Egmont Cycling Race Women 2026: Balsamo and Steigenga the big favourites

A Belgian classic on 18 AugustOn Tuesday 18 August 2026, the international women's calendar stops in Belgium for the Egmont Cycling Race Women, a procontinental category race that attracts a high-level field. The race takes place entirely on Belgian roads, terrain that traditionally favours fast finishers and the most attentive riders in hectic phases.166 athletes are expected at the start, with numerous top teams. Official data do not include distance and elevation gain, but the nature of the competition suggests a day suited to fast wheels.The protagonists expected at the startAmong the entrants, Elisa Balsamo (Lidl - Trek) stands out, coming off a season full of satisfaction. The Italian is her team's reference point and one of the most anticipated riders. Alongside her, Lidl - Trek also fields Lucinda Brand, Anna Henderson and Lauretta Hanson, ensuring a high-quality roster.Attention also to AG Insurance - Soudal Team, which can count on Nicole Steigenga, and to VolkerWessels (not listed among official teams but present with riders like Lonneke Uneken and Scarlett Souren in the results). Human Powered Health fields Kathrin Schweinberger and Lily Williams, while St Michel - Preference Home - Auber93 relies on Alicia González.This year's results of the main namesLooking at the season's history, Elisa Balsamo has collected prestigious placings: third at the Italian National Road Championships Women Elite/U23, third at Scheldeprijs Women, second at Ronde Van Brugge - Tour of Bruges and thirteenth at Ronde van Vlaanderen Women. These numbers place her at the top of the favourites.Nicole Steigenga has shown she can win in similar races: first at EPZ Omloop van Borsele Women, seventh at Argenta Classic - Deurne and ninth at Dwars door de Westhoek. Lonneke Uneken boasts a series of top-10s in Benelux classics: second at Dwars door Wingene, third at Argenta Classic, second at Dwars door de Westhoek and tenth at Antwerp Port Epic Ladies.Among others, Scarlett Souren reached the podium at Grote Prijs CHW Beveren (second) and finished sixth at Argenta Classic. Kathrin Schweinberger was fourth at Dwars door de Westhoek and tenth at Scheldeprijs. Alicia González took a third place at Ronde de Mouscron.Favourites for the final victoryBased on available data, the number one favourite is Elisa Balsamo: her recent palmarès and the strength of Lidl - Trek make her the most solid choice for a bunch sprint. Right behind, Nicole Steigenga has shown she can win in races of this category, as she did at Borsele. Lonneke Uneken is the third natural candidate, thanks to a consistency few can match.Outsiders should not be underestimated: Scarlett Souren, Kathrin Schweinberger and Alicia González can join the final battle, while the large number of riders without history in the database makes surprises possible.The Egmont Cycling Race Women takes place in Belgium, home of one-day races that often reward fast finishers — source: Official race data.