{"id":49156,"title":"We ride: Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo","description":"A long weekend in Flanders gave us the chance to take part in the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo, a cyclosportive based on the route of the elite race. What's this West Flandrian cycling sportive like, how much does it cost and how do you enter? Read on to find out.","content":"

Rijden: From cobbles to cross - cycling's true heart<\/em><\/p>

Published in: <\/strong>RIDES & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

A long weekend in Flanders provided the chance to participate in the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo, a cyclosportive based on the route of the elite race. What's this West Flandrian sportive like, how much does it cost and how do you enter? Read on to find out everything you need to know, how we got on and how we rate the event.<\/p>

\"ImageRiders passing under the Menin Gate in Ieper<\/em><\/p>

Regular cycling traveller Captain Bob, a former merchant sailor and first category racer, and myself headed over the waters from UK to Belgium to experience the Gent-Wevelgem sportive, catch the action in the pro\u2019 race and take in E3 Saxo Classic too.<\/p>

If you've not visited West Flanders before you should. It\u2019s perfect cycling country where cyclists are respected and catered for and cycle racing is an obsession. If you're based in the UK it's less than an hour from Calais.<\/p>

Gent-Wevelgem<\/h2>

A classic race<\/h3>

Having once been considered merely a sprinters\u2019 semi-classic, Gent-Wevelgem has grown in stature in recent years. Moving from mid-week to a premium Sunday slot during the Holy Week<\/em> of the Flanders Spring Classics has boosted its status, along with the introduction of the Plugstreet <\/em>gravel sections.<\/p>

ABOUT RIJDEN<\/strong>: <\/span>Rijden grew from a passion for Flemish-style cycle racing. We're a small UK independent that publishes a <\/em>free online cycling magazine<\/em><\/strong> and sustainable gifts for fans of cycling\u2019s classics and cyclocross. Read <\/em>more about Rijden<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>

Whilst it\u2019s still known as Gent-Wevelgem, the race starts in Ieper (French: Ypres), although it continues to finish in Wevelgem. The race is officially Gent-Wevelgem In Flanders Fields<\/em> in recognition of the close ties between the region and the legacy of World War I.<\/p>

In Flanders Fields<\/em> is the title of the museum within Ieper\u2019s rebuilt medieval Cloth Hall, named after the poem by World War I poet John McCrae.<\/p>

Ieper<\/h3>

The race parcours starts in Ieper, or as the British tend to call it, Ypres. This is the French spelling of the town\u2019s name. During the Great War (1914-18), French was the language of the Belgian nobility who made up the bulk of the army\u2019s officer corps.<\/p>

\"ImageThe women's race starting in Ieper<\/em><\/p>

The rank and file soldiers were drawn mainly from the working-class Dutch-speaking Flemish population. Belgian officers issued commands in French to their often confused subordinates. The British troops adopted the name Wipers for Ypres, even publishing a local paper, the Wipers Times<\/em>.<\/p>

\"Cycling<\/u><\/a><\/p>

From the Grote Markt, under the shadow of the Cloth Hall, the riders head eastwards, passing under the Menin Gate (Dutch: Menenpoort). A memorial to 54,395 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ieper Salient but whose bodies have never been identified or found.<\/p>

At Passendale, which gave its name to the third battle of Ieper, the race turns north toward the coast. It then arcs west, circumnavigating Veurne and passing close to De Panne, Koksijde and the amusingly named Plopsaland theme park.<\/p>

De Moeren<\/h3>

Just short of reaching the French border, it turns south. By this point the course has barely risen above 45 metres and the wide open fields are perfect for a cross-wind ambush. From here the route follows the arrow-straight path of the De Moeren, a road that dissects the reclaimed land that sits below sea level.<\/p>

\u201cGeraint Thomas was blown from his bike\u201d<\/p>

If the wind is blowing, the echelon experts will ply their trade and attempt to shatter the peloton. It was here that Geraint Thomas was blown from his bike and ended up in a ditch. Assuming the riders survive, they then travel towards Ieper, near the famous Abbey and brewery at Westvleteren<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>

