Lennert Van Eetvelt wins the 2026 Okolo Slovenska

Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Intermarché) has claimed the general classification of the 2026 Okolo Slovenska / Tour de Slovaquie, finishing with a time of 17:25:04. The Belgian rider is just one second ahead of Valentin Hofer (Bahrain Victorious Development Team) and four seconds ahead of Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis).A tight classificationThe race was decided by a matter of seconds. Van Eetvelt managed the advantage he had built up in the previous stages, containing his rivals' attacks in the final stages. The final one-second gap over Hofer confirms the balance that characterised the entire week of racing.Behind the top three, Giacomo Villa (Biesse - Carrera - Premac) finishes fourth at five seconds, while Axel Källberg (Lucky Sport Cycling Team) completes the top five with the same deficit. Five riders within nine seconds: a minimal margin that bears witness to the competitive level of the Slovak race.Managing the jerseyVan Eetvelt built his success with a steady approach, conceding no ground in the decisive stages. Lotto Intermarché controlled the race in the most delicate phases, limiting their rivals' moves and protecting the position in the overall standings until the final stage.For the Belgian rider, this is an important result in his path of seasonal growth. Victory in a stage race on the European calendar represents a concrete step in his progression.Final classificationLennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Intermarché) — 17:25:04Valentin Hofer (Bahrain Victorious Development Team) + 1"Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis) + 4"Giacomo Villa (Biesse - Carrera - Premac) + 5"Axel Källberg (Lucky Sport Cycling Team) + 5"The Slovak race confirms its vocation as a useful appointment for young riders and for those seeking confirmation. Van Eetvelt takes home the winner's jersey, with a margin that leaves assessments open on what was seen along the roads of Slovakia.