Gent–Wevelgem
Gent–Wevelgem, officially Gent–Wevelgem – In Flanders Fields, is a road cycling race in Belgium, held annually since 1934. It is one of the classic races part of the Flemish Cycling Week, run in late March on the last Sunday before the Tour of Flanders.
| Race details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Late March |
| Region | Flanders, Belgium |
| English name | Ghent-Wevelgem |
| Local name(s) | Gent–Wevelgem (in Dutch) |
| Nickname(s) | The Wind Classic The Echelon Race |
| Discipline | Road |
| Competition | UCI World Tour |
| Type | One-day |
| Organiser | Flanders Classics |
| Race director | Luc Gheysens |
| Web site | www |
| Men's history | |
| First edition | 1934 |
| Editions | 86 (as of 2024) |
| First winner | Gustave Van Belle (BEL) |
| Most wins | Robert Van Eenaeme (BEL) Rik Van Looy (BEL) Eddy Merckx (BEL) Mario Cipollini (ITA) Tom Boonen (BEL) Peter Sagan (SVK) (3 wins each) |
| Most recent | Mads Pedersen (DEN) |
| Women's history | |
| First edition | 2012 |
| Editions | 13 (as of 2024) |
| First winner | Lizzie Armitstead (GBR) |
| Most wins | Kirsten Wild (NED) (2 wins) |
| Most recent | Lorena Wiebes (NED) |
Although the event is often called a sprinters' classic due to its flat finishing terrain, its early-season date means riders are often tested by wind and rain, as well as several climbs, including two ascents of the steep and fully cobbled Kemmelberg. As a result, few editions of Gent–Wevelgem actually end in a bunch sprint – often the winner comes from a small group of escapees.
In 2005 the race was included in the inaugural UCI ProTour and in 2011 in its successor, the UCI World Tour. Since 2011 it is organized by Flanders Classics, which also organizes the Tour of Flanders. Since 2012 a woman's event is held on the same day as the men's race, included in the inaugural UCI Women's World Tour in 2016.
Six riders share the record of victories. Belgians Robert Van Eenaeme, Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx and Tom Boonen, Italian Mario Cipollini and Slovak Peter Sagan each won the race three times. Sagan also achieved a record six podium finishes in the race.