The ZLM Tour today unveiled the first batch of participating teams and the full route for the 2026 edition at the WielerExperience in Roosendaal. The multi-day stage race will take place from 2 to 6 September and once again promises to be a major sporting highlight, featuring strong international teams and a varied parcours through Zeeland and North Brabant. As in recent years, the organisation of the ZLM Tour is once again in the hands of Libéma Profcycling.

New position on the cycling calendar
In 2026, the ZLM Tour will for the first time be held after the summer period. By moving the race to September, it fits better into the schedules of riders and teams, while also creating room on the international cycling calendar for an attractive week of racing. This increases the likelihood of a strong field and high-level sporting performances, particularly in the build-up to the European and World Championships in the weeks that follow.

WorldTour teams on the start line
Several leading WorldTour teams will once again line up at the start of the ZLM Tour this year. Among the teams already confirmed are Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Lidl-Trek, Team Picnic PostNL, Lotto Intermarché and Alpecin-Deceuninck. Their participation once again underlines the race’s appeal to teams from the highest level of international cycling.

In addition, a range of ProTeams, Development squads and Continental teams will also take part. This combination creates a broad and dynamic peloton, where established names, international top teams and talented young riders all have the opportunity to showcase themselves.

Parcours through Zeeland and Brabant packed with wind, echelons and exciting finales
Over five days, the ZLM Tour 2026 will guide the peloton through Zeeland and North Brabant. The race opens with an individual time trial in Kapelle, where the first significant time gaps in the general classification can already emerge. The following day features a Zeeland stage from Westkapelle to Heinkenszand, where wind and exposed roads could play a decisive role.

On day three, the race heads into West Brabant, with Roosendaal and Bergen op Zoom providing the backdrop for a stage full of character. With crossings over the Oesterdam and the Brabantse Wal, the peloton will face a route perfectly suited to echelons, aggressive racing and spectacular action.

The ZLM Tour then continues deeper into Brabant with stages in Schijndel and Waalwijk. In Schijndel, riders can expect fireworks on the new Vlagberg climb, while Waalwijk — the logistical heart of North Brabant — hosts the grand finale with the finish near the RKC Stadium. The local finishing circuits bring the race close to the fans and create finales where speed, bike handling and team tactics all come together. Altogether, the 2026 route offers an attractive mix of time trialling, exposed flat roads, regional identity and finales guaranteed to deliver racing right to the line.

Partnership with RTL and Videoland
The ZLM Tour 2026 will receive extensive coverage on television and online platforms. Thanks to the partnership with RTL Nederland, including broadcasts on RTL 7, and Videoland, the race will reach a wide audience, potentially supplemented by coverage on Eurosport and regional broadcasters.

Taking another step forward
“With these ingredients, we have a race that can go in every direction. We’re seeing a lot of interest from WorldTour teams, and with the longer individual time trial, specialists will have an even bigger role to play, which only makes the general classification more exciting. The stage to Heinkenszand is definitely one to mark in the calendar — with the possibility of echelons, I’m already looking forward to it. And Schijndel–Schijndel, with the climb up the Vlagheide, could easily produce surprises as well. Roll on September.” — John van den Akker.

Eelco Franckaert, general manager of the ZLM Tour on behalf of Libéma Profcycling, added: “At Libéma Profcycling, we are committed time and again to creating a stage for new cycling history. With the move to September, we look forward to taking another step forward with the ZLM Tour. It’s great to see that this edition once again brings together a strong mix of international top teams and talented squads on the start line.”

In close cooperation with ZLM Verzekeringen
“We are really looking forward to this edition of the ZLM Tour, especially in the year that ZLM Verzekeringen celebrates its 75th anniversary. Cycling fits perfectly with who we are as an insurer in Brabant and Zeeland. This race allows us to connect directly with people in an accessible way, through an event that is free for everyone to attend. That ties in perfectly with our regional involvement, which is also reflected in our support of recreational cycling events. We are looking forward to a well-organised and, above all, spectacular week of racing in September.” — Oscar Monshouwer