strade Bianche, Dwars door Vlaanderen, the Tour of Flanders (which she didnt ride last year), the Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne and Lige-Bastogne-Lige.Interestingly, she looks to have swapped Milan-San Remo for the Tour of Flanders this year, despite finishing fourth in San Remo at the first edition since its revival last year, but she is yet to win Flanders and its well within her capability.Demi VolleringAge: 29Classics seasons: 7Best Classics performances: 1st (Lige-Bastogne-Liege x2, Strade Bianche x2, Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne, Brabantse Pijl, Dwars door Vlaanderen)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Strade Bianche)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne, Lige-Bastogne-Lige2026 last relevant results1st: Stage 3, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat Valenciana1st:Stage 1, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat ValencianaLotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)Billy Ceusters/Getty ImagesLotte Kopecky will be aiming to return to her best following a down season that only brought three victories, one of which being the Tour of Flanders. At her best, the former World Champion is a force to be reckoned with, particularly over the cobbles and up punchy hills. She already has Omloop Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, Paris-Roubaix and three Tour of Flanders to her name, there isnt a lot more to achieve but there are several races on her schedule this year thats shes yet to win. Look out world.Kopecky is also a key engine in delivering teammate Lorena Wiebes to victory too. If its a flat finish, you can be sure the SD Worx-Protime duo will be up there, as demonstrated at Milan-San Remo last year when Kopecky was the only rider capable of reeling in Elisa Longo Borghini, delivering Wiebes to victory.Lotte KopeckyAge: 30Classics seasons: 9Best Classics performances: 1st (Tour of Flanders x3, Paris-Roubaix, Strade Bianche x2, Omloop Nieuwsblad, Nokere Koerse x2, Le Samyn,Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Tour of Flanders)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Nokere Koerse, Milan-San Remo, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Lige-Bastogne-Lige Kopecky is yet to race in 2026.Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) Luc Claessen/Getty ImagesLorena Wiebes is far and away the best sprinter in the world, and is showing no signs of slowing down this season having racked up three consecutive stages at the UAE Tour. In the Classics last year, she claimed her first Monument victory at the return of Milan-San Remo, then won Brugge-De Panne and Gent-Wevelgem before podiuming at Paris-Roubaix. Expect her to go on another rampage this year.Lorena WiebesAge: 26Classics seasons: 8Best Classics performances: 1st (Milan-San Remo, Gent-Wevelgem, Brugge-De Panne x2, Nokere Koerse x2, Scheldeprijs x4, Le Samyn, Omloop van het Hageland, Ronde van Drenthe x4Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Milan-San Remo, Brugge-De Panne, Gent-Wevelgem, Le Samyn)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Amstel Gold Race2026 last five results1st: Stage 3, UAE Tour1st:Stage 2, UAE Tour1st:Stage 1, UAE TourKim Le Court-Pienaar (AG insurance-Soudal)A.S.O./Thomas MaheuxKim Le Court-Pienaar made history last year when she became the first African rider to win a Monument, standing atop the podium at Lige-Bastogne-Lige. That success, as well as what she achieved at the Tour de France later in the year, will now work against her, with expectations higher than ever and competitors watching her every move.The Mauritian National Champion is leading a mightily impressive AG Insurance-Soudal squad that, given the chance, could shake up proceedings throughout the Classics with riders including Letizia Borghesi and Justine Ghekiere.Kim Le Court-PienaarAge: 29Classics seasons: 2Best Classics performances: 1st (Lige-Bastogne-Lige), 5th (Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders), 6th (La Flche Wallonne)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Lige-Bastogne-Lige)2026 schedule: Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne, Lige-Bastogne-Lige2026 last relevant results4th: Stage 4, UAE TourElisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)Tim de Waele/Getty ImagesElisa Longo Borghini has started her season the same way she started 2025, with a UAE Tour victory. The Italian champion claimed the win on Jebel Hafeet to kickstart her 2026, with hopes to improve on what she probably would see as slightly disappointing Classics wise, winning only Dwars door Vlaanderen and Brabantse Pijl.Longo Borghini is a serial Monument winner and shell be looking to get back to that form this year. Shes set to line up at Strade Bianche, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, and shell be one of the favourites in each one.Elisa Longo BorghiniAge: 34Classics seasons: 15Best Classics performances: 1st (Tour of Flanders x2, Paris-Roubaix, Lige-Bastogne-Lige, Strade