As it happened: A long chase, crashes and confusion before the sprinters fight for Scheldeprijs

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Scheldeprijs men's race. This is the sprinters' Classics but should be another day of great racing.

It's only April 8 but spring has sprung in nothern Europe, with temperatures of 18C and little forecast for the day.

This is the map of the race.

As the map shows, the race starts in the Dutch town of Terneuzen, close to the Belgian border. The riders pass through the Westerscheldetunnel and then cover some exposed roads in the Netherlands before riding east.

With 140 kilometres of flat racing to go, the riders reach the Belgian border in Essen, near Antwerp. Then heads south to Schoten to begin the 16.9km finishing circuit.

The riders cover the circuit three times before the expected high-speed, high-stakes sprint finish.

The 2025 Scheldeprijs was a classic edition, with an early break, a fast chase, attacks and then the thrilling sprint finish.

Look back over the 2025 via our race report.

Scheldeprijs: Tim Merlier beats Jasper Philipsen by a bike length in crash-marred final to win second year in a row

The riders are currently signing on in the sun in Terneuzen.

Tim Merlier wears race number 1 as the previous winner. However due to his injuries in the early and pre-season, he is not the favourite to win the sprint. That title perhaps goes to Jasper Philipsen, the rider Merlier beat in 2025.

Other sprinters we will be watching for include Jordi Meeus (Red Bull), Britain's Robert Donaldson (Jayco-Alula), Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet), Matteo Moschetti (Pinarello-Q36.5), Hugo Hofstetter (NSN) and Tim Torn Teutenberg (lidl-Trek).

Tim Merlier has only ridden one race due to his injuries, finishing 19th in the Grote prijs Jean-Pierre Monseré on March 19. He has trained since then but is still working to find his best form.

"My shape is getting better and better, so I look forward to being there. I would love to be in the mix for a good result, but I know it won’t be easy, because others are in better form," he said via his Soudal team recently.

"Nevertheless, I will give my best, like I always do, and we’ll see what I’ll achieve at the end of the day."

It's another busy day of racing but as always, Cyclingnews has you covered. Today is stage 3 of the Itzulia Basque Country as Paul Seixas continues to dominate.

The women's Scheldeprijs is already underway and you can follow all the action via our live updates. Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) won the 2025 Scheldeprijs Women race.

Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: Can anyone prevent a bunch sprint, or will the fast women take the honours again?

The riders will roll out of Terneuzen when the church bell strikes 1pm local time. They then face a 4km neutralised sector before the race starts.

Dylan Groenwegen (Unibet Rose Rockets), has won four sprints already in 2026 and is hoping for to add a cherry to his cake of spring success.

"The Spring season has already been a success, so in that respect it doesn't matter much. Of course, it would be a nice cherry on top of the cake," he told HLN at the sign-on podium.

"Anything is possible, but the weather is very nice today. The wind won't really cause any crazy things today, but of course you never know what other teams want. So always stay alert!"

Marcel Kittel is known as "Mister Scheldeprijs" after winning the race five times. Now he is the sprint coach sat Unibet, helping Groenewegen and his lead out.

"I feel a bit at home," he said before the start. His tactical message to his riders: "Stay calm and then do your thing."

"I feel a bit at home, especially later at the finish in Schoten," Kittel told Sporza.

"I have wonderful memories. It was also the end of my career, because I unknowingly rode my last race as a pro here. It is great to return with the Rockets."

"The last circuit in Schoten is always hectic. There is little room to move forward. You have to choose your moments as a team, you have to do it together."

Kittel will be in the Unibet team car today.

"I still feel involved in these races as a rider. It is an intense experience, and as an athlete, I found that the most beautiful thing of all. I hope we can experience those emotions again today."

A minute's silence was held in Terneuzen in memory of Piet De Smet, the former chairman of the Scheldeprijs organisers, who passed away last week.

Official start

They're off!

We imediately have the first attack: Americans Robin Carpenter and Jonah Killy, plus Dutchman Joost Nat make the first move.

"All the best guys for this race today."

