the essentials The Belgian event, a one-day race, takes place in the absence of Christophe Laporte and Wout Van Aert, untouchable a year ago. World champion Mathieu van Der Poel therefore has the means to succeed them.
We will have to do without them. Christophe Laporte and Wout Van Aert, magnificent “brothers in arms” from the battlefields of “Flanders Fields” 2023, arriving alone, hand in hand, with an unforgettable gift from the Belgian to his French friend, will only be conspicuous by their absence today today. The outgoing winner has not recovered from the intestinal problems which spoiled his San Remo and his leader is in limbo; he will return on Wednesday to “À Travers la Flanders” four days before his first big objective of the season, the Ronde.
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For the sixtieth anniversary of the first French victory (Jacques Anquetil), and following the debacle of E3 (Olivier Le Gac… 39th), it is difficult to imagine a new French success in Wevelgem. We will perhaps have to settle for an “almost compatriot”, Mathieu Van der Poel, the grandson of Raymond Poulidor, who has ample means to add the event to his calling card. Jasper Philipsen will ride alongside him.
Ghent-Wevelgem 2024 and to follow from 1:45 p.m. on La Chaîne L’Equipe and Eurosport 2.
