Stage 1 Merelbeke - Knokke-Heist (198.0km)
The riders immediately kick off with a true classic in the Baloise Belgium Tour. Starting from Merelbeke, near Ghent, the route takes them through the Zwalm region, Gavere, and Kruisem, where they skirt the edges of the Flemish Ardennes. The terrain is slightly undulating in places, and even includes a cobbled section at Lange Munte. However, as the route continues through the flatter areas of Aalter and Damme, it fortunately levels out.
In Knokke-Heist—part of the Baloise Belgium Tour since 2002—three local laps of 19.2 kilometers await. The finish line, which runs parallel to the Zeedijk, is well known by now, not least thanks to Tom Boonen’s five (!) victories and André Greipel’s three wins. The final sixty meters, a slight uphill on the Wandelaar above the Knokke-Heist surf club, always deliver drama.
| Date | Wednesday 18 June |
| Start |  Merelbeke |
| Finish | Knokke-Heist |
| Distance | 198.0 km |
| Elevation gain | 828 m |
| Start time | 12:40 |
| Expected finish | 17:00 |
Stage 1 Merelbeke - Knokke-Heist (198.0km)
The riders immediately kick off with a true classic in the Baloise Belgium Tour. Starting from Merelbeke, near Ghent, the route takes them through the Zwalm region, Gavere, and Kruisem, where they skirt the edges of the Flemish Ardennes. The terrain is slightly undulating in places, and even includes a cobbled section at Lange Munte. However, as the route continues through the flatter areas of Aalter and Damme, it fortunately levels out.
In Knokke-Heist—part of the Baloise Belgium Tour since 2002—three local laps of 19.2 kilometers await. The finish line, which runs parallel to the Zeedijk, is well known by now, not least thanks to Tom Boonen’s five (!) victories and André Greipel’s three wins. The final sixty meters, a slight uphill on the Wandelaar above the Knokke-Heist surf club, always deliver drama.