\"RidersRiders negotiate the Christmas Truce Plugstreet<\/em><\/p>

Further south, the race enters the hillier area of the Heuvelland (English: hill country) and the climbs of the Scherpenberg, Baneberg, Monteberg and the first of three ascents of the cobbled Kemmelberg. From this highest point of the course, at 145 metres, you can appreciate its military significance during the Great War as it provides a commanding view over the surrounding countryside.<\/p>

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Plugstreet<\/h3>

Leaving the hills behind temporarily, the parcours heads south towards Ploegsteert and three sections of gravel roads known as: Hill 63, Christmas Truce, and Catacombs. Each traces its name from the 1914-18 Great War. Hill 63 (its height above sea level) was an important vantage point for Allied artillery.<\/p>

\u201copposing soldiers fraternised and exchanged gifts\u201d<\/p>

Christmas Truce gained its name from the unofficial peace that broke out between German and Allied troops on Christmas Day in 1914 when the opposing soldiers fraternised and exchanged gifts. And finally, Catacombs was named after the tunnels created by Australian and New Zealand troops under Hill 63.<\/p>

British and Allied troops could not pronounce Ploegsteert correctly, so it became known colloquially as Plugstreet, a name that has stuck to this day in British memory and has been adopted by the Belgian tourist industry.<\/p>

\"TheThe women's Classic Brugge-De Panne<\/em><\/p>

It\u2019s back into the hills for five final climbs including the two different ascents of the Kemmelberg, a loop around Ieper before the final twenty kilometres to the finish in Wevelgem with 250 kilometres completed.<\/p>

Getting there<\/h2>

Irish Ferries<\/h3>

Our usual method of bridging the gap between England and Belgium is the Eurotunnel. It\u2019s the quickest method and Eurotunnel claims the most convenient. This has come increasingly at a price as their fees have escalated.<\/p>

As we weren\u2019t in a hurry on either the outward or return legs, I looked for alternatives. Irish Ferries were offering a deal that came out at half that of Eurotunnel. They\u2019ve been operating on the Dover - Calais route since 2021, and it was my first time booking with them other than travelling to Ireland.<\/p>

Their website isn\u2019t exactly mobile-friendly and I resorted to using my laptop. It was such a painful experience I almost considered abandoning them but I\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t. Travelling over on a midday Thursday ferry was painless.<\/p>

\u201camused by the lack of technology\u201d<\/p>

We were amused by the lack of technology. Once we\u2019d checked in we were handed a hand-written boarding sign to hang on the rear view mirror. Onboard, the ferry appeared to be deserted and after a quick purchase of sandwiches, I lay back on a couch to catch a few minutes downtime. It all seemed very civilised and from a driver\u2019s perspective much more relaxing than Eurotunnel.<\/p>

Wervik<\/h3>

We\u2019d booked an Airbnb in Wervik, which lies just over ten kilometres south west of Ieper and sits on the banks of the River Leie (French: Lys), separating Belgium from France. We\u2019d chosen this location for two reasons: it was handily placed for Ieper, Wevelgem and the route of Friday\u2019s E3 Saxo Classic; and price.<\/p>

\"TheThe river Leie act as a cycling highway<\/em><\/p>

It\u2019s fair to say that Wervik has probably seen better days. It was once famous for the quality of its tobacco and has a tobacco museum with, we are told, an excellent cafe. Many of the shops and cafes were closed or being redeveloped. Indeed, given its design and decor, we concluded our Airbnb had been a shop.<\/p>

READ MORE<\/strong>: Cycling isn't just about racing. We drop into the inner ring and <\/em>explore new tastes, places to visit, rides and experiences<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>

\"Find<\/u><\/a><\/p>

Other than having to keep the curtains closed in the former shop front turned bedroom, a lack of shower pressure and the odd waft of \u2018French plumbing\u2019, it wasn\u2019t unpleasant. Its major drawback was the sleepy cafe on the corner that transformed into a party house one evening.<\/p>

\u201cYouths congregated in the doorway of our humble abode\u201d<\/p>

The walls rocked with the thud of the bass beat until at least 1:30 am. Youths congregated in the doorway of our humble abode, happily chatting in a mixture of French and Dutch. I deterred them by appearing from behind the curtains in my pyjamas. Apologetically, they moved on.<\/p>

