Women Elite race info

Course
As in previous editions, the peloton gets under way in Ypres, on 26 March. Under the imposing Menin Gate, out of respect for those who lost their lives in Flanders Fields, the race will be started not with a shot but with a flag. Last year, the women made their way through De Moeren for the first time. What’s more, the steepest side of the Kemmelberg was also on the menu for the first time. This will not be different during the 2023 edition, nor will the fact that the WW1 monuments take the racing story to an exceptional height. Last year, Elisa Balsamo let her rainbow jersey shine on the Vanackerestraat in Wevelgem. Who will succeed the world champion?
Start: Menin Gate in Ypres – 13:50
Finish: Vanackerestraat in Wevelgem - around 18:04
Distance: 162,5 km

Fan guide
Looking for all the practical information about Gent-Wevelgem? Then download our free fan guide below. In this guide, you can consult the timetable and road map, and you can also read all about mobility and the not-to-be-missed team presentations. Read on quickly and be prepared for the start!

Participants
Who will follow in the footsteps of Elisa Balsamo on Sunday 26 March? Discover below the provisional start list of the Women Elite for Gent-Wevelgem.
Results 2022
The 11th edition of Gent-Wevelgem for women had something new in store for the peloton. For the first time, the women rode from Ypres to the Moeren and the steep side of the Kemmelberg was also on the programme. At about 60 km from the finish line, a leading group appeared to form including Belgian champion and number one favourite Kopecky, but their story ended on the second climb of the Scherpenberg. The last and steepest passage on the Kemmelberg did not cause any separation and so the peloton moved on as a group to the finish in Wevelgem. There it was world champion Balsamo who had the sprint in hand and she let the rainbow jersey shine on the Vanackerestraat.

Programme
On Sunday 26 March, the Westhoek will be completely under the spell of Gent-Wevelgem. With seven races in Flanders Fields, there is plenty going on in both Ypres and Wevelgem. Discover the programme for a well-filled day of racing below.
The Grote Markt in Ypres will once again be the place to be on Sunday 26 March. After we have introduced all the professional teams one by one on the starting podium, we will fire the starting shot under the Menin Gate for a new edition of Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields. Ypres will be under the spell of cycling all day as, in addition to the professional races, five youth categories will also give their best in and around the City of Peace.
8:40: Start of the GP Andre Noyelle Men U19 at Menin Gate
9:00: Men Elite team presentation on the Grote Markt with Linde Merckpoel, Max Vryens and DJ ProudMich
10:00: Start of Kattekoers Ieper Men U23 at Menin Gate
10:00: Start of the Women U17 - local circuit in Boezinge (sub-municipality of Ypres)
10:50: Start of the Men Elite
11:45: Start of the Women U19 - local circuit in Boezinge (sub-municipality of Ypres)
12:10: Women Elite team presentation on the Grote Markt with Linde Merckpoel, Max Vryens and DJ ProudMich
13:50: Start of the Women Elite
14:30: Start of the Men U17 - local circuit in Boezinge (sub-municipality of Ypres)
16:14: Men Elite passage on the Grote Markt & race on big screens
17:26: Women Elite passage on the Grote Markt & race on big screens
On Friday 24 March you can attend the Gent-Wevelgem Opening night in the centre of Wevelgem:
- 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Registration of participants for the relay race
- 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Relay race for associations on an illuminated and decorated circuit
- 8:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Free ride for those who are not members of an association
- 9:15 p.m.: Podium award ceremony
- 9:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Drinks with music at Guldenbergplein
You can register for the relay race here.
On Saturday 25 March, it’s time for a ride steeped in history through Flanders’ fields. Do you fancy warming up the Kemmelberg and Plugstreets one day before the pros during the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo? Hurry up and sign up here!
Experience Gent-Wevelgem from the fan zone on the Guldenbergplein in Wevelgem on Sunday 26 March:
10:00: Opening of the fan zone Guldenbergplein
11:28: Passage through Moorsele Men Elite
11:38: Passage through Gullegem Men Elite
13:00: Balance bike competition
16:48: Earliest anticipated finish Men Elite
18:04: Earliest anticipated finish Women Elite
20:00: End of the Guldenbergplein programme
On Sunday 26 March, a day before Gent-Wevelgem, we are organising an Early riders balance bike competition in Wevelgem for the very youngest cycling talents. Would you like to give your son or daughter a unique experience in the professional setting of Gent-Wevelgem? We have four age categories:
- Boys born in 2018 or 2019
- Boys born in 2020 or 2021
- Girls born in 2018 or 2019
- Girls born in 2020 or 2021
The first balance bike race will start at 13:00. Those who are registered can sign in between 12:00 and 12:45 in the arrival zone on the Vanackerestraat in Wevelgem. Please note that wearing a helmet is mandatory for all participants. After the race, we will reward all the cyclists with a goodie bag, which they receive on the official Gent-Wevelgem podium.

Discover what we have in store to combine enjoyment and networking during Gent-Wevelgem 2023. Read on and discover our VIP formulas. Ready for an unforgettable experience in the middle of the race?

On Saturday 25 March, you can explore the circuit of the spring classic between Ypres and Wevelgem for yourself. Gent-Wevelgem Sportive is the ride where world history and sporting challenge go hand in hand. Register now and test your legs on the Kemmelberg, one day before the pros.
