Description
May 24, 2026
4th Antwerp Port Epic Ladies 2026 🇧🇪 (1.Pro) WE – Antwerp – Antwerp : 138 km
Antwerp Port Epic Ladies is a UCI 1.Pro classification that unfolds across the industrial heartland of Flanders,
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May 24, 2026
4th Antwerp Port Epic Ladies 2026 🇧🇪 (1.Pro) WE – Antwerp – Antwerp : 138 km
Antwerp Port Epic Ladies is a UCI 1.Pro classification that unfolds across the industrial heartland of Flanders, where the roads weave through a labyrinth of shipping containers, cranes, and dockside infrastructure before spilling into the surrounding farmland and rural villages. The terrain is predominantly flat but far from simple, with narrow, winding roads that twist through the port’s complex network of access routes, roundabouts, and sudden changes in surface quality. The cobbled sectors, though fewer than in the men’s race, are rough and uneven, testing riders’ bike-handling skills and forcing constant adjustments in pace and positioning. The open stretches outside the port are exposed to relentless crosswinds, which sweep across the flatlands and split the peloton into echelons, turning the race into a high-stakes battle of strength and strategy. The race dynamics are shaped by these wind-exposed sections and the technical challenges of the port’s industrial roads, where attacks often launch during moments of chaos as the peloton fractures. The final laps typically loop through the port’s narrow, technical roads, with sharp turns and short, punchy accelerations deciding the outcome. The finish often comes down to a reduced sprint or a small group of riders who have managed to escape the wind’s grip, contesting the line in a fast, furious dash to the end. The Antwerp Port Epic Ladies is a race that rewards resilience, tactical awareness, and the ability to thrive in the unpredictable, gritty conditions of Flanders’ industrial landscape.
Femke Markus soloed to victory at the Antwerp Port Epic Ladies, leading a podium sweep for the SD Worx-Protime team with Marta Lach taking second and Femke Gerritse at the fourth edition of the one-day Belgian race.
Markus made her move, her third of the day, from a select lead group with 26 kilometres to go, and had plenty of time to celebrate her second professional victory. Lach took the field sprint, crossing the line over two minutes later.
Crashes disrupted the field often as they tackled the 40 hybrid cobble and gravel sectors on the 143km course over windy and exposed roads. Hot temperatures added to the challenge for the riders.
SD Worx strung out the peloton early in the race with Markus joining the attack of Anneke Dijkstra (VolkerWessels) after some 50 kilometres of racing. The duo worked well together even after Markus crashed with 85km to go.
The dwindling peloton led by Fenix-Premier Tech reeled in the pair of escapees with 75 kilometres to go. More attacks continued at the front of the 35-rider pack, with Markus going into another move, this time with Christina Schweinberger (Fenix-Premier Tech) and Malwina Maul (Cofidis). But once again, the move was brought back by a select group of chasers.
The front select group stayed together until Markus was finally able to get away and stay away for the win.
Results :
 WE </strong> - Antwerp - Antwerp : 138 km
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Antwerp Port Epic Ladies is a UCI 1.Pro classification that unfolds across the industrial heartland of Flanders, where the roads weave through a labyrinth of shipping containers, cranes, and dockside infrastructure before spilling into the surrounding farmland and rural villages. The terrain is predominantly flat but far from simple, with narrow, winding roads that twist through the port’s complex network of access routes, roundabouts, and sudden changes in surface quality. The cobbled sectors, though fewer than in the men’s race, are rough and uneven, testing riders’ bike-handling skills and forcing constant adjustments in pace and positioning. The open stretches outside the port are exposed to relentless crosswinds, which sweep across the flatlands and split the peloton into echelons, turning the race into a high-stakes battle of strength and strategy. The race dynamics are shaped by these wind-exposed sections and the technical challenges of the port’s industrial roads, where attacks often launch during moments of chaos as the peloton fractures. The final laps typically loop through the port’s narrow, technical roads, with sharp turns and short, punchy accelerations deciding the outcome. The finish often comes down to a reduced sprint or a small group of riders who have managed to escape the wind’s grip, contesting the line in a fast, furious dash to the end. The Antwerp Port Epic Ladies is a race that rewards resilience, tactical awareness, and the ability to thrive in the unpredictable, gritty conditions of Flanders’ industrial landscape.
Femke Markus soloed to victory at the Antwerp Port Epic Ladies, leading a podium sweep for the SD Worx-Protime team with Marta Lach taking second and Femke Gerritse at the fourth edition of the one-day Belgian race.
Markus made her move, her third of the day, from a select lead group with 26 kilometres to go, and had plenty of time to celebrate her second professional victory. Lach took the field sprint, crossing the line over two minutes later.
Crashes disrupted the field often as they tackled the 40 hybrid cobble and gravel sectors on the 143km course over windy and exposed roads. Hot temperatures added to the challenge for the riders.
SD Worx strung out the peloton early in the race with Markus joining the attack of Anneke Dijkstra (VolkerWessels) after some 50 kilometres of racing. The duo worked well together even after Markus crashed with 85km to go.
The dwindling peloton led by Fenix-Premier Tech reeled in the pair of escapees with 75 kilometres to go. More attacks continued at the front of the 35-rider pack, with Markus going into another move, this time with Christina Schweinberger (Fenix-Premier Tech) and Malwina Maul (Cofidis). But once again, the move was brought back by a select group of chasers.
The front select group stayed together until Markus was finally able to get away and stay away for the win.
<strong>Results : </strong>
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