Gent-Wevelgem has a very catchy new name, In Flanders Fields: From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, but it’s still as tough as ever. It’s always a strange race. Part sprinters’ classic, part war of attrition across wind-battered roads and cobbled climbs.

The shift to a coastal start in Middelkerke means there may be echelons earlier. The very exposed De Moeren section arrives after around 80 km. That means crosswinds could split things long before the hills.

From there, it’s similar to previous editions. A bunch of climbs, then multiple ascents of the Kemmelberg, and the plugstreets. Those are gravel sectors steeped in WW1 history.

Finally, whatever is left of the peloton hits a flat, but often unpredictable finale into Wevelgem.

Recent editions suggest this is no longer a guaranteed bunch sprint.
Smaller groups, or even solo moves, have defined the outcome, and with defending Mads Pedersen absent, the race feels wide open. (The Dane is sick.) Well…maybe it’s open. It all depends on how a certain Alpecin-Premier Tech rider is feeling

MvdP FTW?

Mathieu van der Poel arrives the favourite, after a dramatic win on E3. Will he be recovered though? Dude looked broken just 48 hours ago. He’s never won it, so he must be hungry.

It would be nice to see Wout van Aert, building toward Flanders, take the dub too. The last few years for the Visma-Lease a Bike rider have been a bit of a roller coaster, eh?

If it comes back together, fast finishers like Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan and Jordi Meeus could take centre stage.

Two Canadians are racing. Nickolas Zukowsky (Pinarello-Q36.5) and NSN Cycling’s Guillaume Boivin. Zukowsky, from Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, Que. has been on fire lately. 14th overall at Paris-Nice, plus, he was in the break all day (again) at E3 Saxo Classic, until van der Poel caught it and things exploded. It would be nice to see Boivin back in the mix too–it’s been a few years since his excellent 9th at Paris-Roubaix.

To tune in, go to FloBikes.com. Men’s coverage starts at 7:45 a.m. EDT, and women’s at 9:40 a.m. EDT. There are even more Canadian women racing on Sunday, you can see the full list here. If you happen to miss it (hey, Sundays are for long rides right?) check back here on Canadian Cycling Magazine for a full report.

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