Pavés' Time
The classic spring cobbled classics are some of the favorite races for cycling fans around the world. The Vlaamse Wielerweek (Flemish Cycling Week) is the week when the most important of these races are concentrated, culminating in the Ronde Van Vlaanderen, which takes place on Sunday, March 31. Before the Ronde, however, E3 Saxo Classic, Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields, and Dwars door Vlaanderen already test the great specialists of the pavés. In this article, we will focus on the analysis of these races, leaving the Ronde Van Vlaanderen for special treatment.
E3 Saxo Classic
E3 features a 207 km route plagued with climbs, with 18 ascents and 9 cobbled sectors where the famous Paterberg (0.4 km at 12.9%) and Oude Kwaremont (2 km at 4.6%) stand out. The finish in Harelbeke has seen Wout Van Aert (1200) win in the last two editions.
Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields ME
Of these races, this is the one with fewer climbs included, and it is more common to see larger groups make it to the line. However, the race presents a monumental distance of 253 km and the difficulties concentrated in the final part of the route, where the double pass through the Kemmelberg can break the race. Last year, Christophe Laporte (800) and Wout Van Aert (1200) scored a double for Jumbo-Visma.
Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields WE
The women's race also covers a long distance (171 km) but with fewer climbs than its male counterpart. However, the Kemmelberg is also present as a hallmark of the race. Last year, Marlen Reusser (1000) achieved victory with over two minutes difference ahead of the peloton.
Dwars door Vlaanderen - A travers la Flandre ME
The last test before the Ronde. Its proximity to the monument sometimes causes the top riders to skip this race, opening the door to other riders. Again, a route filled with climbs and cobbled sections with a total distance of 188 kilometers. Last year, Christophe Laporte (800) also won this race.
Dwars door Vlaanderen - A travers la Flandre WE
In Cycling Fantasy, this race does not count for the cobblestones combined classification, as it is a .Pro category and this classification is reserved for WorldTour events. The route is 129 km and follows the same course as the final part of the men's race. Last year, Demi Vollering (1200) won this race with a solo attack.
Top Specialists
Men: Wout Van Aert (1200), Mathieu Van Der Poel (800), Mads Pedersen (1200), Matej Mohorič (600), Stefan Küng (600), Jasper Philipsen (1200), Arnaud De Lie (600), Matteo Trentin (400), Yves Lampaert (400), Julian Alaphilippe (600), Biniam Girmay (800), Alberto Bettiol (400), Jasper Stuyven (400), Tiesj Benoot (400), Kasper Asgreen (400), Alexander Kristoff (800), Nils Politt (200), Oier Lazkano (200), Dylan Van Baarle (400), Rasmus Tiller (400), Victor Campenaerts (200), Anthony Turgis (200), Laurenz Rex (200).
Women: Lotte Kopecky (1200), Lorena Wiebes (1200), Elisa Longo Borghini (1000), Elisa Balsamo (1000), Silvia Persico (800), Shirin Van Anrooij (600), Pfeiffer Georgi (600), Emma Norsgaard (800), Maria Giulia Confalonieri (400), Maike Van Der Duin (400), Lucinda Brand (600), Grace Brown (800), Puck Pieterse (200), Floortje Mackaij (600).
Photo: © Flanders Classics