2026 Tour de France: Sprint classification – These are the fastest men in the final stretch

In the battle for the Green Jersey, too, the 2026 Tour de France Yet another thrilling battle between the world’s best sprinters. As well as sheer top speed, versatility will be the key factor here, because anyone hoping to win the points classification must not only win stages but also survive the gruelling high-mountain stages. As a result, there are fewer and fewer pure sprinters in the Tour de France, whilst the profile of the all-round sprinter is becoming increasingly prevalent. Here are the contenders for the sprint classification.

Tour de France: The favourites for the sprint classification

Jasper Philipsen is once again one of the key names to watch. The Belgian has impressively demonstrated in recent years that he is one of the best sprinters in the peloton and has already racked up numerous stage wins, as well as the Green Jersey at the Tour. Despite his early withdrawal last year, he once again brings the ideal blend of pace and stamina to the race this time round. It is precisely his ability to remain competitive even across demanding stages that makes him the hot favourite for the Green Jersey.

Olav Kooij is yet another top sprinter to take to the Tour de France stage, even if there are a few question marks hanging over him. The Dutchman is making his debut and has had to contend with persistent injury problems in the run-up to the race. At his best, however, he is one of the fastest riders in the peloton and can give Philipsen a run for his money or even beat him. The key will be how well he copes with the demands of the three-week race and whether he can find his rhythm quickly enough.

Biniam Girmay also has everything it takes. The Eritrean has already shown that he can make his mark on a Grand Tour, even though last year did not go to plan. Following his move to the NSN Cycling Team, his form is on the up again, which puts him back among the favourites. He is likely to fare particularly well in more challenging sprint finishes, where a slight incline in the final stretch makes all the difference. However, such finishes are almost non-existent in this year’s Tour, which is why the battle for the Green Jersey will be a tough one. The finish in Paris, however, with its significantly steeper final climb up Montmartre, could suit him well.

Tim Merlier, one of the world’s best sprinters, has regained his fitness in time for the Tour de France. Although the Belgian is generally regarded as one of the very best in the world, he, like Kooij, is returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury. It is therefore still difficult to gauge his current form. Should he return to his former level in time for the Tour, he is certainly capable of winning stages at any time. At the same time, there remains some uncertainty as to whether he will be able to maintain the necessary consistency throughout the entire race.

Conclusion: Here’s how the odds stand

On paper, Philipsen has the best chance of winning the sprint jersey. However, he is no longer the undisputed best sprinter, as he was in the past. Kooij and Merlier could well beat him, though there is a slight question mark over both of them due to their injury lay-offs. For Girmay, it will probably be all about stage wins, as the sprint finishes tend to be too easy for the Eritrean.