The Wolfpack is ready to take on the penultimate Classic before De Ronde.
Gent-Wevelgem comes with some significant changes this year. After more than nine decades, the race changed its name and will now be known as In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. The start location too is different, as the peloton will get underway from the coastal town of Middelkerke before taking on 240.8 kilometers – the shortest edition in six years.
Part of a ten-day block of racing in Flanders that culminates with next Sunday’s Ronde van Vlaanderen, the prestigious one-day race will keep its defining characteristics: the famous De Moeren section, the plugstreets where the race isn’t won but can be lost, and the triple ascent of the iconic Kemmelberg, whose gradients reach a gruelling 22%.
Paul Magnier, who signed off Soudal Quick-Step’s first victory of the season, will return to action after completing his first Milano-Sanremo last weekend. The Frenchman made his Wevelgem debut last year, and now is back surrounded by a very strong team, comprising Yves Lampaert, Laurenz Rex, Jasper Stuyven – who four years ago came close to a podium finish here – Fabio Van Den Bossche, Bert Van Lerberghe, and Jonathan Vervenne.
There’s a new start this year with a lot of windy sections.
“In the first 130 kilometers, which feature also De Moeren, this will make things nervous and the riders will constantly fight for positioning, as there is a big chance of having some echelons. Afterwards, we take on the now famous gravel segments and the steep climbs”, explained sports director Iljo Keisse. “On paper, it’s not the hardest race out there, but the wind will make it very difficult, physically and mentally. We start the day with Paul as our leader, but also Jasper and Laurenz could be up there depending on the scenario. It’s a really strong team and we’ll try to get a good result.”
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