The trio have a gap but the peloton is chasing them. Race on!

The race has dived into the Westerscheldetunnel that passes under the sea and takes the race to the Zeeland area of the Netherlands.

It is cycling's equivalent of the dark side of the Moon.

In the dark of the tunnel, three other riders have jonied the attack to create a move of six riders. Also off the front are Dissel Bram (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Harteel Jelle (Tarteletto-Isorex) and Durić Dorde (Solution Tech NIPPO Rali).

They have a gap of 30 seconds.

Soudal and Unibet are leading the peloton but they are happy to let thew break go clear and gain a few minutes, but they will ride to keep them under control.

The gap is already 2:30.

185km to go

The riders are on the exposed Zeeland roads but instead of cross winds blowing from the North Sea, the weather is warm, sunny and with only a slight breeze. It's a lovely day for a bike ride and a bike race.

According to our colleagues at Wielerflits, the Scheldeprijs riders were warned about riding through any level crossing during today's race.

According to reports in Belgium, the East Flanders Public Prosecutor's Office has identified 54 riders who could face sanctions, including fines and driving bans after they dived through a level crossing early on in Sunday's Tour of Flanders.

This is our story on the matter.

Investigation identifies 54 riders as skipping level crossing red signal at Tour of Flanders

170km to go

The six attackers are working smoothly together off the front but the peloton is holding them at 2:30. We can experct a game of cat and mouse on the ride to Schoten.

We have the first race shots from our photographers out on the road.

This was the first attack in the tunnel.

It's lined out in the peloton but not too fast, for now.

The flat, straight roads of Zeeland.

Robin Carpenter (Modern Adventure), Jonah Killy (Tarteletto-Isorex), Joost Nat (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Dissel Bram (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Harteel Jelle (Tarteletto-Isorex) and Durić Dorde (Solution Tech NIPPO Rali) have extended their lead to 2:40 as Soudal and Unibet lead the peloton.

Our live coverage from the Basque Country is also underway. It's a great day of racing.

Itzulia Basque Country stage 3 LIVE: Paul Seixas defends yellow on punchy day in the Basque Country

Picnic PostNL are helping Unibet and Soudal with the chase, putting a rider on the front too. They are surely working for Pavel Bittner

Tim Merlier no longer has knee pain but is still working on his form and sprinting speed. Yet he should not be ruled out in the sprint.

"I didn't expect to still be participating in this race," the 2024 and 2025 winner told Sporza at the start.

"I wouldn't be myself if I didn't expect a result. I'm hoping for a podium finish, but if things go 110 percent right... why not?

"I'm starting with that ambition. I need to convey that to my teammates so they are willing to do the work 110 percent for me."

Merlier's rivals expect him to be a threat.

"With Tim, we have to wait and see, but you can never write him off. I expect him today as well," said Jordi Meeus.

"Merlier is returning from injury, but given the weather conditions, I don't expect a tough race. That will work to his advantage," Japser Philipsen told Sporza.

140km to go

The attackers have lost 10 seconds as the elastic stretches and then tightens as the peloton keeps them under control.

Jasper Philipsen has won Scheldeprijs twice and wants a third victory. However he revealed to Nieuwsblad that is struggling to get over a cold.

"I really want to win. Every race is important, so today is too. The Scheldeprijs is an absolute top race for a sprinter," he said.

"Hopefully, we will see a nice mass sprint at the end. Dylan Groenewegen is in a winning flow. Tim Merlier is returning from injury, but given the weather conditions, I don't expect a tough race. That will also work to his advantage.

"I’ve had a cold since Milan-San Remo and I’m having trouble getting rid of it. It’s not that it has much impact on how I feel on the bike."

We have more great pics of the peloton at speed.

We can see who is chasing the break.

And the peloton lined out.

The women's Scheldeprijs has just ended but we will not spoiler it for you. Check out our live coverage and then full report for all the details.

122km to go

The break and the peloton have passed into Belgium after the opening 70km or so in the Netherlands.

