Brabantse Pijl 2025: Evenepoel vs Van Aert & Pidcock
Brabantse Pijl Preview: Evenepoel, Van Aert Headline Challenging Hill Classic
Table of Contents
With paris-Roubaix concluded and the Tour of Limburg fading in the rearview mirror, the cycling season transitions to the demanding hill classics. The brabantse Pijl, a perfect bridge between the cobbled and ardennes races, is set to challenge riders this Friday. A star-studded field, including Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert, promises a thrilling competition.
The Course: Beersel Start, Overijse Finish
The Brabantse Pijl course has been updated for this year’s edition. The race will commence in Beersel, following an agreement between organizers Flanders Classics and the municipality extending thru 2029. The finish remains in Overijse.
The total distance has been reduced to approximately 160 kilometers. From Beersel, the route heads north, passing through Altenberg, Pit, and Sint-Pieters Leeuw, approaching the western edge of Brussels. The peloton then navigates through Lennik and Pepingen before returning to Beersel.
A series of climbs follows. The Beerselberg, a new addition, is quickly succeeded by the Pit and the Eigenbrakelsesteenweg in the Hallerbos. The route then takes the riders south of Waterloo, leading to the final circuits around Overijse.
The decisive phase includes the Rue François Dubois and the first ascent of the Holstheide, serving as warm-ups for the local circuit. This circuit features the cobbled Hertstraat (0.7 km at 3.7%), the Holstheide (1 km at 5%), the challenging Moskesstraat (0.5 km at 7%), and the S-Bend climb (1.3 km at 3.7%) just before the finish on the Brusselsesteenweg. The riders will tackle three local laps of just under 20 kilometers each.
Key Contenders
EF Education-EasyPost brings Neilson Powless to the race. Powless, known for his aggressive riding style, is well-suited to the Brabantse Pijl’s parcours.
Other potential contenders include Joseph Blackmore, Alexey Lutsenko, Corbin Strong (Israel-Premier Tech), Mattia Cattaneo (Soudal Rapid-Step), Arjen Livyns (Lotto Dstny), Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies), Emiel Verstrynge (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Pau Miquel (Equipo Kern Pharma), Guillermo Thomas Silva, and Alex Molenaar (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA). unibet-Tietema’s Jelle Johannink and Tomáš Kopecký could also be in the mix.
Favorites
According to wielerflits:
- * Tom Pidcock
- Remco Evenepoel, Wout van Aert
- * Alex Aranburu, Tim Wellens, Jhonatan Narváez
- Neilson Powless, Tiesj Benoot, Dylan Teuns, Tibor del Grosso
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for Friday predicts temperatures between 11 and 12 degrees Celsius. Rain showers are expected, perhaps making for a challenging race. The wind is not expected to be a significant factor.
TV Coverage
The Brabantse Pijl will be broadcast live on Sporza and canvas at 3 p.m. The race will also be available on Eurosport and HBO Max.
Brabantse Pijl: Your Ultimate Guide to the Hill Classic
what is the Brabantse Pijl?
The Brabantse Pijl, also known as the “Arrow of Brabant,” is a one-day cycling race held in Belgium.It’s a crucial race in the cycling calendar, serving as a bridge between the cobbled classics and the Ardennes classics. This year’s race takes place this Friday and promises to be a thrilling competition.
When is the Brabantse Pijl held?
The race is held this Friday, April 18, 2025.
Where does the Brabantse Pijl take place?
The race is held in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium.
What is the course for the 2025 Brabantse Pijl?
Course Changes
The course has been updated for the 2025 edition.
Starting Point
The