Team Visma | Lease a Bike heads to Middelkerke-Wevelgem with confidence
The Flemish classic season is in full swing, and with Middelkerke-Wevelgem, another classic is on the calendar. Team Visma | Lease a Bike lines up with a strong and versatile squad and is determined to play a leading role once again. A preview with sports director Maarten Wynants.
In Flanders Fields – from Middelkerke to Wevelgem, formerly “Gent-Wevelgem” – is set for its 88th edition. The Flemish spring classic covers 240 kilometers and features eight climbs in a challenging finale. Team Visma | Lease a Bike has won two of the last five editions. Former winners Wout van Aert and Christophe Laporte are once again at the start this year.
Middelkerke-Wevelgem begins with a flat opening phase. The passage through De Moeren, where the wind has free rein, traditionally marks a first key moment in the race. After that, the peloton heads toward the hill zone, where several steep climbs follow each other in quick succession. The double ascent of the Kemmelberg often proves decisive.
"We can play out multiple scenarios, and that gives us confidence"
Sports director Wynants is confident in his riders: “We have a strong team with riders who can compete for the win. With Wout and Christophe, we have two former winners at the start who can rely on their experience. We also have a strong asset in Matthew Brennan if it comes down to a sprint. We can play out multiple scenarios, and that gives us confidence. Middelkerke-Wevelgem is an unpredictable race, and that makes it even more exciting. We are motivated to fight for the victory.”
