The history of the race is much shorter for women's cycling than for men. While the men's competition celebrated its premiere in 1913, even before the First World War devastated large parts of this region, the women started for the first time in 2004. The record winner is Lotte Kopecky from Belgium, who triumphed for the third time last year. The list of winners also includes two Germans: Judith Arndt (2008 and 2012) and Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (2009).
The route in detail
At 164 kilometres, the route is five kilometres shorter than last year. The start and finish are in Oudenaarde. The race starts at 13:25 on the market square in Oudenaarde. The rides over the nine Hellingen, cobbled steep sections, are particularly challenging. Unlike the men's race, there are no multiple laps in the final. However, the final kilometres are the same for both men and women - with the ride over the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg, both of which are only ridden once for the women. From the Paterberg, after a short descent, the remaining 14 kilometres are flat to the finish on the Minderbroederstraat in Oudenaarde. Finish between 17:30 and 18:00.
Live transmission
The women's race can be seen live on linear TV on 5 April 2026 from 17:00 on Eurosport 1 on free-to-air TV. Prior to this, the competition can be seen from 3.00 pm on the paid internet live stream on HBO Max and discovery+.
Andreas Kublik
Editor
