The 2026 Renewi Tour has its champion. Jasper Philipsen wrapped up a dominant week by winning the final stage in Leuven and securing overall victory in the race. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider claimed his third stage win of the week and sealed his first overall success in the Renewi Tour.
Pressure on the leader
Philipsen started the final stage with only a small advantage over Jenno Berckmoes in the general classification. The demanding local circuit around Leuven, including several ascents of the Wijnpers climb, offered one final opportunity for his rivals to challenge for the overall lead.
On the final passage of the climb, Berckmoes launched an attack and briefly opened a gap. It looked like one of the last realistic chances to put pressure on the race leader.
Philipsen remained composed, however, and the situation was quickly brought under control as the peloton regrouped.
Breakaways denied
Several riders attempted to animate the race throughout the day. While the early breakaway claimed the available bonus seconds at the Green Kilometer, they never gained enough advantage to seriously threaten the stage victory.
Late attacker Carl-Frederik Bévort came closest to upsetting the sprint teams but was caught inside the final kilometre.
That left the stage to be decided in a reduced bunch sprint.
Philipsen finishes the job
Once again, Philipsen proved strongest when it mattered most.
The Belgian timed his sprint perfectly and powered clear of Mike Teunissen and Luca Mozzato to take his third stage victory of the week.
The win was the perfect conclusion to an outstanding performance across the five stages, adding another success to a week that already included multiple podium finishes and the race lead.
Jasper Philipsen reaction
“We couldn’t have imagined a better ending. It was another demanding day, but the team was fully committed to defending the jersey and controlling the race.”
“Everyone gave everything they had. The plan was to arrive at the finish with the race under control and then try to finish it off in the sprint. Thankfully, it worked out perfectly.”
“Winning the overall classification and taking the final stage victory makes this a very special week. It’s definitely one of the best stage races I’ve ever had.”
After five days of racing across Belgium, Jasper Philipsen signs off the 21st edition of the Renewi Tour as both stage winner and overall champion.
