Matthew Brennan becomes first British rider since Mark Cavendish to win Kuurne Brussels Kuurne in Belgium

Matthew Brennan wins the 195km Kuurne Brussels Kuurne in Belgium, becoming the first Briton to win the race since Mark Cavendish.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 2, 2026, 6:49 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from BBC

British Victory in Belgian One Day Classic

The 20 year old cyclist Matthew Brennan achieved a significant milestone in his professional career by winning the Kuurne Brussels Kuurne one day race in Belgium on 1 March 2026. Representing the Visma Lease a Bike team, Brennan utilized a powerful sprint finish to overcome his competitors at the conclusion of the 195km course. This victory places him in elite company as he becomes the first British rider to claim the title since the established cycling figure Sir Mark Cavendish achieved the feat over a decade ago.

Historical Context and British Success

Brennan is the first Briton to stand on the top step of the podium at this specific Belgian race since Cavendish secured wins in both 2012 and 2015. The victory is seen as a major step forward for the young rider, who has transitioned from watching the professional ranks as a junior to leading them across the finish line. Brennan noted that he had participated in the junior version of the race twice in previous years, often watching the professionals compete from the sidelines at the finish line.

Resilience Following Saturday Fall

The victory was particularly notable given that Brennan was involved in a significant physical setback just one day prior. He suffered a heavy fall during the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad race on Saturday, which had cast some doubt on his condition for the Sunday classic. Despite the impact of the crash, the Visma Lease a Bike rider was able to start the race and maintain enough strength throughout the 195km distance to contest the final sprint against a field of experienced professionals.