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Sunday 28 March 2010, all major cycling tenors will ride the 72nd edition of the international top classic Gent-Wevelgem.

As from 2010, Gent-Wevelgem will be listed on Sunday among the 6 absolute top classics in springtime: Milaan-San Remo, Gent-Wevelgem, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, Amstel Gold Race, Luik-Bastenaken-Luik.  

The date modification is the international recognition for our contest which has been existing for 75 years now. Gent-Wevelgem has been organised for the first time in 1934 and is included in the founding members of AIOCC, this is the global organisation of contest organisers.  Though in 1967, the label “classic” was assigned by KBWB and UCI and in 1968, Gent-Wevelgem belonged to the 10 competitions of the Word Cup. Gent-Wevelgem has been part of the ProTour since the beginning in 2005 and was chosen as the best ProTour organisation. Together with the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Gent-Wevelgem will apply its strong position within the international cycling world for the expansion of Flanders Classics. 

The list of honour contains the following champions: Briek Schotte, Rik Van Looy, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Francesco Moser, Jan Raas, Sean Kelly, Mario Cipollini, George Hincapie, Tom Boonen, Thor Hushovdt, Oscar Freire and many more. Who will be the successor of the great international cycling talent Edvald Boasson Hagen?

The final of Gent-Wevelgem is largely redrawn. An extra track will be added in France, with a double passage over Mont des Cats en Mont Noir.

With a total of 16 slopes, the second climbing of the Kemmelberg will lead to a much strict selection. After a breathtaking final of 35 km, the cyclers will finish in the Vanackerestraat in Wevelgem.

In 2009, Gent-Wevelgem welcomed over 2.200 VIPS for an entire day. You and your guests can also intensively join and enjoy this impressive event with international standing. Choose the VIP formula that suits you the best. We guarantee you and your guests an unforgettable “Saint-Vélo”, a day to remember!

On behalf of the board, I want to thank our community Wevelgem presided by our mayor Jan Seynaeve and his deputy mayors. Without their sponsorship, we would not be able to organise this cycling contest at such high level. Furthermore, special thanks to all sponsors and staff members who will cooperate on 28 March.