This Sunday, March 30, 2025, the cycling world turns its attention to Gent-Wevelgem, a prestigious race that has captivated fans since its inception in 1934. The event, now in its 87th edition, features both men’s and women’s races, showcasing some of the best talents in the sport. The men will tackle a grueling 250.3-kilometer course starting in Ypres and finishing in Wevelgem, while the women will race over a distance of 169.1 kilometers.
The race is notorious for its unpredictable nature, heavily influenced by the weather conditions. As the peloton sets off, riders will be on high alert for potential crosswinds, especially on the exposed roads of West Flanders. The first 9.8 kilometers will be neutralized, allowing the riders to settle into the race before the real action begins.
One of the standout features of Gent-Wevelgem is its challenging route, which includes several short climbs and cobbled sections. Riders will face the Baneberg, Monteberg, and the infamous Kemmelberg, which is known for its steep gradients. The final climb of the Kemmelberg, averaging 8.5% and peaking over 20%, will be a critical point in the race, likely determining the outcome as the peloton approaches the finish line.
Defending champion Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek is back, seeking to make history by becoming a three-time winner of this classic. Pedersen has shown remarkable form in previous years, having also won the race in 2020. However, this year’s competition looks fierce, with key rivals like Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) eager to claim the title for themselves.
Philipsen, who has proven himself as a durable sprinter, will be looking to capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the race. Despite a recent crash at Nokere Koerse, he remains a formidable contender. Meanwhile, Girmay, who made history as the first African to win a cobbled classic in 2022, will be hoping to return to the top step of the podium.
In the women’s race, Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx-Protime returns to defend her title after a stunning victory last year. Wiebes is not only a fierce competitor but is also on the cusp of achieving her 100th career victory, having recently secured her 99th win at Brugge-De Panne. She will face tough competition from teammates and other strong riders like Elisa Balsamo and Emma Norsgaard from Lidl-Trek.
The women’s race will see an exciting dynamic as several riders have already established a breakaway, with Katia Ragusa (Human Powered Health), Beatrice Caudera (BePink - Imatra - Bongioanni), and Britt de Grave (DD Group Pro Cycling Team) leading the charge. As of now, they have a significant gap of 2'07" on the peloton, with 145 kilometers remaining. The peloton appears content to let this breakaway go, but with the nature of the race, anything can happen.
As the men’s race kicks off at 5:40 a.m. Eastern time, viewers can expect a thrilling showdown with many of the sport's biggest names in action. The race is expected to conclude around 10:15 a.m. EDT, with coverage available on FloBikes. This year, the absence of top competitors like Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar, who are focusing on upcoming races, opens the field significantly, creating a more unpredictable and exciting atmosphere.
Historically, Gent-Wevelgem has been dominated by Belgian riders, but the last 25 years have seen a more international flavor with winners from various countries. This year’s race promises to continue that tradition, with riders from around the globe vying for victory on the cobbled roads of Flanders.
As the race unfolds, fans will be on the edge of their seats, watching every move and anticipating the climactic moments that define this classic. Will Mads Pedersen defend his title, or will a new champion emerge from the peloton? And in the women’s race, can Lorena Wiebes secure her second consecutive victory, or will another rider claim the spotlight?
With the stage set and the riders ready, Gent-Wevelgem 2025 is poised to be a memorable event in the cycling calendar, showcasing the grit, determination, and sheer talent of the world’s best cyclists. Tune in to see how this thrilling race unfolds.
