Wevelgem Secures Ghent-Wevelgem Finish for Next Six Years
Wevelgem will continue to play host to the finish of the Ghent-Wevelgem cycling classic for the next six years, with financial commitments between €310,000 and €330,000 for the period from 2026 to 2031. Mayor Jan Seynhaeve confirmed that the agreements also encompass additional races, ensuring the city remains a significant cycling center, reports 24brussels.
According to VRT News, Wevelgem, located in West Flanders, Belgium, will maintain its status as the finish line for the cycling classic. The Vanackerestraat, crossing point for champion cyclists such as former Danish world champion Mads Pedersen and European champion Lorena Wiebes, will remain the site for both men’s and women’s events.
The previous contract, which concluded after the 2025 race, has been renewed. Over the last six years, Wevelgem contributed €300,000 annually, a figure that was elevated in 2019. Under the new arrangement, the city will pay €310,000 for the races in 2026 and 2027, followed by increments to €320,000 for 2028 and 2029, and ultimately €330,000 for 2030 and 2031. Mayor Seynhaeve (CD&V) noted that this increase serves as an indexation to accommodate inflation and the race’s rising prominence.
Why Wevelgem is Vital for Cycling Events
The renewed contract stipulates that the race’s peloton must pass through Moorsele and Gullegem after starting in Ypres. However, Ypres has not yet confirmed its role as the starting city for the next six years. Should Ypres withdraw, organizers will have to identify a suitable alternative that maintains the event’s tradition. Mayor Seynhaeve emphasized that any new starting point must fulfill the race’s standards while providing visibility and economic benefits for the area.
“And if the organizers come up with another alternative, it can only be done with our approval,”
In the event of a more distant starting point, Seynhaeve suggested that the women’s race could initiate there instead.
“If the starting point is further away, the riders won’t have to ride through our municipalities anymore, but then the women’s race can start there as an alternative.”
Preserving its role as the finish line was paramount for Wevelgem, according to Seynhaeve. The event, which has been held since the 1930s, has evolved, enhancing its significance over the years. Competition quality has improved, allowing for an unlimited number of first-class riders to participate, with live broadcasts available every Sunday.
Additionally, Wevelgem has established agreements with organizers of three other cycling events: Gullegem Koerse, Cyclocross Gullegem, and Moorsele Koerse. Financial arrangements and terms for these races are set for the next six years.
All agreements are expected to receive formal approval from the city council in the coming week, with plans for the municipality to host 15 cycling competitions next year. This strategic planning positions Wevelgem as a prominent cycling hub for the foreseeable future.
“Everything will be formally approved by the city council next week. Next year, there will be 15 cycling races in our area. So we will remain a cycling municipality for years to come,”
Since its inception in 1934, the Wevelgem race, officially named Gent-Wevelgem, has developed into one of Belgium’s most esteemed one-day cycling events, traditionally occurring in late March. Throughout the decades, Wevelgem has diversified its cycling calendar, adding events such as Gullegem Koerse, first held in 1943, along with Cyclocross Gullegem and Moorsele Koerse, tracing back to the mid-20th century.
