{"id":1853732,"date":"2026-03-28T08:54:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T05:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1853732"},"modified":"2026-03-28T08:54:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T05:54:41","slug":"sprinters-vs-attackers-on-the-kemmelberg-analysing-the-contenders-for-in-flanders-fields","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1853732","title":{"rendered":"Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-2500-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T08:54:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our look at the top men and women racers contesting the new-look Gent-Wevelgem cobbled Classic from Middelkerke to Wevelgem<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson and Wout van Aert are among our picks for success at the 2026 Gent-Wevelgem<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lara Gillespie<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jordi Meeus<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elise Chabbey<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Cat Ferguson<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lorena Wiebes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Paul Magnier<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Balsamo<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Best of the rest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" 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inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-cfd68e90-f742-47f6-a1d6-16aef1cc0e77\">Cobbled Classics season is now in full swing, with one of the most prestigious races on the spring calendar, In Flanders Fields (a.k.k Gent-Wevelgem), holding its 88th edition (13th for the women&#8217;s race) on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>The race, a circuitous adventure in West Flanders close to the French border, has a new identity this year. Gent hasn&#8217;t actually hosted the race start since 2002, but now, following spells in Deinze and Ypres, the race start shifts to the North Sea town of Middelkerke.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfd68e90-f742-47f6-a1d6-16aef1cc0e77-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Thus, the race is rebranded to the somewhat cumbersome In Flanders Fields &#8211; From Middelkerke to Wevelgem.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The route hasn&#8217;t been altered much, however, with the same flat run in the opening half of the race giving way to a flurry of hills and cobbled bergs \u2013 including the Scherpenberg, Baneberg, and the famous Kemmelberg \u2013 before the largely flat 35km run to the line.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As such, the race should once again play host to the familiar battle between the cobbled specialists hoping to break clear on the Kemmelberg and the sprinters hoping to hang on to the finish, as well as those riders who can do a bit of both.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So, without further ado, here&#8217;s a look at our list of top contenders for glory at the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2ba238c3-b9d8-4971-8284-191bdd1d4cf1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel has enjoyed a flying start to his 2026 season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c285db9d-531d-4ac5-b961-32db5d0d50f5\">This race is the only major cobbled Classic missing from Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s palmar\u00e8s, and he lines up as the top favourite this Sunday. The Dutchman is in top form, having won the E3 Saxo Classic for the third year in a row on Friday, attacking 60km from the finish, going solo for 42km, and just about holding off a disorganised four-man chase group in the final metres.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Van der Poel&#8217;s triumph at E3 marked his 11th at a major cobbled Classic, and he now stands as the pre-eminent cobbled racer of his generation, also lying among the greatest of all time.<\/p>\n<p>Previous outings at Gent-Wevelgem have seen him finish fourth, ninth, and second, with Mads Pedersen getting the better of him in a two-up sprint. Bigger goals lie ahead, of course, but this is a race Van der Poel will surely want to add to his collection.<\/p>\n<p>Watch out, too, for Jasper Philipsen. The Belgian fastman was fourth here two years ago and is in top form, with recent results including a win at Nokere Koerse and a second at the Ronde van Brugge.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lara-gillespie-uae-team-adq\"><span>Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ecf1ce39-eae5-46e8-9e32-2377f52e3e05\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Le Samyn winner Lara Gillespie figures to be a major contender through the rest of the cobbled Classics <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e3227d1c-85ea-4b8e-9579-61d865b5cf90\">Going by Lara Gillespie&#8217;s past spring campaigns \u2013 which included an Antwerp Port Epic win in 2024 and several podium places last year \u2013 it was only a matter of time before the Irish racer established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the cobbles.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s been in the form of her life this spring, winning Le Samyn, taking second at the Omloop van het Hageland, third at Nokere Koerse, and sixth at the Ronde van Brugge.<\/p>\n<p>A Women&#8217;s WorldTour-level victory surely awaits. Will it come this weekend in Wevelgem?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jordi-meeus-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\"><span>Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5cfd952d-b506-4b27-9ba5-24f32fdbd2df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e44f2d61-53e2-4aaf-82dc-eacaadf2aed6\">Belgian racer Jordi Meeus has never been talked about with the biggest spring Classics stars of his home nation, but maybe it&#8217;s time to start. Over the years, the 27-year-old has grown stronger and stronger and is now surely in the conversation for a result at the spring&#8217;s biggest cobbled Classics.<\/p>\n<p>He took third place here two years ago and ninth last year, while so far this season he&#8217;s logged his strongest start to a campaign yet.