On August 21, 2026, the Renewi Tour reached its third stage, with riders facing a demanding 184.6-kilometre route from Celles to Geraardsbergen in Belgium.
Unlike the first two stages, which were largely suited to sprinters, Stage 3 brought the peloton into the Flemish Ardennes, featuring a succession of short, steep climbs and cobbled sections. Key difficulties included the Paterberg, Oude Kruisberg, Muur van Geraardsbergen, Bosberg and Denderoordberg. The stage was widely regarded as a crucial test for the overall classification.
Early Breakaway Takes Shape
After the start in Celles, the race quickly saw attacks. Julius Johansen of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Frederik Frison of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and Michiel Lambrecht of Team Flanders-Baloise formed part of the early breakaway and established a significant advantage over the peloton.
As the race entered the Flemish Ardennes, the peloton increased the pace. The repeated climbs and cobbled sectors gradually reduced the gap, while the demanding terrain began to split the field.
Climbs and Crashes Split the Race
The intensity increased significantly during the second half of the stage. The combination of steep climbs, technical sections and crashes caused repeated splits within the peloton.
Jonathan Milan, who had won Stage 1 and had been one of the main contenders for the overall classification, was still affected by the heavy crash from Stage 2. He ultimately abandoned the race early in Stage 3, further changing the overall battle.
As the race approached Geraardsbergen, the early breakaway was gradually absorbed and the decisive phase began. The Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg became especially important in determining which riders could stay in contention for the victory.
Berckmoes and Segaert Launch the Decisive Move
In the closing stages, Jenno Berckmoes of Lotto-Intermarché and Alec Segaert of Bahrain Victorious successfully broke clear from the reduced field.
The two Belgians worked together during the final kilometres and managed to maintain a narrow advantage over the chasing group. Behind them, Jasper Philipsen and other fast finishers were attempting to close the gap, setting up a dramatic finale in Geraardsbergen.
Berckmoes Makes the Winning Attack
With the finish line approaching, Berckmoes launched his decisive attack inside the final kilometre.
The Lotto-Intermarché rider managed to distance Segaert on the cobbled uphill section of De Vesten. Despite the chasing group closing rapidly behind him, Berckmoes held on and crossed the finish line first.
The victory marked a major breakthrough for Berckmoes, giving him a prestigious WorldTour-level stage win and, more importantly, the overall race lead.
Philipsen and Kooij Complete the Podium
Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Premier Tech finished second, while Olav Kooij of Decathlon CMA CGM Team took third.
Arnaud De Lie, Berckmoes' teammate, finished fourth, with the result further strengthening Lotto-Intermarché's presence at the front of the race.
Stage 3 Top Three
Jenno Berckmoes — Lotto-Intermarché
Jasper Philipsen — Alpecin-Premier Tech
Olav Kooij — Decathlon CMA CGM Team
Berckmoes Takes the Overall Lead
Berckmoes' victory was particularly valuable because he also collected crucial bonus seconds during the stage.
He gained 8 bonus seconds from the Green Kilometre and another 10 seconds for winning the stage, allowing him to move ahead of Jasper Philipsen in the general classification.
After Stage 3, Berckmoes leads Philipsen by 3 seconds in the overall classification, while Kooij sits third. The narrow time gaps mean that the general classification remains highly competitive with two stages still to come.
The Overall Battle Enters a Critical Phase
Stage 3 completely changed the complexion of the 2026 Renewi Tour.
The opening two stages had largely favoured the sprinters, with Jonathan Milan winning Stage 1 and Jasper Philipsen taking Stage 2 and the overall lead. However, the demanding Flemish Ardennes terrain on Stage 3 allowed the classics specialists and strong all-round riders to take centre stage.
Berckmoes' combination of aggressive riding, strong climbing and precise timing in the finale allowed him to take both the stage victory and the overall lead.
With Philipsen only three seconds behind and Kooij also within striking distance, the fight for the final overall victory remains wide open.
Two Stages Remain
Following the conclusion of Stage 3, only two stages remain in the 2026 Renewi Tour.
Stage 4 on August 22 will cover 187.3 kilometres from Riemst to Bilzen-Hoeselt, offering another opportunity for the sprinters while still presenting challenges for the overall contenders. The race will then conclude with Stage 5 from Leuven to Leuven on August 23.
Berckmoes currently holds the advantage, but with the gaps between the leading riders extremely small, every bonus second, breakaway and late attack could prove decisive in determining the final winner of the 2026 Renewi Tour.
