The spring Classics wave is quickly building with Gent-Wevelgem set to add to the Belgian swell on Sunday as rivals continue to jostle for peak takeoff positions as the cobbles, climbs, and at times fierce winds, add to the chaos and excitement of the race from Ypres to Wevelgem.
The races on the run into the 253km men's event and 171.2km women's event have already shone a spotlight on some key riders who are expected to be chasing the win on Sunday. The world champions Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) are of course two names that are impossible to ignore, though with the strength of their team options, including Jasper Philipsen and Lorena Wiebes, you can't even be assured that the rainbow clad riders will be their top team card on race day.
Then, of course, there are plenty of rivals lined up who will be looking to not only take a win but also build momentum to the next Monument on the calendar, the Tour of Flanders. In the men's race in Gent, anticipation will of course focus on Visma-Lease a Bike. The squad may not have Wout van Aert this year, but no doubt the team will want to try to defend the title won by Christophe Laporte, whether won by him or another Visma rider. While in the women's event, Lidl-Trek and Elisa Balsamo are on a roll after the Italian claimed victory at both Trofeo Alfredo Binda and Brugge-De Panne. Could it perhaps turn into three in a row in Wevelgem?
As the anticipation builds toward Sunday, Cyclingnews delves further into the top contenders.