<\/p>\n<p>Meeus won the Ename Samyn Classic, finished second at Nokere Koerse, and was in the top 10 for both races at Opening Weekend. He&#8217;ll certainly be in the frame if the race heads for a sprint finish, while teammate Tim van Dijke, second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and strong at E3, is another to watch.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elise-chabbey-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-Suez)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a053e77-700c-4c63-a521-92bf0ffcaa8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Strade Bianche champion Elise Chabbey gets a chance to lead FDJ United-Suez <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-203016c0-462c-4cd0-8eaa-17bff8435104\">Like Gillespie, Elise Chabbey was among our tips to break through with a big win this spring. Much like the rest of the strong support squad behind Demi Vollering, it was clear the Swiss racer just needed a chance to lead the team to compete.<\/p>\n<p>She did just that when Vollering fell victim to bad luck at Strade Bianche, going on to score the biggest win of her career to date.<\/p>\n<p>Chabbey, who finished top 10 at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix last spring, heads up FDJ United-Suez at this race and so has another chance to battle for victory as a team leader.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ccdae3fd-7276-412d-8291-362802630120\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is winding up for another shot at that elusive Tour of Flanders title <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-764a5ca6-9b43-4b14-bbc3-d2e89b89d3f0\">Belgium&#8217;s great hope for a big result this spring, Wout van Aert, is back on form. The 31-year-old&#8217;s recent showing at Milan-San Remo, where he shot out of the peloton late on to capture third place, showed he&#8217;s ready to compete for the big prizes in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<p>He skipped the E3 Saxo Classic, a race he&#8217;s won twice before, on Friday, meaning appointments at In Flanders Fields and Dwars door Vlaanderen are all that stand between him and another bid for those elusive titles at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert is a past winner here, of course, and finished second at his most recent appearance three years ago. He&#8217;d certainly be happy with a similar result on Sunday. Teammate Christophe Laporte is also on hand as part of a formidable Visma double threat.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-cat-ferguson-movistar\"><span>Cat Ferguson (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-717cc373-4648-4992-92f3-3ebd1eba5540\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson is one of the youngest riders in the field, but also one of the strongest <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bac6ef7a-875d-4a61-b901-e6a7059c794a\">19-year-old Cat Ferguson is one of the brightest young stars of the peloton, already with seven pro wins to her name.<\/p>\n<p>This year, she can count triumphs at the Challenge Mallorca and Volta Valenciana to her name, while fourth place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is another highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Ferguson may lack the experience on the cobbles of some of her rivals, with just one spring Classics campaign under her belt to date, but she still has the strength to compete. Her teammate, fellow young Briton Carys Lloyd, will be flying high after her recent Ronde van Brugge victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d8c1a76-2321-4f2b-bd59-a2478e657570\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Two-time reigning champion Lorena Wiebes is the top favourite for a third title this Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c316e77b-25ce-4276-a1f6-19191c3830c0\">Lorena Wiebes heads into Sunday&#8217;s race as the main favourite to win, because of course she does. The Dutchwoman is the undisputed quickest woman in the world, and she&#8217;s won the race in each of the past two years.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, her triumph was one of many, with wins at Le Samyn, Milan-San Remo and De Panne also on her palmar\u00e8s.<\/p>\n<p>This time around, three stage wins in four days at the UAE Tour stand out as her biggest achievement to date. Recent results, including third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, sixth at Milan-San Remo, and ninth at the Ronde van Brugge, suggest she is far from unbeatable, however.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-paul-magnier-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f5f1ba81-e640-4c27-89da-726cf5f12416\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Can sprint star Paul Magnier make the step up at the toughest Flandrian Classics this spring? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ac1b5e29-4136-4734-9890-6ff47c1c17ac\">Paul Magnier heads up a revamped Soudal-QuickStep Classics squad this spring, with new additions Jasper Stuyven (also racing here) and Dylan van Baarle joining Yves Lampaert as part of the four-headed cobbled lineup.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, Magnier burst onto the scene with second places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the Ename Samyn Classic. This year, the 21-year-old has been quieter, with an 11th place at Omloop his best result at Opening Weekend.<\/p>\n<p>He has Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders on his menu after Gent-Wevelgem, meaning this race is the most sprinter-friendly on his remaining spring calendar. Watch out for Magnier if he gets over the Kemmelberg.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14c6ea0d-95a8-46ff-b5d6-457c0816e120\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2022 champion Elisa Balsamo will be among the sprint favourites <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-702ca6f2-f333-4141-8ca2-91c4d362601f\">Elisa Balsamo is a rider who almost always performs well at Gent-Wevelgem. The Italian finished second in the race as a junior and has since racked up a win (in 2022), two second places and a fourth at the elite level.