Robin Carpenter (Modern Adventure), Jonah Killy (Tarteletto-Isorex), Joost Nat (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Dissel Bram (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Harteel Jelle (Tarteletto-Isorex) and Durić Dorde (Solution Tech NIPPO Rali) are still clear of the peloton.

Their lead is pegged at 2:20.

100km to go

The riders are gradually heading towards Antwerp and then Schoten but the pace is steady because there is a slight head wind.

We expect more action and then a crescendo finale on the three 17km loops of Schoten.

Scheldeprijs sits between the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. This special feature by Matilda Price and James Moultrie looks back to the Rnde and forward to the Hell of the North.

Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix – The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky's chances

The crowds are already out in the finish area of Schoten after seeing the women's race. They are now enjoying dome frites and a beer. The riders pass the finish line for the first time with 50km to go and cover three and half lap of the 17km circuit.

The average speed for the first hour of racing was 43km/h, indicating the controlled racing and the headwind in Zeeland. We expected the speed to rise more and more.

75km to go

The peloton is rising with more gusto now, with the same single riders from Unibet, Soudal and Picnic doing turns on the front. The Tudor team are tucked in behind them.

The gap to the peloton is down to 2:00 and falling.

We can also see Alpecin riders lined-out together, riding for Jasper Philipsen.

70km to go

Robin Carpenter (Modern Adventure), Jonah Killy (Tarteletto-Isorex), Joost Nat (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Dissel Bram (BEAT CC p/b Saxo), Harteel Jelle (Tarteletto-Isorex) and Durić Dorde (Solution Tech NIPPO Rali) are still working smoothly but they know the peloton is closing them down.

Some breaking news: Isaac del Toro crashed hard at Itzulia Basque Country and has been forced to abandon the race.

Isaac del Toro abandons Itzulia Basque Country after crash early on stage 3

60km to go

The riders cover the first short sector of cobbles as they near Schoten. Alpecin have wisely moved to the front as the pace rises.

The break is just 1:10 ahead now.

The break hits the 1.7km long Broekstraat cobbled sector. This will crank-up the tension a bit more.

Matteo Moschetti (Pinarello) drops his chain on the cobbles. He was third last year but now has to chase to rejoin the peloton.

The riders now ride alongside the huge Schelde river, speeding along faster the long canal boats that carry goods up and down the river.

50km to go

The riders pass through the finish area in Schoten, the break leads the peloton by just 50 seconds now. The riders get to see how the finish gradually bends to the left.

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Jasper Philipsen suffered a rear wheel flat just before passing the finish area. He opted for a wheel change rather than a faster full bike change. He is quickly paced by Alpecin teammates.

Lidl-Trek are also positioning for the final, with Hector Alvarez jumping off the front to slot back into the position.

Now Soudal, Jayco and Lotto are lined out across the road in formation. The speed is up and rising.

The riders are back on the Broekstraat and Lidl-Trek are active on the front. Though it's not clear if they are attacking or trying to line-out the peloton.

Whatever it is cutting into the lead of the break.

Unibet are ready to ride for Dylan Groenewegen. It wohld be a huge win for him and the innovative team.

The break has split as they are about to be caught. Behind the sprint teams are fighting for position. Every surge to move up is a big effort.

Two laps and 33km to go!

This is the 114th edition of the men's Scheldeprijs and it is all set to be a Classic sprint finish.

Scheldeprijs is dubbed as the 'unofficial' sprinter's World Championships.

The break, or at least three of the six, fight on. Robin Carpenter (Modern Adventure), Jonah Killy (Tarteletto-Isorex), Dissel Bram (BEAT CC p/b Saxo) are still clear, as the peloton plays with them and rides their own race.

25km to go

The peloton has eased and so Robin Carpenter (Modern Adventure), Jonah Killy (Tarteletto-Isorex), Dissel Bram (BEAT CC p/b Saxo) have a gap of 50 seconds.

The sprinters and their teams are riding their own race and are focused on position and building their lead out train. It's shoulder to shoulder time in the peloton, with everyone packed tight.

