The Gent–Wevelgem is a Flanders Classics cycle road race held in Belgium in late March each year. The event was first run in 1934, and it is often called the sprinters' classic due to its flat finishing terrain. Its early-season date means riders are often tested by wind and rain. Further challenges include a number of climbs, including two ascents of the cobbled, difficult, and often selective Kemmelberg. Indeed, the selectivity of the course means that very few editions of Gent–Wevelgem actually end in a bunch sprint. A smaller elite group often contest the finish line. In recent years, the race has been situated on the Wednesday between de Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix, and while not officially part of the Vlaamse Wielerweek, it can be seen as an unofficial finale of the series of cycling classics in Flanders. In 2010 the fixed date of the race shifted from the Wednesday after the Tour of Flanders to the Sunday before the Ronde. Since 2005 the race has been part of the UCI ProTour, and since 2009, part of the UCI World Ranking calendar. Despite its name, the race hasn't started in Ghent since 2004, traditionally beginning on the market square of nearby Deinze. The course then sets westward towards the Belgian coastal region, after which it moves southwards near the French border towards the Monteberg and Kemmelberg, before heading towards Wevelgem. The 73rd edition was held on March 27, 2011, and covered 219 kilometres. Wikipedia [ - ]

The Gent–Wevelgem is a Flanders Classics cycle road race held in Belgium in late March each... [ + ]