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s one of the strongest sprinters in the peloton and can deal with the cobbled hills well, but she&#8217;s been bested by Wiebes in the two most recent editions of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Balsamo is in fine form heading into Sunday&#8217;s race, even if she hasn&#8217;t yet won in 2026. Recent results include eighth place at Milan-San Remo and second in the chaotic, crash-marred sprint at a grim and wet Ronde van Brugge on Thursday.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-of-the-rest\"><span>Best of the rest<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0b0771f0-74e6-4977-9053-37988c8d3df2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luke Lamperti has shone this spring, his first at EF <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2e95b184-506d-41e0-8125-afabc5e172b4\">Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) has proven his talent on the cobbles, but unless he breaks clear on the Kemmelberg and solos home, this race may be hard for him to win.<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte Kool (Fenix-Premier Tech) was third here last year and will be in the frame if the race finishes with a sprint once again.<\/p>\n<p>2022 winner Biniam Girmay (NSN) has enjoyed a strong start to the season, though he wasn&#8217;t in the mix at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>US racer Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost) is in fine form, having scored a Paris-Nice stage win to go with top 10s at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, and Ronde van Brugge this spring.<\/p>\n<p>Chiara Consonni (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) is clearly sharp, having sprinted to fourth place at Milan-San Remo last week, while Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt is another to watch.<\/p>\n<p>Wins at the Tour Down Under, the Great Ocean Road Race, and Tirreno-Adriatico showed that Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM) has stepped up a level in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic-PostNL) is among the strongest sprinters around, even if she hasn&#8217;t yet scored a big result this season.<\/p>\n<p>Flandrian favourite Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) isn&#8217;t in flying form, but he can never be counted out on the cobbles.<\/p>\n<p>Florian Vermeersch&#8217;s (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) third places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic showed he&#8217;s in strong form this spring, while Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), fifth at E3, has a very fast finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ad9b497-b0a2-4172-a46e-64b9fa0913e7\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>In Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem Women<\/p>\n<p>In Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t want to take any risks&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel becomes top climbing domestique for a day at Volta a Catalunya for teammate Florian Lipowitz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; &#8211; Life Time Grand Prix series introduces pregnancy policy<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Defending champion Mads Pedersen, ill, will not start In Flanders Fields, loses chance to take record-breaking fourth win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Coppi e Bartali: Axel Laurance captures second stage to move into overall lead with one day remaining<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We did everything to try to make it&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock pulls out of the Volta a Catalunya with injuries from stage 5 crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t want to take any risks&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel becomes top climbing domestique for a day at Volta a Catalunya for teammate Florian Lipowitz<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; &#8211; Life Time Grand Prix series introduces pregnancy policy<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How to watch In Flanders Fields 2026 \u2013 Live streams, TV channels for the new Gent-Wevelgem<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don&#8217;t miss out &#8211; The Zwift Spring Sale ends very soon, here are the best remaining deals on the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, with up to 27% off<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T08:54:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our look at the top men and women racers contesting the new-look Gent-Wevelgem cobbled Classic from Middelkerke to Wevelgem<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson and Wout van Aert are among our picks for success at the 2026 Gent-Wevelgem<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lara Gillespie<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jordi Meeus<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elise Chabbey<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Cat Ferguson<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lorena Wiebes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Paul Magnier<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Balsamo<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Best of the rest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" 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inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-cfd68e90-f742-47f6-a1d6-16aef1cc0e77\">Cobbled Classics season is now in full swing, with one of the most prestigious races on the spring calendar, In Flanders Fields (a.k.k Gent-Wevelgem), holding its 88th edition (13th for the women&#8217;s race) on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>The race, a circuitous adventure in West Flanders close to the French border, has a new identity this year. Gent hasn&#8217;t actually hosted the race start since 2002, but now, following spells in Deinze and Ypres, the race start shifts to the North Sea town of Middelkerke.