Bianche, Trofeo Alfredo Binda x2, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Brabantse Pijl x2)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (Dwars door Vlaanderen, Brabantse Pijl)2026 schedule: Strade Bianche, Trofeo Oro, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix2026 last relevant results1st: Stage 4, UAE TourMarianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)Tim de Waele/Getty ImagesMarianne Vos is one of the greatest cyclists of all time, there is hardly a one-day race that she is yet to win having notched almost 260 victories in her career so far, and counting. That CV includes five editions of La Flche Wallonne, four editions of Trofeo Alfredo Binda, two editions of the Amstel Gold Race and a Tour of Flanders in the bag.Such is the length of her career, though, that she has seen newer races come onto the womens calendar including Lige-Bastogne-Lige, Paris-Roubaix and most recently Milan-San Remo. While she wont be going for Lige-Bastogne-Lige, shes perfectly suited to both Roubaix and San Remo, and you know shes desperate to add those to her collection. Although shell be looking to get her hands in the air anywhere this spring, having uncharacteristically gone without a Classics win in 2025.Marianne VosAge: 38Classics seasons: 20Best Classics performances: 1st (Tour of Flanders, La Flche Wallonne x5, Trofeo Alfredo Binda x4, Ronde van Drenthe x3, Amstel Gold Race x2, Omloop Nieuwsblad, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Gent-Wevelgem)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 2nd (Milan-San Remo, Brabantse Pijl)2026 schedule: Strade Bianche, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Milan-San Remo, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Amstel Gold RaceVos is yet to race in 2026Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)Luc Claessen/Getty ImagesVersatile sprinter Elisa Balsamo suits any race that comes down to a sprint, whether the bunch is big or small. The former World Champion would probably have won a lot more were it not for the might of Lorena Wiebes and SD Worx-Protime.She won Trofeo Alfredo Binda and Scheldeprijs in 2025, and this year her calendar includes Milan-San Remo, Ronde van Brugge, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Her best result in a Monument so far was a second place at Paris-Roubasix in 2024, which she just lose against Lotte Kopecky in a sprint.Elisa BalsamoAge: 28Classics seasons: 8.5Best Classics performances: 1st (Trofeo Alfredo Binda x3, Brugge-De Panne x2, Gent Wevelgem, Scheldeprijs)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 2nd (Milan-San Remo, Brabantse Pijl)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Omloop van het Hageland, Milan-San Remo, Ronde van Brugge, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix2026 last five results6th: Stage 3, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat Valenciana37th:Stage 2, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat Valenciana11th:Stage 1, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat ValencianaCdrine Kerbaol (EF Education-Oatly)Tim de Waele/Getty ImagesCdrine Kerbaol had a strong first season at EF in 2025 with a fourth place at Lige-Bastogne-Lige, fourth place at the Vuelta Femenina, sixth place at the Tour de Suisse and eighth place at the Tour de France Femmes. The squad have many cards to play too including Olympic gold medallist Kristen Faulkner, fast finisher Noemi Regg who beat big names to nab the final spot on the Milan-San Remo podium last year, and World Champion Magdeleine Vallieres. With those riders their real strength comes in the hilly Classics like Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo and the Ardennes.Kerbaol is only 24, and getting better every year, so expect another step up in 2026.Cedrine KerbaolAge: 24Classics seasons: 5Best Classics performances: 4th (Lige-Bastogne-Lige)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 4th (Lige-Bastogne-Lige)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Trofeo Oro, other races TBC2026 last relevant results14th: Stage 3, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat Valenciana6th:Stage 1, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat ValencianaPuck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech)ASO/Billy CeustersPuck Pieterse lit up the Classics last year and never finished outside of the top ten. Let that sink in.It was a dynamite two months for the young multi-discipline star, with a tenth place at Milan-San Remo, ninth at the Tour of Flanders, seventh at Strade Bianche and Trofeo Alfredo Binda, fourth at Omloop Nieuwsblad, Omloop van het Hageland and Dwars door Vlaanderen, and second at Trofeo Oro.It was in the Ardennes that the Dutchwoman commanded the most attention, her win at La Flche Wallonne sandwiched by a third place at the Amstel Gold Race and second place at Lige-Bastogne-Lige. She was frequently the only rider able to follow Demi Vollering, and 2026 should be no different. At just 23 years old, expect her to keep improving