Henderson hopes to continue good run at Gent-Wevelgem
Team Jumbo-Visma Women will participate in the twelfth edition of Gent-Wevelgem next weekend. Anna Henderson will make her third appearance at the Belgian semi-classic, considered the ultimate preparation race for the Tour of Flanders. Henderson is determined to play an important role in Sunday's final.
Henderson has fond memories of Ghent-Wevelgem. Teammate Marianne Vos won in 2021 and placed second the following year. "As a team, we have done well here in recent years. Marianne is unfortunately not with us this weekend, but we expect to be able to compete for the win with a youthful group."
Gent-Wevelgem traditionally starts under the 'Menenpoort' in Ieper and finishes more than 162 kilometres later in Wevelgem. Along the way, there are seven climbs, the last of which is the Kemmelberg. "I expect the Kemmelberg to play an important role."
The top of this climb is about 30 kilometres from the finish. The rest of the stage is mostly flat. "This race usually ends in a sprint, but the weather report indicates it will be pretty windy on Sunday. So I won't be surprised if there are some breakaways. We always have to be on our guard and help each other out.
"With our qualities, we should be able to finish in the top 10"
According to Henderson, there will be no outspoken leader. "We want to do well as a team and play a significant role in the final. With our qualities, we should be able to finish in the top 10."
Henderson is off to a strong start this season. She has already placed in the top ten twice, tenth at the Tour of Drenthe and eighth at Nokere Koerse. "I'm happy with the way things are going so far. In the upcoming races, I hope to keep up this pace."
Teuntje Beekhuis, Noemi Rüegg, Coryn Labecki, Karlijn Swinkels and Eva van Agt join Henderson on Team Jumbo-Visma's women's squad for the Flemish semi-classic.
