Victor Campenaerts wins Eneco Tour 2026

Victor Campenaerts, a Belgian cyclist from the Visma Lease a Bike team, won his first overall victory in the Eneco Tour 2026. He secured the title after retaining his leader's jersey during the final stage on Sunday, October 18, 2026, finishing tenth in Arnhem.

Final stage strategy and performance

Campenaerts had led the race since the third stage, after an aggressive ride that moved him from second place to the top. In the final stage, he started with a 15-second advantage over Wessel Mouris and relied on his teammates to control the race and maintain his lead.

Breakaway and sprint finish

A breakaway of three riders was caught as the finish line approached, and Campenaerts finished tenth in the stage without losing any significant time. His victory was marked by the support of his team, which he acknowledged as crucial to his success.

Tim Merlier's stage win

Tim Merlier, another Belgian cyclist, won the final stage with a strong sprint in Arnhem. This was his second stage victory of the Eneco Tour 2026, showcasing his speed and positioning in the final kilometers of the race.

Team support and personal reflection

Merlier had let the breakaway gain an advantage at the start but helped reduce the gap as the peloton closed in. For Visma Lease a Bike, the day was successful as they preserved Campenaerts' first place. Campenaerts expressed his gratitude for the team's support, calling it an honor and a significant milestone in his career.