Gent conjures up images of the quintessential Flemish city. Age-old medieval architecture rising from the river’s edge is classically Belgian. Gent is also firmly tied to Belgium’s greatest gift to the world, cycling tradition. Many a pro-expat cyclist has relocated to Gent with the hope of testing their mettle in the seat of cycling’s soul. Brad Wiggins and Tyler Farrar are two current stars who come to mind who emigrated to Gent. It is where Wouter Wylant hailed from and I believe it’s where Andrei Tmchil calls home. Wevelgem, while I’m sure a very fine place, boasts only an old German airport constructed in WW1 and a pair of Miss Belgiums (2007 and 2011). But the countryside in between is the ideal place to hold one of cycling’s classics, Gent-Wevelgem.
Some may see it as a semi-classic. That argument held more water when the race was placed in between The Ronde Van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix in April. Now that it’s been given it’s own weekend on the calendar leading up to Cycling Week, I think it’s fair to say that, while not a Monument, it deserves full classic status. Just look at the list of winners – Van Looy, Merckx, Van Springel, Godefroot, Maertens, Steels, and Boonen. And those are just a smattering of the Belgians. Throw in a few Cipollinis, Mosers, Kellys, and Hinaults and the winners list is a who’s who of hardmen.
That is all well and good but what is really getting me excited about Gent-Wevelgem this year is the Kemmelberg. The Kemmelberg factors virtually every year in the race but what’s different for me this year is the Keepers Tour is staying in Kemmel, very near the fabled climb. I imagine striking out on a morning ride just days after the race to have a go at the climb myself with the other blokes on the tour. I just hope I don’t have to unclip and walk up the damn thing and thank Merckx I don’t have to do it twice if I don’t want to (The racers will complete the climb twice).
There is no such thing as a VSP that is easy to forecast but this one can be particularly tricky. It’s usually one for the sprinters but rather than ending in a bunch gallop it often ends with a sprint from a small selection of riders who make it over the Kemmelberg intact. What does this mean for Mark Cavendish after his dismal day last weekend? Additionally, riding a bloc in this race could risk a premature peak for The Ronde the following week. In which case, maybe you look to guys like Sagan, Haussler, and EBH who are strong and likely to factor in the Monuments but may (and have) lay it all out for a day of Flandrian glory as they plot their up-and-comer status.
Here’s some great footage of the Kemmelberg and many of the other climbs being contested in 2010. It’s all good but if you want to skip to the Kemmelberg it’s featured at 7:30.
There are many dudes who seem to be going well right now so get your picks in before 5am PST. Here’s the challenge – think for yourself this time, don’t follow the herd, and you just might put yourself in position to increase your tally for the Shop Apron awarded at the end of the season. Start list here.
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View Comments
@Marko
Ahhhhhh Marko! A friend in need is a friend indeed! I owe you one!
Yeah, the whole three week pre-race Kelly is one of the worst things about these trips!
Also, we need to see if we can get someone to volunteer for a job like hers on the 2 much on 200 ride!
@Buck Rogers
We'll be on those roads in less than a week for the KT and can look her up.
@Ron
Ron, Bennati did indeed flat and would never have rejoined except for some serious drafting of team cars. It was so friggin blatant. At one point he was mm away from his car's rear bumper. I think if he's placed they would have had to seriously consider sanctioning him.
Anyone see the Cav interview on Sporza? I like Cav but that was weak. He basically blames the guy whose wheel he was on for losing the wheel ahead. I dunno..when I see that happening on a group ride I try to go around and close it down myself. I mean I'm no great shakes but isn't that what you do? Try and close it down otherwise it's over...he can't climb for shit this year.
In other news I am lov/ing my new intornetz tv...sporza on a 50". Superb!
@Marko
See if she's available for late June in Vermont. I'm sure we could take up a collection and make it worth her while. Just imagine the motivational uplifter it would be if we had her standing every 60 to 80 k's along the route!
@frank
He might not be the fastest guy in the peloton anymore, but tell me: is there anyone who can dig into the V and hold on for that long? He seems to have an extra 50-100 metres on just about everyone right now...
Nice the camera man almost broke his neck getting a shot of those two. Also way to go Boonen winning on Friday and Sunday, impressive.
@paolo
Is it really a surprise? When your only race winning strategy is to get towed to somewhere around 100 or 200 meters from the line and unleash a sprint and that plan fails you're left with shit. As @frank pointed out above - this was a proper mano-a-mano sprint. Had Cav been at the pointy end and stayed there under the power of his own guns he probably would have won but you can't bank on lead-outs in the classics like this.
@Marko
Hmmm a tad unfair because we've all seen him win without lead outs. He's a canny lad and knows how to ride a wheel with or without team mates.
I am just suprised to hear him blame someone else for losing a wheel on a climb. When you can't climb for shit it seems unfair to blame being gapped on someone elses ability to hold a wheel. That might be the first time I have heard him be less than honest with himself.
@snoov
This is AWESOME news, snoov! I should have done the same, but I really wanted to watch the race live.
I need a ride like that; I'm scared my form is all off due to poor commitment of late.
Sounds like a great Sunday. Wish I could have spent mine riding in Scotland.(I'm on the east coast of the U.S.)