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfd68e90-f742-47f6-a1d6-16aef1cc0e77-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Thus, the race is rebranded to the somewhat cumbersome In Flanders Fields &#8211; From Middelkerke to Wevelgem.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The route hasn&#8217;t been altered much, however, with the same flat run in the opening half of the race giving way to a flurry of hills and cobbled bergs \u2013 including the Scherpenberg, Baneberg, and the famous Kemmelberg \u2013 before the largely flat 35km run to the line.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As such, the race should once again play host to the familiar battle between the cobbled specialists hoping to break clear on the Kemmelberg and the sprinters hoping to hang on to the finish, as well as those riders who can do a bit of both.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So, without further ado, here&#8217;s a look at our list of top contenders for glory at the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2ba238c3-b9d8-4971-8284-191bdd1d4cf1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel has enjoyed a flying start to his 2026 season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c285db9d-531d-4ac5-b961-32db5d0d50f5\">This race is the only major cobbled Classic missing from Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s palmar\u00e8s, and he lines up as the top favourite this Sunday. The Dutchman is in top form, having won the E3 Saxo Classic for the third year in a row on Friday, attacking 60km from the finish, going solo for 42km, and just about holding off a disorganised four-man chase group in the final metres.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Van der Poel&#8217;s triumph at E3 marked his 11th at a major cobbled Classic, and he now stands as the pre-eminent cobbled racer of his generation, also lying among the greatest of all time.<\/p>\n<p>Previous outings at Gent-Wevelgem have seen him finish fourth, ninth, and second, with Mads Pedersen getting the better of him in a two-up sprint. Bigger goals lie ahead, of course, but this is a race Van der Poel will surely want to add to his collection.<\/p>\n<p>Watch out, too, for Jasper Philipsen. The Belgian fastman was fourth here two years ago and is in top form, with recent results including a win at Nokere Koerse and a second at the Ronde van Brugge.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lara-gillespie-uae-team-adq\"><span>Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ecf1ce39-eae5-46e8-9e32-2377f52e3e05\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Le Samyn winner Lara Gillespie figures to be a major contender through the rest of the cobbled Classics <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e3227d1c-85ea-4b8e-9579-61d865b5cf90\">Going by Lara Gillespie&#8217;s past spring campaigns \u2013 which included an Antwerp Port Epic win in 2024 and several podium places last year \u2013 it was only a matter of time before the Irish racer established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the cobbles.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s been in the form of her life this spring, winning Le Samyn, taking second at the Omloop van het Hageland, third at Nokere Koerse, and sixth at the Ronde van Brugge.<\/p>\n<p>A Women&#8217;s WorldTour-level victory surely awaits. Will it come this weekend in Wevelgem?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jordi-meeus-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\"><span>Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5cfd952d-b506-4b27-9ba5-24f32fdbd2df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e44f2d61-53e2-4aaf-82dc-eacaadf2aed6\">Belgian racer Jordi Meeus has never been talked about with the biggest spring Classics stars of his home nation, but maybe it&#8217;s time to start. Over the years, the 27-year-old has grown stronger and stronger and is now surely in the conversation for a result at the spring&#8217;s biggest cobbled Classics.<\/p>\n<p>He took third place here two years ago and ninth last year, while so far this season he&#8217;s logged his strongest start to a campaign yet.<\/p>\n<p>Meeus won the Ename Samyn Classic, finished second at Nokere Koerse, and was in the top 10 for both races at Opening Weekend. He&#8217;ll certainly be in the frame if the race heads for a sprint finish, while teammate Tim van Dijke, second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and strong at E3, is another to watch.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elise-chabbey-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-Suez)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a053e77-700c-4c63-a521-92bf0ffcaa8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Strade Bianche champion Elise Chabbey gets a chance to lead FDJ United-Suez <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-203016c0-462c-4cd0-8eaa-17bff8435104\">Like Gillespie, Elise Chabbey was among our tips to break through with a big win this spring. Much like the rest of the strong support squad behind Demi Vollering, it was clear the Swiss racer just needed a chance to lead the team to compete.<\/p>\n<p>She did just that when Vollering fell victim to bad luck at Strade Bianche, going on to score the biggest win of her career to date.<\/p>\n<p>Chabbey, who finished top 10 at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix last spring, heads up FDJ United-Suez at this race and so has another chance to battle for victory as a team leader.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ccdae3fd-7276-412d-8291-362802630120\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is winding up for another shot at that elusive Tour of Flanders title <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-764a5ca6-9b43-4b14-bbc3-d2e89b89d3f0\">Belgium&#8217;s great hope for a big result this spring, Wout van Aert, is back on form. The 31-year-old&#8217;s recent showing at Milan-San Remo, where he shot out of the peloton late on to capture third place, showed he&#8217;s ready to compete for the big prizes in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<p>He skipped the E3 Saxo Classic, a race he&#8217;s won twice before, on Friday, meaning appointments at In Flanders Fields and Dwars door Vlaanderen are all that stand between him and another bid for those elusive titles at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert is a past winner here, of course, and finished second at his most recent appearance three years ago. He&#8217;d certainly be happy with a similar result on Sunday. Teammate Christophe Laporte is also on hand as part of a formidable Visma double threat.