The riders are back onto the Broekstraat cobbles. It naturally lines out the peloton.

Moschetti needs a bike change (his second mechanical on the Broekstraat) and has to chase hard in the cars. That could hurt his chances of another podium result this year. He was third in 2025.

Moschetti is back in the peloton but is at the very back of the line as they dive into a corner.

Soudal have put two riders on the front to control the pace of the peloton. Merlier can count on his lead out man Bert Van Lerberghe for the final kilometre.

17km to go

The bell rings out to signal the final lap. Here we go!

It will soon be sprint time.

The peloton is just 25 seconds behind the three attackers as the bell rings out.

The chicane beyond the finish lines out the peloton, the line is over 100 metres long.

This is a brave ride by Robin Carpenter (Modern Adventure), Jonah Killy (Tarteletto-Isorex), Dissel Bram (BEAT CC p/b Saxo).

They will surely get caught but have made the peloton suffer to catch them.

10km to go

The speed is up to 60km/h!

The three breakaways are fighting each other to stay away the longest. But the peloton can see them now.

Crash! Several riders go down.

A move in the peloton caused a touch of wheels, sending riders to the ground. Unibet has lost a rider and Tim Torn Teutenberg was involved.

There is another crash as the tension rises. Phil Bauhaus of Bahrain is down.

No, no, no! Dylan Groenwegen is caught in the crash!

Without Unibet, this sprint will be very different.

The riders cover the Broekstraat cobbles for the last time and hit the river bank on the wide road. It's a fight for position in a reduced peloton.

With Groenwegen out and Fretin out, this isa a great chance for Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier.

3km to go

There are only 50 riders in the front group as the attackers are finally swept up.

It's time for a sprint!

Lotto and Picnic move up to the front as the rider sweep right into the city streets.

Philipsen has to four teammates for his leadout.

Soudal are sitting back for Merlier.

2km to go

Alpecin move up to the front for Philipsen.

Last Kilometre!

It's sprint time! The left is the shortest line to the finish.

Tim Merlier wins it. He is back!

This is only his second race of 2026 due to a knee injury but he really wanted that one. He came late, as so often, but timed his surge to perfection.

He has won Scheldeprijs in 2024, 2025 ansd now 2026.

Merlier hugs his Soudal teammates and staff. After the line he beat his chest in celebration, indicating who was the winner.

This is the winning shot!

Pavel Bittner (Picnic) and Emilien Jeanniere (TotalEnergies) were second and third in the hectic sprint.

Merlier doubted his chances after the late crashes and lack of speed. He kicked from 250m to go, hit the front, got a gap and never looked back.

Merlier was emotional as he spoke of his sprint.

A three-peat for Merlier.

Tim Merlier celebrated with his teammates.

"This one feels really good," Merlier said.

"After the problems this winter and in the last month also.

"You start the race with questions, and then I felt in the race that I'm not my best day, maybe too fresh or due to the first heat, I don't know."

Merlier talked about how he won the sprint.

"On the last lap they crashed. I can pass, unbelievable, with my best skills.," he said in his clipped Dutch English.

"I thought there was nothing left anymore, that I didn't have the explosion anymore, but once in the last kilometre I was in a perfect position.

"One moment, I thought I was boxed in, then there was some space again and so I launched my sprint. I think from 250, like, I want to do it.

"I wanted to give it a try and just do my best, so I launched it, and said: 'I don't think they're gonna pass….'

"There was a bit of headwind but I know that once I get to a real speed, it's difficult to pass me, even when I'm not in the best shape."

It's great to see Tim Merlier back winning and back smiling.

It was a special podium shot too.

To read our full race report, with a great selection of photos, click below.

Scheldeprijs: Tim Merlier makes it look easy with third successive victory after season delayed by knee injury

Thanks for following our full live coverage from Scheldeprijs. We'll have more live coverage from Itzulia Basque country and then of course this weekend from both the men's and women's Paris-Roubaix.

Enjoying our live race coverage?

Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! Find out more.