Wind and rain forecast for Gent-Wevelgem

Gusty winds and rain showers are forecast on Sunday in Belgium during the men’s and women’s Gent-Wevelgem, which could have a dramatic impact on the races.

The Gent-Wevelgem courses feature many exposed sections, particularly the roads through De Moeren where crosswinds have wreaked havoc on this race and the Classic Brugge-De Panne in years gone by.

Though the climbs and cobbles are the main features in Gent-Wevelgem, crosswinds could be equally decisive, especially if teams race aggressively in them. Any splits in the first half of the day could very quickly become difficult to close, as gaps usually are in these long, testing Classics.

• Read more: Spring Classics 2024: Essential guide to the races and riders

On Sunday, north westerly winds of up to 28kph are forecast around Wevelgem and West Flanders, with gusts up to 60kph possible during the day, possibly even higher near the coast and De Moeren.

In terms of precipitation, showers are forecast during the morning, with the chances of rain lower in the afternoon, but if the cobbles get wet at any point in the day, they could remain slippery for both the races with little sun or warmth to dry the roads.

There is even a chance of hail or thunderstorms, though this is a smaller possibility according to most forecasters.

Read more:

• Gent Wevelgem Men preview
• Gent Wevelgem Women preview

Temperatures are expected to be in the realm of 9º Celsius, but it will feel colder in the wind and any rain, and it’s expected to be a largely cloudy day with only a few spells of sunshine to brighten the day.

If the weather is particularly inclement, not only could wind and rain affect the racing with echelons or crashes, but cold and wet conditions will make the two already brutally long races even more attritional

With sprinters like Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier and Lorena Wiebes all on the start lists for Sunday, plenty of teams will be interested in keeping the race somewhat together, but the weather could play into the hands of the more opportunistic and aggressive riders.

Gent - Wevelgem

• Dates 24 Mar
• Race Length 253 kms
• Start Ypres
• Finish Wevelgem
• Race Category Elite Men