too.Puck PieterseAge: 23Classics seasons: 2 (plus two bonus races)Best Classics performances: 1st (La Flche Wallonne), 2nd (Lige-Bastogne-Lige, Trofeo Oro), 3rd (Amstel Gold Race, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Ronde van Drenthe)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 1st (La Flche Wallonne)2026 schedule: Trofeo Oro, the rest TBC2026 last five results3rd: Cyclocross World Championships1st:CX World Cup Hoogerheide1st:CX World Cup Maasmechelen2nd:CX Dutch National Championships3rd:CX World Cup ZonhovenKasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto)A.S.O./Pauline BalletKasia Niewiadoma-Phinney knows how to keep believing and keep fighting, ending her almost five-year victory drought with a triumphant win at La Flche Wallonne in 2024. A Tour de France Femmes champion the same year, Niewiadoma-Phinney has been embracing her mentorship role with the riders at Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto with a stacked squad that includes Chiara Consonni, Antonia Niedermaier and Zoe Bckstedt.Kasia Niewiadoma-PhinneyAge: 31Classics seasons: 12Best Classics performances: 1st (La Flche Wallonne, Amstel Gold Race, Trofeo Alfredo Binda)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 4th (Ronde van Vlaanderen, La Flche Wallonne)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, the rest TBC2026 last relevant results5th: Stage 4, UAE TourZoe Bckstedt (Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto)British CyclingKeep an eye on Zoe Bckstedt throughout the Classics. After skirting another U23 rainbow jersey at the cyclocross World Championships to try her hand in the elite field (where she finished seventh), the 21-year-old has shown shes ready to take the step towards the next level of her career. She is already a Classics winner at the junior level with a Tour of Flanders victory in 2022, and thrives in the hardest conditions.One race that understandably calls her name is Paris-Roubaix. Her father, Magnus, won the race in 2004 and Zoe has placed 16th and 15th in 2024 and 2025, playing a key domestique role for her team last year.Zoe BackstedtAge: 21Classics seasons: 3Best Classics performances: 5th (Dwars door het Hageland), 13th (Dwars door Vlaanderen), 15th (Paris-Roubaix)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 5th (Dwars door het Hageland)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen2026 last relevant results3rd: Stage 1, UAE Tour7th: CX World Championships4th: CX World Cup Hoogerheide8th: CX World Cup Maasmechelen10th: CX World Cup BenidormMarlen Reusser (Movistar)David Ramos/Getty ImagesMarlen Reusser has really stepped things up a notch in Grand Tours, but last season she was unable to leave her mark in the Classics. Her best result came in the form of a sixth place at Lige-Bastogne-Lige in a group behind the main protagonists. Reusser has won previously with an edition of In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem in the bag, but this came in 2023. Her 2024 wasnt much better, a 15th place at Trofeo Alfredo Binda preceding a disqualification at In Flanders Fields and DNF at the Tour of Flanders.Movistar also have Liane Lippert, who podiumed at the Tour of Flanders last season and came second at La Flche Wallonne in 2023, as well as Cat Ferguson (more on her below), so Reusser has a strong team to ride with.Marlen ReusserAge: 34Classics seasons: 7Best Classics performances: 1st (Gent-Wevelgem), 3rd (Lige-Bastogne-Lige)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 6th (Lige-Bastogne-Lige)2026 schedule: Strade Bianche, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders, La Flche Wallonne, Lige-Bastogne-Liege2026 last five results2nd: Trofeo Marratxi-FelantitxCat Ferguson (Movistar)Unipublic/Rafa Gmez/Sprint Cycling AgencyBritish rider Cat Ferguson was wasted no time getting acquainted with the WorldTour level. 2025 was her first full pro season, grabbing a podium at Trofeo Alfredo Binda and top ten finish at Brabantse Pijl in her first Classics campaign. The 19-year-old has come out of the gates swinging this season too, a win and podium in two of the three Spanish one-day races she rode as well as a stage win at Valenciana.Shes gearing up for her second Classics season with winning in mind. Shell start at Omloop Nieuwsblad before heading into familiar territory at Trofeo Alfredo Binda and onwards to Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold Race.Cat FergusonAge: 19Classics seasons: 1Best Classics performances: 3rd (Trofeo Alfredo Binda), 9th (Brabantse Pijl)Best result in the Classics in 2025: 3rd (Trofeo Alfredo Binda)2026 schedule: Omloop Nieuwsblad, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race.2026 last relevant results7th: Stage 3, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat Valenciana1st:Stage 2, Setmana Volta de la Comunitat Valenciana3rd:Vuelta CV Feminas11th:Trofeo Binissalem-Andratx1st:Trofeo LlucmajorFor more on the Classics, visit our hub page.The post Spring Classics 2026: Our form guide appeared first on Cyclist.