Gent-Wevelgem Now Called In Flanders Fields - From Middelkerke To Wevelgem
Gent-Wevelgem Now Called In Flanders Fields - From Middelkerke To Wevelgem
The 2026 Flanders Classics schedule resumes March 29 with In Flanders Fields, the new name of Gent-Wevelgem. There will be a men’s race and a women’s race.
‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet’ – William Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet
After almost a century of history and tradition, one of the world’s most iconic springtime bike races has a new name for 2026, but there’s no reason to think anything will change when it comes to the prestige and drama.
Beginning with the upcoming edition on March 29, the cobbled classic formerly known as Gent-Wevelgem will continue its legacy as In Flanders Fields - From Middelkerke to Wevelgem.
The race will be contested for the 78th time, and as the name notes, the day will take the riders from Middelkerke, through Flanders Fields, and into Wevelgem. And the 240.8-kilometer trek will unfold live on FloBikes and the FloSports app for viewers in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada.
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In Flanders Fields was held for the first time in 1934, and since 2020, the men’s race has started under the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, a war memorial dedicated to soldiers who were killed in Flanders Fields during World War I.
The timing of the name change comes with the announcement of a long-term agreement that will have the race starting in Middelkerke.
The start from Ypres actually was 80 kilometers west of Gent. The new starting line is 40 kilometers north of Ypres and on the Belgian coast. The last time the race actually started in Gent was 2003.
The men’s race, featuring 25 teams of seven riders, will get underway at approximately 5 a.m. Eastern and is expected to end around 10 a.m. EDT.
The 15th running of the women’s race, held for the first time in 2012 (and added to the Women’s World Tour calendar in 2016), will take the spotlight on the afternoon of March 29 and will get going at 8:10 a.m. Eastern and finish around 11:45 a.m. EDT.
The women will ride 134.9 kilometers, starting and finishing in Vanackerestraat in Wevelgem. In 2025, the women’s race featured 24 teams of six riders.
In Flanders Fields – Men’s History
Seven riders in history, including two-time defending champion Mads Pedersen of Denmark, have won the men’s race three times each – Robert Van Eenaeme (1936, 1937, 1945), Rik Van Looy (1956, 1957, 1962), Eddy Merckx (1967, 1970, 1973), Mario Cipolloni (1992, 1993, 2002) Tom Boonen (2004, 2011, 2012), Peter Sagan (2013, 2016, 2018) and Pedersen (2020, 2024, 2025).
In 2022, sprinter Biniam Girmay became the first African to win the event.
Will Pedersen be back in 2026 to become the race’s first four-time winner?
To see the complete routes and entry lists for the 2026 men’s race, click here.
In Flanders Fields – Women’s History
Great Britain’s Lizzie Armistead won the inaugural edition of the women’s race, while Kirsten Wild of the Netherlands became the first rider to win two times, claiming the top spot in 2013 and 2019.
Lorena Wiebes of the Netherlands matched Wild’s feat last year when she edged Italy’s Elisa Balsamo in a sprint finish. It was the 100th career win for Wiebes and the seventh win for the Netherlands in 14 editions of the race.
As with the men’s race, history is possible for the women in 2026, too. Can Wiebes become the first three-time winner?
To see the complete routes and entry lists, click here.
Schedule For The 2026 In Flanders Fields - Men (Gent-Wevelgem)
The men’s race will begin at approximately 5 a.m. Eastern and finish around 10 a.m. FloBikes coverage will start at 7:45 a.m. EDT.
How To Watch The 2026 In Flanders Fields - Men (Gent-Wevelgem)
The 2026 In Flanders Fields - Men (Gent-Wevelgem) is streaming on FloBikes and the FloSports app for viewers in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada.
Highlights, replays and breaking news will be available on both platforms.
Schedule For The 2026 In Flanders Fields - Women (Gent-Wevelgem)
The women’s race will begin at approximately 8:10 a.m. Eastern and finish around 11:45 a.m. FloBikes coverage will start at 9:40 a.m. EST.
How To Watch The 2026 In Flanders Fields - Women (Gent-Wevelgem)
The 2026 In Flanders Fields - Women (Gent-Wevelgem) is streaming on FloBikes and the FloSports app for viewers in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada.
Highlights, replays and breaking news will be available on both platforms.
What Are The Races On The Flanders Classics Schedule?
- Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (Men & Women; Saturday, Feb. 28)
- In Flanders Fields (Men & Women; Sunday, March 29)
- Dwars door Vlaanderen (Men & Women; Wednesday, April 1)
- Tour of Flanders (Men & Women; Sunday, April 5)
- Scheldeprijs (Men & Women; Wednesday, April 8)
- De Brabantse Pijl (Men & Women; Friday, April 17)
Added to the calendar in 2025 and back in 2026:
- Ronde van Limburg (Thursday, March 27)
- Amstel Gold Race (Sunday, April 19)
- Brussels Cycling Classic (Sunday, June 7)
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FloBikes Archived Footage
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