Scheldeprijs 2019

Scheldeprijs 2019: A sprinter showcase ahead of Paris-Roubaix

The Scheldeprijs is a sprint-friendly palate cleanser between the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, with little to speak of in the way of climbing or cobbles, but still with ample opportunity for devastating crosswinds and narrow roads littered with traffic furniture.

The 2019 route makes its way from Terneuzen by way of the Western Scheldt tunnel, but the route will take place largely in the exposed roads of the Netherlands Zeeland region before returning for the closing circuits and finish in Schoten.

In 2018, the peloton splintered into echelons when it was battered by the North Sea winds, and 30 riders – including favourites Dylan Groenewegen and Arnaud Démare – were disqualified after failing to stop at a level crossing.

The race returns to Belgium at Putte-Kappellen, with 54km to go. The race will cross the finish the first of three times with 34km to go, and it is on this circuit where the cobblestones of Broekstraat provide a little excitement on the flat, fast loop.

Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-QuickStep) topped Pascal Ackermann (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Chris Lawless (Team Sky) in a bunch sprint on Churchillaan last year.

2018 Scheldeprijs Top 10