Oscar Freire takes revenge

Gent-Wevelgem reunites the best classic cyclists since the very beginning.

Every year the cycle race is an exceptional event. Surely everybody remembers how Marcus Burghardt started under a red flag last year. The fierce reaction of the triple champion Oscar Freire came too late. This way we have a second German champion, after Andreas Klier.

There are only few or no other classic cyclist tours which can be proud of such an international champions list.

The biggest champions have won once or several times Gent-Wevelgem : Briek Schotte, Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx, Walter Godefroot, Francesco Moser, Sean Kelly, Mario Cipollini, Tom Boonen…

We only mention some names … the others can be found in the complete honour list.

Specific tour cyclists, such as Jacques Anquetil an Bernard Hinault, have won this tour as well.

The development of this classic tour Gent-Wevelgem would not have been possible without the numerous efforts of the founders Gerard Margodt and especially Georges Matthys.

Both have passed away at an advantaged age. They have organised Gent-Wevelgem for the first time in 1934 …

Their task was taken over by the 10 members of the organising committee ‘Het Vliegend Wiel’. In 1982 Luc Gheysens took over the presidency of Georges Matthys.

Till 1994 the organising newspaper was the unique sponsor. From 1995 onwards, Bernard Langedock, secretary, together wit the complete committee of ‘Het Vliegend Wiel’ have put all their efforts in the course. Without their continuous support Gent-Wevelgem would not be the same today.


At last I would like to thank our faithful sponsors and especially the municipality of Wevelgem, which through the years has contributed (and not only financially) to the success of this course. Our previous mayor, Gilbert Seynhaeve, was a fierce supporter. Our current mayor, Jan Seynhaeve, has taken over this passion and continues this mission together with the municipal council. They deserve our greatest esteem.

When the world cup was replaced by the ProTour in 2005, Gent-Wevelgem was nominated immediately.

As a ProTour competition Gent-Wevelgem belongs to the worlds cycling top.

The participation in the ProTour accelerated the renewal and the professionalism of the organisation of Gent-Wevelgem.

This innovation can be found in a new logo and a new style of Gent-Wevelgem in 2008.

Next to this the organisation also took a big interest in the security of the cyclists.

In order to limit the risk of falls when descending the Mount Kemmel, this year a special alternative asphalted road has been chosen, especially rearranged by the municipality of Heuvelland. There has been a more selective choice of track as well.

We hope to meet you at one of our hospitality events; at the start in Deinze, on the Mount Kemmel, at the arrival or somewhere along the track.

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