Stage 4 of the 2026 Renewi Tour covers 187.3 km from Riemst to Bilzen-Hoeselt, finishing atop a hilly summit in the heart of Belgian Limburg. The 2.UWT stage race stage suits punchy classics-style riders who can survive a selective run-in and still contest a reduced sprint or lone attack at the line. With rolling terrain throughout, the race is likely to come down to the final climb, rewarding those with strong Hills and Climbing stats.
★★★★
Topfavoriet
Laurence Pithie is the undisputed top pick: his average finishing position of 14.7 in hilly races over 15 outings, combined with 3 wins and 8 podiums, sets him apart from every other rider in the field. His Hills stat of 73 is solid and his recent momentum is unmatched.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Laurence Pithie leads all riders in recent hilly-profile form with an average position of 14.7 across 15 races, including 3 wins and 8 podiums. His Hills stat of 73 and consistent results make him the clear favorite for this uphill finish to Bilzen-Hoeselt.
★★★
Sterke Kanshebbers
Thibaud Gruel and Paul Lapeira both bring a combination of strong hilly-profile stats (74 and 76 respectively) and meaningful recent form. Gruel's win in just 8 hilly races and Lapeira's three top-10s for Decathlon place them in clear contention for the podium.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Paul Lapeira boasts a Hills stat of 76 — joint second-highest in the field — and has three top-10 finishes in his last 9 hilly-profile races, including a best result of 5th. The Decathlon CMA CGM rider will benefit from strong team support alongside Benoot.
Groupama-FDJ
Groupama-FDJ
Thibaud Gruel has the second-best recent form average (20.4) among all starters in hilly races, with a win in his last 8 outings. His Hills rating of 74 and demonstrated ability to perform on similar terrain make him a genuine podium threat.
★★
Buitenbeentjes
Quinten Hermans and Tiesj Benoot headline this group with the two highest raw Hills stats in the entire startlist (76 and 78). Rui Oliveira adds genuine form credentials with a win and two podiums across 13 races. All three could win on the right day, though consistency has been their weakness.
Pinarello-Q36.5
Pinarello-Q36.5
Quinten Hermans carries a Hills stat of 76 — one of the highest in the field — and has solid experience on punchy Belgian-style finishes. Although his recent form average of 42.2 is modest, his raw hilly capability and local knowledge give him an edge on this terrain.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Rui Oliveira averages 26.6 in hilly races over 13 outings, with one win and two podiums, showcasing consistent high-end form. His Hills rating of 73 and demonstrated ability to go all the way make him a credible dark horse.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Tiesj Benoot tops the startlist with the highest Hills stat of 78 and brings his trademark aggression to Ardennes-style finishes. While his recent hilly-race average sits at 37.0 without podiums in the last 10 outings, his elite ceiling and team backing keep him firmly in contention.
★
Om in de Gaten te Houden
Lukáš Kubiš, Igor Arrieta, Magnus Sheffield, and Corbin Strong each carry enough hilly-terrain ability and occasional top results to threaten on this finish. Arrieta's climbing score and Kubiš's podium record are particularly intriguing, while Sheffield and Strong offer upside for those willing to take a punt.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Corbin Strong recorded a win and a podium in 8 hilly-profile races recently, with an average position of 41.1 that undersells his best-day potential. His Hills stat of 75 and upcoming World Championships preparation suggest he will be motivated to perform at the Renewi Tour.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Igor Arrieta holds a Hills stat of 75 paired with a solid Climbing score of 74 — the best climbing value among the 75-Hills group — and has two podiums in 13 similar-profile races. The UAE Emirates rider is a genuine wildcard on a finish that rewards climbers.
Unibet Rose
Unibet Rose
Lukáš Kubiš has shown flashes of quality with 2 podiums and 5 top-10s in 13 hilly-profile races, including a best finish of 2nd. His Hills stat of 73 is competitive and he could sneak into a top result if the race breaks up selectively.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Magnus Sheffield brings a Hills rating of 75 and an impressive TT score of 77, suggesting he can sustain power over rolling terrain. He has a best result of 5th in hilly races and could animate the finale for INEOS.
Verdict
Laurence Pithie is the standout favorite, backed by the best recent hilly-race record in the field and three wins in his last 15 similar outings. Thibaud Gruel and Paul Lapeira are the most dangerous challengers, with Tiesj Benoot's elite Hills stat keeping him in the mix if he finds top form.