West Brabant to host third stage of the ZLM Tour 2026: Roosendaal and Bergen op Zoom

Libéma Profcycling, organiser of the multi-day cycling race, announced yesterday that the third stage of the ZLM Tour in 2026 will start in Roosendaal and finish in Bergen op Zoom. Departing from the WielerExperience in Roosendaal, the peloton will traverse West Brabant, passing through locations such as the Oesterdam and the Brabantse Wal, before the stage concludes with local circuits in and around Bergen op Zoom.

Roosendaal as the start of a cycling day

With the WielerExperience, Roosendaal boasts a unique venue where cycling, experience, and education come together. It thus forms a fitting backdrop for the start of a stage in the ZLM Tour. From Roosendaal, the riders head towards West Brabant, where the route quickly becomes open and selective.

Councillor Robin Heij of the municipality of Roosendaal is proud that the city is once again part of the ZLM Tour: “I am incredibly proud that, after a year’s break, we are again the starting location for the ZLM Tour. Cycling is in our DNA, both personally and certainly within our municipality and the entire region. It’s especially wonderful that we are doing this together with our neighbours in Bergen op Zoom. We kick off at the WielerExperience, where the new Centre has recently been completed. A top location for a top event. With the Roosendaal cycling summer on the horizon, this is a fantastic start to the season. I’m already looking forward to seeing the peloton depart from here.”

Challenging route through West Brabant

The stage features an attractive and varied route. The riders will cross the Oesterdam twice, a location that has often provided spectacle in the past due to the frequent presence of wind. The peloton will then head over the Brabantse Wal, after which the finale takes place on local circuits in and around Bergen op Zoom.

Sports councillor Berend Doedens of the municipality of Bergen op Zoom is pleased that his city is part of the stage: “It’s a fantastic result that Roosendaal and Bergen op Zoom together are hosting the start and finish of the third stage of the ZLM Tour. As municipalities in the southwest of Brabant, we are increasingly working together, and this stage is a great opportunity to highlight that collaboration. I am convinced this will be a beautiful and sporting celebration.”

Eelco Franckaert, General Manager of the ZLM Tour, is also delighted that this stage completes the ZLM Tour: “Wonderful that with these two cities we have rounded off the stage schedule and added a beautiful stage in West Brabant. In previous years, a stage over the Oesterdam delivered a great battle, especially when the wind picks up there.”

A new highlight on the cycling calendar

Next year, the race will for the first time be held directly after the summer. The ZLM Tour is known as a high-quality race with top teams and top riders. By organising the race in September, it better aligns with the programmes of riders and teams, creating space in the racing calendar for an attractive race week. This increases the chances of a strong field of participants and impressive sporting performances, particularly in the lead-up to the European and World Road Cycling Championships, which are scheduled during that period.

Full stage schedule now confirmed

The ZLM Tour 2026 will take place from 2 to 6 September. With the time trial in Kapelle and the stages Westkapelle – Heinkenszand, Roosendaal – Bergen op Zoom, Schijndel – Schijndel, and Waalwijk – Waalwijk, the stage schedule is now complete. It promises to be another spectacular edition for riders, spectators, partners, and municipalities, and above all, a new edition to make cycling history.

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