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-cat-ferguson-movistar\"><span>Cat Ferguson (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-717cc373-4648-4992-92f3-3ebd1eba5540\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson is one of the youngest riders in the field, but also one of the strongest <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bac6ef7a-875d-4a61-b901-e6a7059c794a\">19-year-old Cat Ferguson is one of the brightest young stars of the peloton, already with seven pro wins to her name.<\/p>\n<p>This year, she can count triumphs at the Challenge Mallorca and Volta Valenciana to her name, while fourth place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is another highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Ferguson may lack the experience on the cobbles of some of her rivals, with just one spring Classics campaign under her belt to date, but she still has the strength to compete. Her teammate, fellow young Briton Carys Lloyd, will be flying high after her recent Ronde van Brugge victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d8c1a76-2321-4f2b-bd59-a2478e657570\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Two-time reigning champion Lorena Wiebes is the top favourite for a third title this Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c316e77b-25ce-4276-a1f6-19191c3830c0\">Lorena Wiebes heads into Sunday&#8217;s race as the main favourite to win, because of course she does. The Dutchwoman is the undisputed quickest woman in the world, and she&#8217;s won the race in each of the past two years.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, her triumph was one of many, with wins at Le Samyn, Milan-San Remo and De Panne also on her palmar\u00e8s.<\/p>\n<p>This time around, three stage wins in four days at the UAE Tour stand out as her biggest achievement to date. Recent results, including third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, sixth at Milan-San Remo, and ninth at the Ronde van Brugge, suggest she is far from unbeatable, however.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-paul-magnier-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f5f1ba81-e640-4c27-89da-726cf5f12416\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Can sprint star Paul Magnier make the step up at the toughest Flandrian Classics this spring? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ac1b5e29-4136-4734-9890-6ff47c1c17ac\">Paul Magnier heads up a revamped Soudal-QuickStep Classics squad this spring, with new additions Jasper Stuyven (also racing here) and Dylan van Baarle joining Yves Lampaert as part of the four-headed cobbled lineup.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, Magnier burst onto the scene with second places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the Ename Samyn Classic. This year, the 21-year-old has been quieter, with an 11th place at Omloop his best result at Opening Weekend.<\/p>\n<p>He has Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders on his menu after Gent-Wevelgem, meaning this race is the most sprinter-friendly on his remaining spring calendar. Watch out for Magnier if he gets over the Kemmelberg.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14c6ea0d-95a8-46ff-b5d6-457c0816e120\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2022 champion Elisa Balsamo will be among the sprint favourites <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-702ca6f2-f333-4141-8ca2-91c4d362601f\">Elisa Balsamo is a rider who almost always performs well at Gent-Wevelgem. The Italian finished second in the race as a junior and has since racked up a win (in 2022), two second places and a fourth at the elite level.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s one of the strongest sprinters in the peloton and can deal with the cobbled hills well, but she&#8217;s been bested by Wiebes in the two most recent editions of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Balsamo is in fine form heading into Sunday&#8217;s race, even if she hasn&#8217;t yet won in 2026. Recent results include eighth place at Milan-San Remo and second in the chaotic, crash-marred sprint at a grim and wet Ronde van Brugge on Thursday.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-of-the-rest\"><span>Best of the rest<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0b0771f0-74e6-4977-9053-37988c8d3df2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luke Lamperti has shone this spring, his first at EF <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2e95b184-506d-41e0-8125-afabc5e172b4\">Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) has proven his talent on the cobbles, but unless he breaks clear on the Kemmelberg and solos home, this race may be hard for him to win.<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte Kool (Fenix-Premier Tech) was third here last year and will be in the frame if the race finishes with a sprint once again.<\/p>\n<p>2022 winner Biniam Girmay (NSN) has enjoyed a strong start to the season, though he wasn&#8217;t in the mix at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>US racer Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost) is in fine form, having scored a Paris-Nice stage win to go with top 10s at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, and Ronde van Brugge this spring.<\/p>\n<p>Chiara Consonni (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) is clearly sharp, having sprinted to fourth place at Milan-San Remo last week, while Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt is another to watch.<\/p>\n<p>Wins at the Tour Down Under, the Great Ocean Road Race, and Tirreno-Adriatico showed that Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM) has stepped up a level in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic-PostNL) is among the strongest sprinters around, even if she hasn&#8217;t yet scored a big result this season.