A new moment on the cycling calendar
In 2026, the ZLM Tour will take place after the summer for the first time. By staging the race in September, it will better align with the schedules of riders and teams, while creating space in the international cycling calendar for an attractive week of racing. This increases the chances of securing a strong field and delivering exciting sporting performances, especially in the build-up to the European and World Cycling Championships in the following period.
WorldTour teams at the start
This year, several leading WorldTour teams will once again line up at the start of the ZLM Tour. Teams including Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Lidl-Trek, Team Picnic PostNL, Lotto Intermarché and Alpecin-Premier Tech have confirmed their participation. This once again makes the race an attractive event for teams from the highest tier of international cycling. A range of ProTeams, Development teams and continental teams will also be on the start line. This combination creates a broad and dynamic field, giving established names, international top teams and talented riders the opportunity to showcase themselves.
Route through Zeeland and Brabant full of wind, echelons and finales
The ZLM Tour 2026 will take the peloton through Zeeland and North Brabant over five days. The race opens with a time trial in Kapelle, where the first gaps in the general classification could immediately be created. This is followed by a Zeeland stage from Westkapelle to Heinkenszand, where wind and exposed roads may play a decisive role.
On day three, the race heads to West Brabant, where Roosendaal and Bergen op Zoom will provide the backdrop for a stage with real character. With passages over the Oesterdam and the Brabantse Wal, the peloton will face a route made for echelons, attacking racing and spectacle.
In Schijndel and Waalwijk, the ZLM Tour continues its Brabant chapter. Schijndel will deliver spectacle on the new Vlagberg, while Waalwijk, the logistics heart of North Brabant, will host an absolute final day, with the finish at the RKC Stadium. The local laps will bring the race close to the public and create finales where speed, bike handling and team tactics come together. In this way, the 2026 route offers an attractive mix of time trialling, exposed flat roads, regional identity and finales that promise a fight all the way to the line.
Collaboration with RTL and Videoland
The ZLM Tour 2026 will be widely available to follow on television and online platforms. Thanks to the collaboration with RTL Nederland, including broadcasts on RTL 7, and Videoland, the race will reach a broad audience. Coverage may also be complemented by broadcasts on platforms such as Eurosport and regional broadcasters.
“At LPC, we are committed time and again to creating the conditions in which new cycling moments can emerge. With the move to September, we look forward to taking another step forward with the ZLM Tour. It is great to see that this edition will once again bring a strong mix of international top teams and talented squads to the start line.”
Taking the next step
“With these ingredients, we have a race that could go in every direction. We are seeing a lot of interest from WorldTour teams, and with the longer time trial course, specialists will have an extra role to play, making the general classification even more exciting. The stage to Heinkenszand is definitely one to mark down. With the chance of echelons, I am already looking forward to it. And Schijndel–Schijndel, with the climb on the Vlagheide, could also easily spring a surprise. I’m looking forward to September.” - John van den Akker
In close collaboration with ZLM Verzekeringen
“We are very much looking forward to this edition of the ZLM Tour, especially in the year in which ZLM Verzekeringen celebrates its 75th anniversary. Cycling fits perfectly with who we are as an insurer in Brabant and Zeeland. With this race, we can truly connect with people in an accessible way, through an event that is free for everyone to attend. That aligns perfectly with our regional involvement, which is also reflected in our support for the touring rides. We look forward to a well-organised and, above all, spectacular week of racing in September.” - Oscar Monshouwer
