Preview: Renewi Tour
Still the land of Wellens — but challengers are coming
In last week’s preview we mentioned the Renewi Tour — formerly known as the Eneco Tour, BinckBank Tour, and Benelux Tour — but at the time the start list was still uncertain. We promised a full breakdown in Monday’s recap, though in the end the details only became clear by Tuesday. Now, with the field confirmed, we can finally dive into the race’s history and the riders to watch.
The headliner is Tim Wellens, who has built a remarkable bond with this race. Already a four-time overall winner (2014, 2015, 2023, 2024), the Belgian returns as both the defending champion and the most decorated rider in the event’s history. He will line up alongside two other former winners: 2020 champion Mathieu van der Poel and 2018 victor Matej Mohorič.
Most overall wins
4 – Tim Wellens 🇧🇪 (2014, 2015, 2023, 2024)
2 – Edvald Boasson Hagen 🇳🇴 (2009, 2011)
2 – José Iván Gutiérrez 🇪🇸 (2007, 2008)
Consistency also matters here, and again Wellens tops the charts with seven career podiums — nearly unmatched in the modern era. Mohorič and Oliver Naesen, both with multiple podiums, also return.
Most podiums
7 – Tim Wellens 🇧🇪 (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024)
3 – Tom Dumoulin 🇳🇱 (2013, 2014, 2017)
3 – Edvald Boasson Hagen 🇳🇴 (2009, 2010, 2011)
The event has historically rewarded both youth and experience. Edvald Boasson Hagen remains the youngest overall winner at just 22 years old in 2009, while Bobby Julich still holds the record as the oldest at 33 in 2005. Wellens’ triumph last season at age 33 puts him second on that all-time list.
Youngest winners
22-100 – Edvald Boasson Hagen 🇳🇴 (2009)
23-099 – Tim Wellens 🇧🇪 (2014)
23-304 – Matej Mohorič 🇸🇮 (2018)
Oldest winners
33-266 – Bobby Julich 🇺🇸 (2005)
33-114 – Tim Wellens 🇧🇪 (2024)
32-130 – Niki Terpstra 🇳🇱 (2016)
Stage wins are another crucial piece of the Renewi Tour’s DNA. Wellens has collected four to date, though the all-time leaders remain André Greipel and Tom Boonen with seven each. Current entrants such as Tim Merlier, Taco van der Hoorn, Jasper Stuyven, and Mohorič all have multiple stage wins to their names.
Most stage wins
7 – André Greipel 🇩🇪 (2008–2015)
7 – Tom Boonen 🇧🇪 (2006–2015)
5 – Edvald Boasson Hagen 🇳🇴 (2008–2016)
4 – Peter Sagan 🇸🇰 (2016–2017)
4 – Tim Wellens 🇧🇪 (2014–2019)
3 – Jasper Philipsen 🇧🇪 (2020, 2023, 2024)
3 – Sam Bennett 🇮🇪 (2019)
3 – Zdeněk Štybar 🇨🇿 (2013–2014)
3 – Tyler Farrar 🇺🇸 (2009)
The race has also been a launchpad for young talents. Joshua Tarling’s breakthrough stage win in 2023, at just 19 years old, made him the youngest stage winner in race history. At the other end of the spectrum, Robbie McEwen triumphed in 2010 at age 38, underscoring the longevity possible in this event.
Youngest stage winners
19-191 – Joshua Tarling 🇬🇧 (2023, stage 2)
21-040 – Jack Bobridge 🇦🇺 (2010, stage 5)
21-042 – Taylor Phinney 🇺🇸 (2011, prologue)
Oldest stage winners
38-055 – Robbie McEwen 🇦🇺 (2010, stage 1)
36-288 – Koos Moerenhout 🇳🇱 (2010, stage 3)
35-291 – Manuel Quinziato 🇮🇹 (2015, stage 7)
Finally, the leader’s jersey: no one has worn it more often than Wellens, who has claimed it 11 times across various editions. Lars Boom and Boasson Hagen also left their marks, while Mohorič, Stefan Küng, Tony Martin, and Tom Boonen each had spells of dominance.
Most stages in leader’s jersey
11 – Tim Wellens 🇧🇪 (2014–2024)
6 – Lars Boom 🇳🇱 (2012–2017)
6 – Edvald Boasson Hagen 🇳🇴 (2009, 2011)
5 – Matej Mohorič 🇸🇮 (2018)
5 – Stefan Küng 🇨🇭 (2017–2021)
5 – Tony Martin 🇩🇪 (2010)
5 – José Iván Gutiérrez 🇪🇸 (2007–2008)
5 – Nick Nuyens 🇧🇪 (2007)
5 – Tom Boonen 🇧🇪 (2006–2012)
5 – Rik Verbrugghe 🇧🇪 (2005)
This year’s edition sets up as a clash of proven masters and hungry challengers. Wellens arrives with history on his side, Van der Poel with the aura of unpredictability, and Mohorič with the tactical cunning that made him a past champion. Add in the speed of Merlier and the grit of riders like Stuyven and Naesen, and the stage is set for another Renewi Tour that blends Belgian control with international disruption. In short: expect fireworks on roads that rarely allow for anything less.