Philippe Gilbert presents the 41st Philippe Gilbert Juniors at the Maison du Cyclisme
On 25 September 2026, the Maison du Cyclisme Liège-Bastogne-Liège in Remouchamps welcomed Philippe Gilbert and the press for the presentation of the 41st edition of the Philippe Gilbert Juniors. The world champion from Aywaille unveiled the programme and new features of this international junior race.
The gathering also offered an opportunity to revisit the history of a race that has showcased many future cycling champions.
From Remouchamps-Ferrières-Remouchamps to the Philippe Gilbert Juniors
The race traces its origins to Remouchamps-Ferrières-Remouchamps, a regional event established in 1990. Its first winner, Kurt Van de Wouwer, now manager of Lotto-Intermarché, went on to distinguish himself in professional cycling, notably finishing 11th in the 1999 Tour de France.
Since 2013, the event has carried the name of Philippe Gilbert, an iconic figure in Belgian cycling and a local champion. It continues a history deeply rooted in Remouchamps and the Aywaille area.
A junior race that reveals future champions
Even before becoming the Philippe Gilbert Juniors, the event had already showcased several Belgian cycling talents. Jan Bakelants, Jasper Stuyven, Amaury Capiot and Dries Van Gestel are among its winners.
Another famous name appears in its results: Mathieu van der Poel, runner-up in 2012. His presence illustrates the sporting calibre of this race, where young riders test themselves against promising competitors.
Evenepoel, De Lie, Pidcock and Widar on the honours list
Since 2013, the Philippe Gilbert Juniors has cemented its reputation with a particularly prestigious list of winners.
They include France’s Alexys Brunel and Noa Isidore, Britain’s Tom Pidcock, Spain’s Héctor Álvarez, and Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, Arnaud De Lie and Jarno Widar.
Riders such as Sébastien Grignard, Lewis Askey, Romain Grégoire, Jordan Labrosse and Thibaud Gruel have also featured on the podium.
Two stages between Harzé, La Gleize and La Redoute
Since 2020, the Philippe Gilbert Juniors has been held over two stages. The 2026 edition was intended to follow this format, with a first stage from the Château de Harzé to the village of La Gleize, followed by a second stage from the Elfique brewery in Raborive to the famous Côte de la Redoute in Remouchamps.
However, a major crash involving several riders and difficulties getting ambulances to the scene led to the first stage being stopped and subsequently cancelled.
Jinze Joris wins the Philippe Gilbert Juniors 2026
On Sunday 4 October 2026, Belgian rider Jinze Joris, from Acrog-Tormans, won the race. At the finish line, the rider from Blaasveld paid a moving tribute to his late uncle, who had been his greatest supporter.
He finished ahead of French champion Simon Defrance and Dutch rider Daan Hogenelst, who completed the podium of this 41st edition.
Winners of the additional classifications
Three other Belgian riders distinguished themselves:
Simon Van de Voort: winner of the sprints classification;
Cédric Van Gysel: winner of the mountains classification;
Robin Van de Walle: best young rider.
See you in October 2027 for the 42nd edition
The 42nd Philippe Gilbert Juniors will bring cycling enthusiasts together again in October 2027.
Local fans will be hoping to celebrate another Walloon victory: the most recent dates back to Maxence Place’s success in 2021.
Another opportunity to discover, on the roads around Aywaille, the talents who may shape the cycling of tomorrow.
