Bahrain Victorious with sprinters at Veenendaal–Veenendaal Classic
# Bahrain Victorious Gears Up for Veenendaal–Veenendaal Classic
Bahrain Victorious is set to showcase its sprinting prowess at the upcoming Veenendaal–Veenendaal Classic on Saturday, May 23. Alongside their participation in the Giro d’Italia, the team will rely on the skills of sprinter Daniel Skerl, who is returning from a collarbone fracture sustained during the Scheldeprijs.
The Veenendaal–Veenendaal Classic, a staple in Dutch cycling since 1985, has seen an impressive lineup of past winners including Tom Boonen, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Elia Viviani, and Dylan Groenewegen. Known for its fast-paced finishes, the race traditionally favors sprinters, with the final dash often culminating in thrilling displays of speed and strategic positioning.
The 2026 edition of the race will be contested on a revamped, compact course, with both the start and finish situated in the heart of Veenendaal. Spanning approximately 180 kilometers, the route loops through Wageningen and Rhenen over five laps. Key features of the course include the exposed Rijndijk near Wageningen, where the wind can play a crucial role, along with the newer hilly segment on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, featuring challenging stretches like the Defensieweg and the Kwintelooijen recreation area.
Bahrain Victorious Sports Director Nikolas Maes shared insights about the race strategy: “In a typical course for a sprinters’ showdown, we will play the card of Daniel Skerl, as a bunch sprint is highly expected. He is returning to racing after the collarbone fracture he suffered at Scheldeprijs, so we don’t fully know what to expect yet, but we want to give him the opportunity and race for a strong result. We need to stay attentive from the start. There won’t be many WorldTour teams, so it may take time before the breakaway goes clear. Also, with little wind expected, we should anticipate a very hectic finale. Our full focus will be on positioning in the final kilometres and trying to maximise the result.”
Skerl will be backed by teammates Alberto Bruttomesso, Max van der Meulen, and Oliver Stockwell, with Development Team riders Thomas Capra and Mihajlo Stolić rounding out the lineup. As excitement builds for the event, all eyes will be on Bahrain Victorious and their strategy to secure a remarkable finish at this prestigious classic.
