Ede to host the first stage of the 2026 Eneco Tour

On Wednesday, October 14, Ede will serve as the setting for the first stage of the 2026 Eneco Tour. Following the prologue in The Hague on Tuesday, October 13, the international cycling peloton will head to the Veluwe. The first stage of the Eneco Tour will take place on the beautiful course that was previously used during the 2025 Dutch National Cycling Championships.

This stage around Ede will be contested on a 41-kilometer circuit. The women will ride two laps, for a total distance of 82 kilometers. The men will complete three laps, covering a total of 123 kilometers. The start and finish are located on Arnhemseweg in Ede.

The course offers plenty of opportunities for an exciting race, but with the wide roads and the relatively controlled nature of the circuit, a sprint for the stage victory seems the most likely scenario. Moreover, the use of a fixed circuit gives cycling fans multiple chances to see the riders in action up close.

Roxane Knetemann, race director of the Eneco Tour: 

“Ede has everything it takes for an exciting opening stage. The course winds through the heart of the Veluwe and offers enough challenges to make the race fast-paced, while at the same time providing opportunities for the fast men and women. It’s precisely that combination that makes it interesting.”

“With this stage, we’re also bringing the race to the people. The route ensures that fans can see the riders pass by multiple times and follow the race up close. That aligns with our ambition to make elite sports accessible and to let as many people as possible be part of the Eneco Tour.”

The Veluwe Landscape

The municipality of Ede is also delighted about the arrival of the Eneco Tour. “This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Ede as a sporty and active municipality, with the Veluwe serving as a stunning backdrop,” says Councilwoman Gabriëlle Hazeleger (sports and events).

“Cycling is a great fit for Ede. The route leads from Ede through the Veluwe landscape toward Otterlo, Harskamp, and Kootwijkerbroek, before returning to the Arnhemseweg. This allows both the riders and the public to see a lot of our municipality. After the Dutch National Championships, we look forward to welcoming another great cycling event to Ede,” concludes Councilor Hazeleger.

This year’s Eneco Tour takes place from October 13 through 18 and is an international multi-day cycling race held entirely within the Netherlands. For the first time, both the women’s and men’s fields will ride their own Eneco Tour in the same week, largely following the same routes.