Getting about<\/h3>

Wervik does have two redeeming features. It boasts an excellent restaurant, De Waterkant<\/strong><\/a> (English: The Waterfront), run by a husband and wife, which acted as our culinary lifeline and the River Leie.<\/p>

The latter, through its cycle paths that run along the river banks, provided a gateway to the Flemish countryside. Without having to encounter any traffic. We could reach Kortrijk, Wevelgem, Waregem and Kuurne just by following the river.<\/p>

Watching E3 Saxo Classic<\/h2>

Our plan was to watch the E3 Saxo Classic on the Friday of our long weekend break, ride the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo on the Saturday and watch the professional edition of Gent-Wevelgem the following day.<\/p>

Navigational misdemeanours<\/h3>

I was so busy chatting as we cruised up the E40 motorway north from Calais, that I missed the exit for the A25. \u201cNot to worry\u201d, I said. \u201cWe\u2019ll just take a detour around Veurne.\u201d<\/p>

After a few dead ends, we found ourselves navigating across the flat countryside using the network of narrow lanes, guided only by the Sun. I think Captain Bob was beginning to correctly surmise I was lost when we stumbled across the women's edition of Classic Brugge-De Panne.<\/p>

\u201cCat Ferguson\u2019s vain attempt to stay clear of the bunch\u201d<\/p>

We were just in time to watch Cat Ferguson\u2019s vain attempt to stay clear of the bunch on the final lap. I felt it justified in my navigational misdemeanour.<\/p>

\"MathieuMathieu van der Poel triumphed at E3 Saxo Classic<\/em><\/p>

The next day, to ride to the start of the E3 Saxo Classic we just had to ride along the Leie to Harelbeke. Following our noses we found the start location where the team presentation was in full swing.<\/p>

Being somewhat crowded, we headed for a cafe where we bumped into a group of British cyclists who seemed more intent on savouring the Belgian beers than riding. And why not?<\/p>

But we set off in the direction of Oudenaarde for destiny with lunch. Replenished with a Croque Monsieur, we travelled further into the Flemish Ardennes to catch the race.<\/p>

Taaienberg<\/h3>

I was beginning to doubt Captain Bob\u2019s navigational skills and wondered if they only work at sea. After a few questionable bike paths, we were just in time to watch the riders swoop by before we attempted to intercept them at the crest of the Taaienberg.<\/p>

\u201cwe two lost souls turned left\u201d<\/p>

I noticed as we set off that whilst all other cyclists carried straight on, we two lost souls turned left. We were soon climbing again across a grass field. The precipice grew steeper and rockier as we neared the top.<\/p>

A large crowd had gathered on the cobbled climb much favoured by Tom Boonen as a launch pad for his many victories. The pace in the field was ferocious and they were cheered, waved and shouted on their way by the happy band of supporters.<\/p>

By now, Captain Bob had figured that his route app was set to hiking rather than biking, and we made a less dramatic trip to the foot of the Oude Kwaremont to watch the denouement. Entertained by a pair of \u2018nuns\u2019, we awaited the arrival of the lead group.<\/p>

The sky was leaden by now and rain was definitely in the air but the cobbles stayed dry as Van der Poel, Pedersen and co flew past. I'm not sure the trailing riders enjoyed the attention of the nuns as much as we did as they laboured and struggled there way towards the summit.<\/p>

\"AnA \u201csister of mercy\u201d provides encouragement<\/em><\/p>

With the field past, we headed directly to 't Juiste Verzet<\/em>, a cycling themed bar and bed and breakfast. What better than watching the race live accompanied by a beer? What better indeed, but not for us.<\/p>

\u201cthe wind was against us, the sky had grown darker, and then the heavens opened\u201d<\/p>

Not for the last time this trip, we discovered that they only took cash or Belgian credit cards. We left empty-handed, which was fortuitous as the wind was against us, the sky had grown darker, and then the heavens opened.<\/p>

