As the cycling world gears up for the highly anticipated Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday, March 30, 2025, all eyes are on the picturesque town of Ieper, where both the men’s and women’s races will unfold. This year's edition promises to be thrilling, with a forecast that suggests moderate winds and mild temperatures, creating ideal conditions for a fierce competition.
The women’s race, a prestigious WorldTour event, is set to kick off at 1:20 PM local time, with live coverage available on various platforms including VRT1 and Eurosport. Fans can tune in early at 10:00 AM for pre-race coverage, which will include insights into the riders and the course. The finish line is expected to be crossed around 5:50 PM, making for an exciting afternoon of cycling.
In a departure from tradition, both races will start in Ieper rather than Gent, allowing participants to ride past significant World War I memorials. The course features a flat opening phase, followed by a challenging segment known as the Heuvelland, where the race is likely to heat up. Riders will tackle seven notable climbs, including the Scherpenberg, Kemmelberg, Baneberg, and Monteberg, before entering the final stretch under the iconic Menenpoort.
Weather conditions on race day are looking favorable. According to weather forecasts, the day will start heavily clouded with a chance of light rain, but conditions will improve by noon, transitioning to drier weather with increasing clear skies. Temperatures are expected to hover around 12 to 13 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for the athletes.
Last year’s champions have set the stage for this year’s race. Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, who demonstrated their prowess in previous competitions, are the top favorites to clinch victory again. Their team, SD Worx-Protime, is coming in strong, especially with their recent successes, including a remarkable showing at the inaugural women’s edition of Milan-Sanremo.
However, the competition will not be easy. Several strong contenders are ready to challenge the favorites. Elisa Longo Borghini from UAE Team ADQ is considered an outsider after her near win in Sanremo, while Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) and Chloë Dygert (Canyon//SRAM) are also expected to put up a fierce fight. Other potential challengers include Karlijn Swinkels, Ally Wollaston, and Pfeiffer Georgi, all of whom could shake up the standings.
As the excitement builds, cycling enthusiasts are eager to see if the favorites can live up to expectations or if an underdog will rise to the occasion. With a course that challenges even the most seasoned cyclists, anything can happen.
In the men’s race, the absence of strong winds this year could shift the dynamics significantly. Unlike the notorious storm edition of 2015, when riders faced extreme conditions, this year’s moderate winds from the southwest are expected to play a less impactful role. This could favor sprinters, potentially leading to a thrilling finish as riders battle it out for the top spot.
As the clock ticks down to race day, excitement is palpable. Fans are encouraged to follow the race closely, as both the men’s and women’s editions of Gent-Wevelgem promise to deliver high-stakes drama and exhilarating performances. With the backdrop of Ieper’s rich history and the scenic Flemish countryside, the stage is set for a memorable day in cycling.
As the riders prepare for the challenge ahead, the cycling community waits with bated breath to see who will emerge victorious in this iconic race. Will the favorites secure their positions, or will new champions rise to the occasion? One thing is certain: Gent-Wevelgem 2025 is not to be missed.