<\/p>\n<p>Flandrian favourite Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) isn&#8217;t in flying form, but he can never be counted out on the cobbles.<\/p>\n<p>Florian Vermeersch&#8217;s (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) third places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic showed he&#8217;s in strong form this spring, while Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), fifth at E3, has a very fast finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ad9b497-b0a2-4172-a46e-64b9fa0913e7\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>In Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem Women<\/p>\n<p>In Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t want to take any risks&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel becomes top climbing domestique for a day at Volta a Catalunya for teammate Florian Lipowitz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkF6wbooMmkDHETDNqZJxD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; &#8211; Life Time Grand Prix series introduces pregnancy policy<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/evkDXqmiVi25dA36iKWx7c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Defending champion Mads Pedersen, ill, will not start In Flanders Fields, loses chance to take record-breaking fourth win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksH22bu9SS63SErQgVLwCe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUYsjzcTQRv7NzZX4SggJ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Coppi e Bartali: Axel Laurance captures second stage to move into overall lead with one day remaining<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h7k5aiSnWn5qZvgpSqJGjC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We did everything to try to make it&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock pulls out of the Volta a Catalunya with injuries from stage 5 crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHwBRxGkBAhmK67V3hiZvJ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t want to take any risks&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel becomes top climbing domestique for a day at Volta a Catalunya for teammate Florian Lipowitz<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;As a professional athlete, this feels huge&#8217; &#8211; Life Time Grand Prix series introduces pregnancy policy<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How to watch In Flanders Fields 2026 \u2013 Live streams, TV channels for the new Gent-Wevelgem<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard takes back-to-back wins on stage 6 atop summit finish in Queralt, increases race lead<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don&#8217;t miss out &#8211; The Zwift Spring Sale ends very soon, here are the best remaining deals on the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, with up to 27% off<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T08:54:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our look at the top men and women racers contesting the new-look Gent-Wevelgem cobbled Classic from Middelkerke to Wevelgem<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\"><span>0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-cfd68e90-f742-47f6-a1d6-16aef1cc0e77\">Cobbled Classics season is now in full swing, with one of the most prestigious races on the spring calendar, In Flanders Fields (a.k.k Gent-Wevelgem), holding its 88th edition (13th for the women&#8217;s race) on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>The race, a circuitous adventure in West Flanders close to the French border, has a new identity this year. Gent hasn&#8217;t actually hosted the race start since 2002, but now, following spells in Deinze and Ypres, the race start shifts to the North Sea town of Middelkerke.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfd68e90-f742-47f6-a1d6-16aef1cc0e77-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Thus, the race is rebranded to the somewhat cumbersome In Flanders Fields &#8211; From Middelkerke to Wevelgem.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The route hasn&#8217;t been altered much, however, with the same flat run in the opening half of the race giving way to a flurry of hills and cobbled bergs \u2013 including the Scherpenberg, Baneberg, and the famous Kemmelberg \u2013 before the largely flat 35km run to the line.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As such, the race should once again play host to the familiar battle between the cobbled specialists hoping to break clear on the Kemmelberg and the sprinters hoping to hang on to the finish, as well as those riders who can do a bit of both.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So, without further ado, here&#8217;s a look at our list of top contenders for glory at the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2ba238c3-b9d8-4971-8284-191bdd1d4cf1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tvSSMhaUHGCkPBEDWcvJdb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel has enjoyed a flying start to his 2026 season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c285db9d-531d-4ac5-b961-32db5d0d50f5\">This race is the only major cobbled Classic missing from Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s palmar\u00e8s, and he lines up as the top favourite this Sunday. The Dutchman is in top form, having won the E3 Saxo Classic for the third year in a row on Friday, attacking 60km from the finish, going solo for 42km, and just about holding off a disorganised four-man chase group in the final metres.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-H2oWZtorKQjQnqLxLkdkGD slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Van der Poel&#8217;s triumph at E3 marked his 11th at a major cobbled Classic, and he now stands as the pre-eminent cobbled racer of his generation, also lying among the greatest of all time.<\/p>\n<p>Previous outings at Gent-Wevelgem have seen him finish fourth, ninth, and second, with Mads Pedersen getting the better of him in a two-up sprint. Bigger goals lie ahead, of course, but this is a race Van der Poel will surely want to add to his collection.