Our 40-kilometre return leg was a slog. It was nearly dark before we finally reached Wervik. Wet, hungry and 130 kilometres completed. Perfect preparation for the next day's Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo.<\/p>

Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo<\/h2>

Fortunately, Friday\u2019s rain had given way to blue skies and a gentle breeze. However, once you\u2019re out in the exposed country of West Flanders, a gentle breeze becomes a nagging headwind. We\u2019d opted for the 125-kilometre route on the basis that it included the Kemmelberg (once) and two of the three Plugstreet sections. The choice of routes varied from 65 kilometres up to 220 kilometres.<\/p>

We\u2019d entered in advance, so we\u2019d received instructions by email in Dutch beforehand on where to park and other helpful facts. From our base in Wervik, it was an easy jaunt along the Leie to the start point in Wevelgem.<\/p>

\"TheThe windmill at the top of the Baneberg<\/em><\/p>

After some mild confusion where we visited the \u201con the day\u201d registration point, we made our way to the pre-entrants area, where it was a simple case of scanning with our phones. We picked up some freebie Etixx gels and bars and helped ourselves to the complimentary coffee.<\/p>

Start in Wevelgem<\/h3>

Soon we were chatting with other riders, making new acquaintances and enjoying the shared camaraderie. We couldn\u2019t delay the inevitable forever and rode under the start banner and out into the quiet of Wevelgem\u2019s morning.<\/p>

\u201cthe lanes snaked their way past dozing cows and sleepy pastures\u201d<\/p>

Before long, we turned right and were soon in the countryside. Ahead of us, as the lanes snaked their way past dozing cows and sleepy pastures, we could see knots of riders. For the first fourteen kilometres, the roads were as flat as the proverbial billiard table.<\/p>

I\u2019d explained to Captain Bob as part of my sales pitch that there were few climbs and only one section of cobbles. It was a surprise, therefore, when the tarmac ahead of us gently rose and turned into cobbles. The Molenhoek may be short and not very steep, reaching a maximum altitude of only 55 metres, but it came as a bit of a shock.<\/p>

\"UkrainianUkrainian Champion Yelyzaveta Holod on the Plugstreet<\/em><\/p>

Soon, our group of temporary companions reformed itself. As faster riders caught us and we caught slower ones, our peloton evolved in size and makeup. A mixture of age, gender and fitness levels. The standard of bike handling was good and everyone seemed confident in riding in a tight formation.<\/p>

Cars and motorised transport were not even a consideration. The route made good use of West Flanders\u2019 extensive network of lanes that rarely see more traffic than the occasional tractor. Wherever it was necessary to cross over a \u2018busy\u2019 road, official marshals acted as our guardians.<\/p>

Presumably, these same volunteers would be in action the next day for the professional races. Signage was excellent too, and splits in the course to allow for the different course length were highlighted well in advance. There was only one point when many of us made a mistake but that was towards the end when tiredness and competitiveness had started to factor.<\/p>

Menin Gate<\/h3>

After thirty kilometres, we reached the outskirts of Ieper and passed the cemetery where my Great-Uncle Arthur Coady has lain since he died in the 1914-18 War. Many riders paused just outside the Menin Gate to record a photograph before we rode through the centre of the historic city.<\/p>

\u201cthe West Flemish hills rising ahead of us\u201d<\/p>

We were soon on our way and heading for Poperinge, another important town during the First World War, and today the centre of the hops industry. The flat roads continued but it couldn\u2019t last. As we headed south towards the Heuvelland and the village of Kemmel, we could see the West Flemish hills rising ahead of us.<\/p>

The highest point is the top of the Kemmelberg at 154 metres. Not exactly, an Alpine pass but it\u2019s an area I\u2019m very fond of. What it lacks in altitude is made up for by its tranquillity and verdant rolling beauty.<\/p>

The sequence of climbs are not too taxing for the moderately fit. The Baneberg has a nasty 20% section and, as it rounds a hairpin, you imagine it's going to continue for sometime.<\/p>

Fortunately, it's almost immediately over and the road levels as you pass the Lijstermolen (English: Thrush windmill). A far reaching view is provided at the top and many riders had stopped to admire it, gather their breath or wait for friends.<\/p>

