2024 Gent-Wevelgem Race Preview
The details of this year's 2024 Gent-Wevelgem are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The cobbled classics season rolls on with Gent-Wevelgem, one of the most unpredictable and exciting one-day races on the calendar. Run from Ieper to Wevelgem, the race takes riders through the Flemish countryside before tackling the fearsome climbs of the Kemmelberg and the Monteberg in the final portion of the race. The savage little slopes of the Kemmelberg, with its steep gradients and narrow roads, have historically been the flashpoint where races are blown apart, and this year should be no different.
The race is expected to suit the fast men who can survive the punishing terrain, and Mathieu van der Poel arrives in excellent form having already demonstrated his dominance in the spring classics. The Dutchman is arguably the most complete rider in the peloton right now and will be a heavy favourite. His rival Wout van Aert is also expected to be a major presence, the Belgian always performing brilliantly in front of his home fans and carrying enormous motivation to take a prestigious win on home roads.
Jasper Philipsen could be the sprinters' best hope if a larger group comes together for the finish, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider possessing the finishing speed to trouble anyone. Mads Pedersen is another rider to watch closely, capable of handling the rough roads and then delivering a devastating sprint.
Crosswinds along the coast could play a significant role in shaping the race, potentially splitting the peloton into echelons long before the famous climbs are even reached. Teams will need to be attentive and positioned well throughout the day to avoid losing contact with the front group in those exposed sections.
A reduced bunch sprint or a small group finish seems the most likely outcome, with van der Poel the name to have on your card going into race day.
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