Gent-Wevelgem

The addition of the ‘Plugstreets’, semi-paved roads used since the 2017 race as a remembrance of World War I, have made Gante-Wevelgem even more demanding. Not long ago, this race was a secondary event, inlaid between De Ronde and Roubaix, and now, by virtue of its length (252km), compeitors and different obstacles, it’s a major factor in the spring campaign, located just seven days before the Tour of Flanders.

Before those gravel roads there will be eight climbs, including the ascents of the Baneberg, the Monteberg and the first of two climbs to the Kemmelberg (177km). After those offroad sections (192-198km), the race will seek for the final, trascendental climbs to the Baneberg (212km) and the Kemmelberg (217km; 34 to go), the latter over a side different to the first one. Those two should create the gaps between the groups contesting the victory, over a six-hour wall which is rare outside the ‘Monuments’.