Kemmelberg<\/h3>

I knew what was on our agenda, and only a few kilometres further down the road, I recognised the left-hand turn too late to forewarn the Captain. We turned off the smooth tarmac of the Bergstraat, straight onto the cobbles of the Kemmelbergweg.<\/p>

There's little time to change gear, and the poor Captain was caught out in the wrong gear. I'd slipped into my bottom gear of 39\u00d723 and laboured my way upwards.<\/p>

\"TheThe women's Gent-Wevelgem heads for the Menin Gate<\/em><\/p>

The Ukrainian women's under-23 road race champion overtook me. The Keukens Redant Team rider effortlessly spun a much smaller gear whilst I gave the impression of a gorilla in a wrestling match.<\/p>

To add to my discomfort, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed an elderly lady on a classic sit-up and beg bike drawing level. She was even wearing a high-viz jacket and looked like she was just popping to the shops.<\/p>

\u201cAmazing Grace\u201d<\/p>

At least the faint whirring of her electric motor was some consolation. Her seemingly even more geriatric male companion was in hot pursuit. This slightly surreal sequence of events was completed by the sound of bagpipes playing \u201cAmazing Grace\".<\/p>

Unlike the UK\u2019s late Queen, I'd never considered them a sweet sound, but somehow it could only have been more appropriate if they had been playing \u201cO God, Our Help In Ages Past.\u201d<\/p>

Christmas Truce<\/h3>

The last climb behind us, we headed south with what I felt should have been a tailwind but remained a nagging headwind. We swooped downhill at rapid pace past the Irish Peace Tower before we turned sharp right into the Christmas Truce Plugstreet section.<\/p>

I was expecting much worse. It was nowhere near as gravelly as I'd expected. The tarmac was rough and strewn with a fine dust but compared to many British roads it didn't seem too bad at all.<\/p>

Given some rain, the dust and mud would have presented much more of a challenge, but we'd been blessed with sunshine all day. No sooner were we off the first Plugstreet than we were onto the second at Hill 63.<\/p>

After exiting our two Plugstreet sections, we stopped at the very well-stocked feed station. Water, energy drinks and bars were all freely available, but I was drawn by the caramel Stroopwafels. We chatted to the girls from the Keukens Redant Team, including Ukrainian Champion Yelyzaveta Holod.<\/p>

Kermis d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/h3>

We all knew the worst was behind us, and as we headed east back towards Wevelgem, the pace increased. There were just over thirty flat kilometres to the finish. The Keukens Redant girls and a few of us old boys took turns at the front. Kermis d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu struck me as the farm lanes twisted left and right, and I found myself sprinting out of corners.<\/p>

It was beginning to feel quite hard, but I was loving it. Our motley peloton reduced in size, and weaker or perhaps wiser members departed via the rear. And then an inadvertent split occurred and I was away with a much younger rider who really wanted to press on. We were swapping turns and pulling through hard. It felt fantastic.<\/p>

We rejoined the cycle path alongside the Leie that we\u2019d traversed earlier. Now, instead of a sedate pace embracing the early morning sun, my companion was at full speed as if he\u2019d just remembered a date.<\/p>

We left the canal barges and their cargoes behind in our wake as I hung on with grim determination. We turned away from the river and, for the first time on the ride, encountered traffic. For a couple of hundred metres, there was congestion on the cycle path. I lost track of my private lead-out train.<\/p>

The final six kilometres were along the dead straight Kortrijkstraat. A large peloton of riders bore down on the finish line in a pace and fashion that would have Daily Mail columnists frothing at their fountain pens.<\/p>

Finish line dash<\/h3>

Would there be a mad dash for the line, I wondered? I felt an urge to tighten my toe-straps, if I\u2019d had some. My right thumb twitched against the gear lever. Would 53\u00d712 be big enough? And then, as we drew within sight of the aankomst banner (English: finish), it became clear that barricades were funnelling us into the finish area.<\/p>

\u201cthe possible risks of groups of forty or more endorphinised amateurs\u201d<\/p>

