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. On the other hand, the race will retain 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%.
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. 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”, explained sports director Iljo Keisse.