<\/p>\n<p>Watch out, too, for Jasper Philipsen. The Belgian fastman was fourth here two years ago and is in top form, with recent results including a win at Nokere Koerse and a second at the Ronde van Brugge.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lara-gillespie-uae-team-adq\"><span>Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ecf1ce39-eae5-46e8-9e32-2377f52e3e05\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wNrP9BJ6YrjSeQpep2jfUb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Le Samyn winner Lara Gillespie figures to be a major contender through the rest of the cobbled Classics <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e3227d1c-85ea-4b8e-9579-61d865b5cf90\">Going by Lara Gillespie&#8217;s past spring campaigns \u2013 which included an Antwerp Port Epic win in 2024 and several podium places last year \u2013 it was only a matter of time before the Irish racer established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the cobbles.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s been in the form of her life this spring, winning Le Samyn, taking second at the Omloop van het Hageland, third at Nokere Koerse, and sixth at the Ronde van Brugge.<\/p>\n<p>A Women&#8217;s WorldTour-level victory surely awaits. Will it come this weekend in Wevelgem?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jordi-meeus-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\"><span>Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5cfd952d-b506-4b27-9ba5-24f32fdbd2df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oEJKc68ZHDraNrqZRJJCdb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e44f2d61-53e2-4aaf-82dc-eacaadf2aed6\">Belgian racer Jordi Meeus has never been talked about with the biggest spring Classics stars of his home nation, but maybe it&#8217;s time to start. Over the years, the 27-year-old has grown stronger and stronger and is now surely in the conversation for a result at the spring&#8217;s biggest cobbled Classics.<\/p>\n<p>He took third place here two years ago and ninth last year, while so far this season he&#8217;s logged his strongest start to a campaign yet.<\/p>\n<p>Meeus won the Ename Samyn Classic, finished second at Nokere Koerse, and was in the top 10 for both races at Opening Weekend. He&#8217;ll certainly be in the frame if the race heads for a sprint finish, while teammate Tim van Dijke, second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and strong at E3, is another to watch.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elise-chabbey-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-Suez)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a053e77-700c-4c63-a521-92bf0ffcaa8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JHTW4BXZgG89hVHKYKCbXb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Strade Bianche champion Elise Chabbey gets a chance to lead FDJ United-Suez <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-203016c0-462c-4cd0-8eaa-17bff8435104\">Like Gillespie, Elise Chabbey was among our tips to break through with a big win this spring. Much like the rest of the strong support squad behind Demi Vollering, it was clear the Swiss racer just needed a chance to lead the team to compete.<\/p>\n<p>She did just that when Vollering fell victim to bad luck at Strade Bianche, going on to score the biggest win of her career to date.<\/p>\n<p>Chabbey, who finished top 10 at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix last spring, heads up FDJ United-Suez at this race and so has another chance to battle for victory as a team leader.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ccdae3fd-7276-412d-8291-362802630120\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wEVNn8eJFuRVFJUdeLjK2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is winding up for another shot at that elusive Tour of Flanders title <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-764a5ca6-9b43-4b14-bbc3-d2e89b89d3f0\">Belgium&#8217;s great hope for a big result this spring, Wout van Aert, is back on form. The 31-year-old&#8217;s recent showing at Milan-San Remo, where he shot out of the peloton late on to capture third place, showed he&#8217;s ready to compete for the big prizes in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<p>He skipped the E3 Saxo Classic, a race he&#8217;s won twice before, on Friday, meaning appointments at In Flanders Fields and Dwars door Vlaanderen are all that stand between him and another bid for those elusive titles at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert is a past winner here, of course, and finished second at his most recent appearance three years ago. He&#8217;d certainly be happy with a similar result on Sunday. Teammate Christophe Laporte is also on hand as part of a formidable Visma double threat.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-cat-ferguson-movistar\"><span>Cat Ferguson (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-717cc373-4648-4992-92f3-3ebd1eba5540\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9EyCLPjdU7FKK8r8kRL3m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson is one of the youngest riders in the field, but also one of the strongest <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bac6ef7a-875d-4a61-b901-e6a7059c794a\">19-year-old Cat Ferguson is one of the brightest young stars of the peloton, already with seven pro wins to her name.<\/p>\n<p>This year, she can count triumphs at the Challenge Mallorca and Volta Valenciana to her name, while fourth place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is another highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Ferguson may lack the experience on the cobbles of some of her rivals, with just one spring Classics campaign under her belt to date, but she still has the strength to compete. Her teammate, fellow young Briton Carys Lloyd, will be flying high after her recent Ronde van Brugge victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d8c1a76-2321-4f2b-bd59-a2478e657570\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bvHSxA7XG7UreWPMUDBSDm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Two-time reigning champion Lorena Wiebes is the top favourite for a third title this Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c316e77b-25ce-4276-a1f6-19191c3830c0\">Lorena Wiebes heads into Sunday&#8217;s race as the main favourite to win, because of course she does. The Dutchwoman is the undisputed quickest woman in the world, and she&#8217;s won the race in each of the past two years.