Coastal classic favorites
The Bredene Koksijde Classic on Belgium’s coast lists top sprinters Dylan Groenewegen and Juan Sebastián Molano among the favorites — and strong coastal winds are expected to be a decisive factor. The race’s coastal parcours makes crosswinds and positioning a likely race‑defining element. (todaycycling.com — procyclinguk.com)
The 24th edition ran on 20 March 2026 from Oostende to Koksijde over 203.4 km. (procyclingstats.com) Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet ROSE Rockets) won the sprint in 4:27:58, with Pascal Ackermann second and Pavel Bittner third. (procyclingstats.com) Racing featured an early three‑man move that was brought back inside the final two kilometres as sprint teams organised the chase, and Unibet ROSE Rockets played a visible part in the late catch. (cyclingnews.com) Race organisers routed the peloton through a hill zone between kilometres 73 and 101 that included the Baneberg, Monteberg and two ascents of the Kemmelberg — a sequence highlighted in previews as the race’s decisive mid‑race sector. (cyclingfantasy.cc) Pre‑race forecasts and live coastal models showed brisk sea winds for 20 March, with average speeds around 5 m/s and significant gusts near 9–10 m/s (roughly 18–36 km/h), a pattern race previews flagged as likely to produce echelons on exposed polder roads. (windy.app) Both names referenced in previews started: Juan Sebastián Molano rode for UAE Team Emirates (placing 11th), while Groenewegen led Unibet ROSE Rockets to the victory — underlining the race’s reminder that sprint form and team positioning on coastal roads decide outcomes. (procyclingstats.com)
