Gent-Wevelgem Women gets underway today, with Lorena Wiebes chasing her 100th career win after back-to-back victories at Sanremo Women and Brugge-De Panne. She starts as the standout favourite and defending champion, but the conditions suggest this year’s edition may not come down to a straightforward sprint.
Dry skies and mild temperatures are expected, but it’s the wind that could turn the race on its head. Strong crosswinds, gusting up to 30mph, are forecast throughout the day, with early exposed sections like De Moeren primed for splits and echelons. On the run-in from the final ascent of the Kemmelberg, a tail-crosswind makes it ideal terrain for a late break to stick, especially if the bunch has already been whittled down.
The route itself remains unchanged, with the Baneberg, Monteberg and Kemmelberg once again the key climbs. The second passage of the Kemmelberg with 30km to go is likely to be the decisive moment, where the strongest can force a selection. Traditionally a sprinters’ race, Gent-Wevelgem Women may look very different today. Wiebes remains the rider to beat, but she could face her toughest test yet if the winds tear the race apart.
2025 Gent Wevelgem Women Race Profile
Live Coverage
This year’s Gent Wevelgem Women is live on Discovery+/TNT Sports/Max
Race duration: 12:20-17:10
Live coverage: 15:00-17:30
All times in BST
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Main photo credit: Getty
