On Sunday 28 February 2027, Kuurne will once again be entirely dedicated to young cycling talent. Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors is preparing for a new edition of the spring classic, but one question is already on everyone’s mind: who will be the next legend to emerge in Kuurne?
Because if there is one thing the past few years have clearly demonstrated, it is that Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors is about much more than a battle for victory. It is a race where young talent takes its first major steps, where future professionals begin to build their palmarès and where new cycling legends are born.
Where Legends Are Born.
Simon Defrance: a new legend born in Kuurne
The 2026 edition once again provided the perfect proof of that.
On Sunday 1 March 2026, Kuurne hosted the 35th edition of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors. After 130.8 kilometres of racing, featuring a selective hilly zone and a nervous final phase, everything came down to a sprint from a reduced peloton. There, Frenchman Simon Defrance proved to be the fastest. He perfectly rounded off the strong work of his team and beat Dutchman Tijs Witte and Swiss rider Antoine Salamin.
For Defrance, it was an important milestone in his still very young career. For Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, it was once again a moment that perfectly fits the DNA of the race.
Where Legends Are Born.
Following in the footsteps of great names
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors has been known for years as a springboard towards future professional success. Remco Evenepoel won the race in 2018, years before he grew into one of the biggest names in international cycling. Tuur Verbeeck, winner of the 2025 edition, also confirmed with his solo victory in Kuurne that the road to a successful career often starts here.
Every year, this is therefore a unique opportunity for young talent to showcase itself on an international stage, and every year again, it becomes clear afterwards just how much weight this victory can carry on a palmarès.
Who will succeed Simon Defrance?
Who will line up on Sunday 28 February 2027 with the ambition not only to win Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors, but also to take a first major step towards an impressive career?
Perhaps it will be an explosive sprinter waiting for their chance on the Brugsesteenweg. Perhaps it will be an attacker trying to surprise the peloton in the hilly zone with an impressive solo ride. Or perhaps it will be a rider who is still relatively unknown to the general public today, but who will put their name on the map for the very first time in Kuurne.
That is what makes Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors so special. The course, the timing and the strong international field make the race unpredictable, while offering different types of riders the opportunity to make history.
Experience Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors up close
The junior race traditionally starts and finishes in Kuurne. Cycling fans can see the riders up close during the team presentation, the start and the exciting finale on the Brugsesteenweg.
All practical information about the course, participating teams and schedule can be found at https://kuurne-brussel-kuurne.be/en/juniors/. Curious about all previous winners? You can consult the full Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors roll of honour online here.
Experience KBK as a VIP
You can also experience Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors in style. With our VIP packages, you can enjoy the race from the front row and become part of the unique KBK experience.
VIP tickets are available via www.kbk.be/en/vip.
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors 2027
On Sunday 28 February 2027, we will once again get the answer.
A new race. A new battle. A new chance to make history. A new legend.
Perhaps the next big name in cycling is already ready to emerge. Perhaps we do not even know who it is today.
But one thing we do know: in Kuurne, races are not the only things that are won.
This is where legends are born.
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Juniors 2027
28 February 2027
Where Legends Are Born.