Wisely, the organisers had foreseen the possible risks of groups of forty or more endorphinised amateurs sprinting out an imaginary race. Four hours and thirty-five minutes after setting out from Wevelgem, I rolled under the banner.<\/p>

\"ImageThe Cyclo epitomises fun and friendship<\/em><\/p>

As I recuperated in the sunshine, the Keukens Redant girls crossed the line. The one that I\u2019d been trading turns with at the front of our group grinned and gave me a thumbs up. All that remained was to hand in our numbers, collect our reward and head for a coffee.<\/p>

As Captain Bob and I retraced our steps back towards Wervik, we encountered an almost continuous stream of riders completing their odyssey. It was a glorious sight. By the end of the day, including our outward and return legs, we\u2019d completed 153 kilometres.<\/p>

Watching the professionals<\/h3>

The following day, we headed off towards Ieper at a very modest pace. My legs were rather tender and I was quite happy to bimble along with the least amount of exertion.<\/p>

We waved off the women's and men's races that both started outside the Cloth Hall before a light lunch. Then it was time to head to the Christmas Truce Plugstreet to watch the men's race.<\/p>

By the time it reached us, it had splintered, and the riders and vehicles kicked up dust from the gravelly, dirty farm roads. It made for an impressive sight. Once they'd passed, we set off in slow pursuit before we found ourselves at the Cafe des Touristes ordering a couple of Ploegsteert beers and settled down to watch the end of the race.<\/p>

\u201cbut that was then, and this was now, and I was loving it\u201d<\/p>

All that was left was to head back west towards Wervik. Finally, we had a tailwind, and Captain Bob was good enough to find a gravel track. Imagining I was Mads Pedersen, I chucked it into a big gear, pumped the pedals hard and drifted round the corners on the loose surface. My legs would surely pay for it the next day, but that was then, and this was now, and I was loving it.<\/p>

READ MORE<\/strong>: Check out our comprehensive list of <\/em>the best Belgian sportives to ride<\/em><\/strong><\/a> in Flanders and Wallonnia.<\/em><\/p>

\"Rijden's<\/p>

Everything you need to know<\/h2>

Reflections<\/h3>

I really enjoyed the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo. It was fun, safe, well sign-posted and well organised. There was minimum interaction with cars and, other than cyclists, the roads were deserted.<\/p>

Although we had a bit of burn-up towards the end, that\u2019s only because we chose to. There were plenty of other cyclists who were riding more sedately and many that were too fast for me.<\/p>

For \u20ac30, it felt like excellent value compared to many sportives in the UK, and I\u2019d definitely consider riding again. Maybe I could try the 220-kilometre route?<\/p>

If you want to enjoy a safe, stress-free sportive and don\u2019t fancy being shaken to bits by cobbles or lots of hills, then the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo is for you.<\/p>

Organisation and entry<\/h3>

The Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo is organised by Golazo, which is a world player in sports events, organising over one thousand events around the world. These include several cyclosportives, the Exact Cross series, road races and other sports including golf, football, athletics and more.<\/p>

The Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo is part of the Teamleader CRM Classics Tour<\/strong><\/a>, which is eight eight-cyclosportives held in Belgium. Teamleader CRM is a software vendor that presumably pays to associate their name with the events.<\/p>

Golazo also organise the Proximus Cycling Challenge<\/strong><\/a>, which also comprises eight cyclosportives in Belgium.<\/p>

Entry to the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo can be made on the day, but it\u2019s cheaper to book in advance via the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo website<\/strong><\/a>. Early-bird discounts are available for booking before specific cut-off dates. We paid \u20ac30 each, which includes a \u20ac5 deposit for your frame number. Teams of ten riders or more can all be registered and paid for by one individual.<\/p>

Route options<\/h3>

There are a range of six route options from 65 kilometres up to 220 kilometres. They all share the same start and finish.<\/p>

The longest distance heads up towards the coast and De Moren whilst all the others never venture further north than Ieper and Poperinge.<\/p>

What you get for your money<\/h3>

As well as the right to take part, although you could just follow the signs and not pay to register, you also get the following included as part of your package for 2025:<\/p>