Matthew Brennan of Team Visma-Lease a Bike surged to victory at the 2026 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne in Belgium on Sunday, becoming the first British winner of the race since Mark Cavendish in 2012 and 2015.
The 20-year-old sprinter powered out of the accelerating pack to claim the win in the Flemish Classic, covering the 193.6km course over 13 hills in mild weather. The final 60km of the race featured a winding but largely flat terrain, setting the stage for a thrilling sprint finish.
Brennan’s triumph marks a significant moment for British cycling, echoing the success of Cavendish years prior. “I won twice as a junior myself,” Brennan said after the race. “I’m always there in these kinds of races.”
Tudor Pro Cycling secured a strong showing with Luca Mozzato finishing second and veteran Matteo Trentin taking third place. The race, the second event of the Flemish Opening Weekend, saw a competitive field vying for the top spot.
Visma-Lease a Bike demonstrated strategic teamwork, positioning Brennan for the win. “I was nervous all day and we got caught in a gap, but we took the initiative and I’m really happy,” Brennan explained. “The guys, each and every one of them, worked in the build-up. I did the easy bit.”
Notably, pre-race favorites such as defending champion Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, and Paul Magnier did not feature prominently in the final sprint. Philipsen, in particular, struggled to contend for the win, finishing far from the front of the pack.
Visma-Lease a Bike has now won three of the last four editions of Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, showcasing their consistent performance in the event. This victory adds to their growing momentum as the spring classics season unfolds. The win for Brennan signals a potential breakout season for the young Brit, and positions him as a contender in future classics races.
