A WELL-EQUIPPED TEAM FOR THE WIDE-OPEN GENT-WEVELGEM

To give the race its full title, Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields carries historical significance that extends far beyond the rich traditions of cycling in Belgium.

CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto will be well-represented by Chiara Consonni, Chloé Dygert, Soraya Paladin, Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, Maike van der Duin and Zoe Bäckstedt in a race that pays tribute to the events of World War I.

Both Maike and Chiara have experienced success in Wevelgem, finishing third in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Despite a close second-place finish at yesterday’s Classic Brugge-De Panne, Chiara approaches Gent-Wevelgem with the same determined mindset.

“I was already really focused on this race before De Panne because last year I was on the podium, and I really like it. I know it’s a more open race than yesterday in Brugge-De Panne, and as a team, we can play a lot of cards. For me, maybe it’s better to think not only about the sprint but also about the other girls, because I think it could be good to try something and create some chaos.”

Chiara’s passion for the race stems not only from a place of performance, but also from a strong sentimental connection.

“Gent-Wevelgem was my first international race when I was a junior, so it holds a special meaning for me. The parcours weren’t the same, and we didn’t climb the Kemmelberg, but I still remember the race from when I was really young and how cool it was to compete against girls from all over Europe, not just Italy.”

Chloé heads into her first Belgian classic of the season after finishing sixth at Sanremo Women last week.

“I really like Gent-Wevelgem because I’ve raced it before, so I have more in-race experience compared to just recon knowledge. That gives me a bit more confidence going in, and it’s also really good to be here with such a strong team.

I think this race could end in a sprint, but a small group could also get away. It just depends on how it plays out. We could talk about every scenario, but I think there’s an opportunity for me, and also for Consonni.”

The 169 kilometre race, excluding the 10km neutral zone, takes place entirely in the Westhoek – a pocket of West Flanders that is characterised by rolling hills, farmland, and small towns near the French border. This region was a major battleground during World War I and is home to numerous memorials and cemeteries honouring those who fought.

The race begins in Ypres, beneath the towering Menin Gate, before the peloton heads out on a route that swings northwest toward the coast. This section revisits some of the roads used in Thursday’s race, the most notable being De Moeren – an exposed, straight 4km stretch through low-lying farmland that frequently puts pelotons on high alert.

Sunday’s forecast is cloudy and grey, with moderate breezes coming from the north-west, aligning to the orientation of both the opening loop and the final run-in towards Wevelgem. With wind speeds ranging from 20-30km/h, the weather could significantly influence the race, especially during the initial phase before the day’s signature climbs are reached. Some riders may be forced to burn a few matches early on, though echelon opportunities will be less pronounced compared to a more crosswise wind direction.

After nearly 100 kilometres of tension-filled, leg-softening riding, the peloton will enter the ‘hill zone’ with a gradual warm-up on the Scherpenberg (1200m, 6.2% max gradient). This is followed by the narrow, punchy Baneberg, with its bike-path-like width, cobbled top, and the unique sight of a ski lift (2000m, 11.2% max), then Monteberg (1500m, 9% max), and the climactic Kemmelberg ascent (550m, 10% average). It’s then Scherpenberg, Baneberg and Kemmelberg on repeat, but tackling the latter from the steeper Ossuaire side which reaches a max gradient of 20% (700m, 9.6% average).

The Kemmelberg, standing tall at a dizzying 156m (a tongue in cheek descriptor), is the highest point in West Flanders and serves as both a physical landmark and a site of significant wartime history. Its well-maintained cobbles take a slight edge of the otherwise sharp slopes.

This relentless series of technical, punishing climbs is the defining feature of a race that offers a bit of everything.The final 35km are flat and often exposed, with a straightforward drag all the way to Wevelgem. It’s this section that gives the race its reputation as a classic with an especially unpredictable ending – some years, breakaways escape on the climbs and never return, while other times, a large peloton fights for a sprint finish. The outcome often hinges on the wind, and with a strong tailwind pushing riders toward Wevelgem, the door is open for multiple scenarios.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields | 1.WWT | Sunday March 30 | 168.8km | 1018m elevation | Start 13:20 CET – fastest finish 17:47.

Live coverage begins at 16:00 CET on providers including Sporza, Eurosport, Discovery Plus, TNT Sports, Max, FloSports, and SBS Sport. Stay updated on X with #GentWevelgem and #UCIWWT, and follow CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto’s social channels for team updates.