Gent-Wevelgem is a professional cycle road race held in Belgium in early April each year, falling on the Wednesday between the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix. The event was first run in 1934, and it is often called the sprinters' classic due to its flat finishing terrain.Its early-season date means riders are often tested by wind and rain, while the route also takes them twice over the difficult cobbled climb of the Kemmelberg where key splits often emerge. Very few editions of Gent-Wevelgem actually end in a bunch sprint, usually having an elite group (including the top sprinters) fighting for victory. In recent years, the race has been situated on the Wednesday between de Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix, and while not officialy part of the Vlaamse Wielerweek (Flemish cycling week), it can be seen as an unofficial finale of the series of cycling classics in Flanders. Since 2005 the race is part of the UCI ProTour.
Despite its name, the race hasn't started in Ghent for many years, traditionally beginning on the market square of Deinze. The course then sets westward towards the Belgian coastal region, after which it moves southwards near the French border towards the Monteberg and Kemmelberg, before heading towards Wevelgem.
Mountains
Links: en.wikipedia.org
By: giove