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, her triumph was one of many, with wins at Le Samyn, Milan-San Remo and De Panne also on her palmar\u00e8s.<\/p>\n<p>This time around, three stage wins in four days at the UAE Tour stand out as her biggest achievement to date. Recent results, including third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, sixth at Milan-San Remo, and ninth at the Ronde van Brugge, suggest she is far from unbeatable, however.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-paul-magnier-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f5f1ba81-e640-4c27-89da-726cf5f12416\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYKxECwHd9bwskDsJ9Vt2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Can sprint star Paul Magnier make the step up at the toughest Flandrian Classics this spring? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ac1b5e29-4136-4734-9890-6ff47c1c17ac\">Paul Magnier heads up a revamped Soudal-QuickStep Classics squad this spring, with new additions Jasper Stuyven (also racing here) and Dylan van Baarle joining Yves Lampaert as part of the four-headed cobbled lineup.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, Magnier burst onto the scene with second places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the Ename Samyn Classic. This year, the 21-year-old has been quieter, with an 11th place at Omloop his best result at Opening Weekend.<\/p>\n<p>He has Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders on his menu after Gent-Wevelgem, meaning this race is the most sprinter-friendly on his remaining spring calendar. Watch out for Magnier if he gets over the Kemmelberg.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14c6ea0d-95a8-46ff-b5d6-457c0816e120\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U49CKPN9KbBq79y2zTZr3m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2022 champion Elisa Balsamo will be among the sprint favourites <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-702ca6f2-f333-4141-8ca2-91c4d362601f\">Elisa Balsamo is a rider who almost always performs well at Gent-Wevelgem. The Italian finished second in the race as a junior and has since racked up a win (in 2022), two second places and a fourth at the elite level.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s one of the strongest sprinters in the peloton and can deal with the cobbled hills well, but she&#8217;s been bested by Wiebes in the two most recent editions of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Balsamo is in fine form heading into Sunday&#8217;s race, even if she hasn&#8217;t yet won in 2026. Recent results include eighth place at Milan-San Remo and second in the chaotic, crash-marred sprint at a grim and wet Ronde van Brugge on Thursday.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-of-the-rest\"><span>Best of the rest<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0b0771f0-74e6-4977-9053-37988c8d3df2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMQJ6Dn26v4EnRrUSvoJ8m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luke Lamperti has shone this spring, his first at EF <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2e95b184-506d-41e0-8125-afabc5e172b4\">Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) has proven his talent on the cobbles, but unless he breaks clear on the Kemmelberg and solos home, this race may be hard for him to win.<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte Kool (Fenix-Premier Tech) was third here last year and will be in the frame if the race finishes with a sprint once again.<\/p>\n<p>2022 winner Biniam Girmay (NSN) has enjoyed a strong start to the season, though he wasn&#8217;t in the mix at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>US racer Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost) is in fine form, having scored a Paris-Nice stage win to go with top 10s at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, and Ronde van Brugge this spring.<\/p>\n<p>Chiara Consonni (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) is clearly sharp, having sprinted to fourth place at Milan-San Remo last week, while Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt is another to watch.<\/p>\n<p>Wins at the Tour Down Under, the Great Ocean Road Race, and Tirreno-Adriatico showed that Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM) has stepped up a level in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic-PostNL) is among the strongest sprinters around, even if she hasn&#8217;t yet scored a big result this season.<\/p>\n<p>Flandrian favourite Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) isn&#8217;t in flying form, but he can never be counted out on the cobbles.<\/p>\n<p>Florian Vermeersch&#8217;s (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) third places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic showed he&#8217;s in strong form this spring, while Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), fifth at E3, has a very fast finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ad9b497-b0a2-4172-a46e-64b9fa0913e7\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/sprinters-vs-attackers-on-the-kemmelberg-analysing-the-contenders-for-in-flanders-fields\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-2500-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields By Dani Ostanek published 28 March 2026 Our look at the top men and women racers contesting the new-look Gent-Wevelgem cobbled Classic from Middelkerke to Wevelgem When you purchase through links on our site, we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1853732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1853732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1853732"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1853732\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1853732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1853732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1853732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}