This weekend, the cycling world turns its attention to West Flanders for the highly anticipated Gent-Wevelgem, taking place on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The race, which has become a staple in the spring classics calendar, is set to feature both men’s and women’s events, each with its unique challenges and a star-studded lineup.
Starting in Ypres, Belgium, the men’s race will cover a distance of 250.3 kilometers, while the women’s race will span 168.9 kilometers. Both races will finish in Wevelgem, promising a thrilling finale as riders tackle the famed Kemmelberg, a pivotal climb that could dictate the outcome.
Last year, Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek claimed victory in the men’s race, edging out world champion Mathieu van der Poel in a nail-biting sprint. Pedersen will return to defend his title, while van der Poel has opted to skip the race this year, focusing instead on the upcoming Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix. His absence opens the door for other sprinters, including Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, and Tim Merlier, to make their mark.
In the women’s race, reigning champion Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx-Protime will also be back, having narrowly defeated Elisa Balsamo in a thrilling photo finish last year. Wiebes has been in exceptional form this season, recently winning Milan-Sanremo, and will be the favorite to repeat her success. Balsamo, who has also shown strong performances, will look to upset Wiebes and claim her second Gent-Wevelgem title.
The course for Gent-Wevelgem is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, often playing a significant role in the race's outcome. Riders will face a series of climbs, including the Scherpenberg, Baneberg, and the notorious Kemmelberg, which they will tackle multiple times. The men’s race will feature off-road sectors known as Plugstreets, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already demanding route.
As the men’s race progresses, the final ascent of the Kemmelberg will occur with just over 30 kilometers to go, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Riders will need to navigate the flat stretches leading into Wevelgem carefully, as any tactical misstep could lead to missed opportunities.
For the women’s race, the final climb of the Kemmelberg will occur around the same point in the race, and while there are no gravel roads for the women this year, the climbs will still test the riders' endurance and strategy. The approach to the finish promises to be tense, with potential for both lead-out trains and solo efforts to decide the victor.
Expectations are high for both races, especially with the absence of key competitors like Tadej Pogačar, who has chosen to focus on the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix. This decision has shifted the spotlight to other riders, creating an opportunity for new contenders to shine.
Among the favorites for the men’s race, Pedersen will be joined by Philipsen, who is considered one of the fastest sprinters in the peloton. The Belgian rider has shown remarkable form and will be looking to capitalize on the absence of van der Poel and Wout van Aert, who is also sitting out this race to recover for future events.
The women’s race is equally competitive, with Wiebes and Balsamo leading the charge. Other strong contenders include Lotte Kopecky, who is known for her attacking style and has yet to win Gent-Wevelgem, and Elisa Longo Borghini, who possesses the ability to make long-range attacks. Young talents like Cat Ferguson and Chiara Consonni could also play a significant role, with both riders showing promise in previous races.
As the race day approaches, weather conditions are expected to be changeable, with forecasts predicting showers and some sunshine, typical for this time of year in Flanders. Riders will need to be prepared for anything, as the wind can also play a crucial role in shaping the race dynamics.
Fans can catch all the action live, with coverage available on various platforms, including Discovery+, TNT Sports, and Sporza. The men’s race will be broadcast from 12:40 PM to 4:00 PM BST, while the women’s race will air from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM BST.
With the excitement building, Gent-Wevelgem 2025 promises to deliver thrilling racing and possibly a few surprises as riders vie for glory in the heart of Flanders. Whether it’s a sprint finish or a daring solo breakaway, the stage is set for an unforgettable day of cycling.
