Cobblestones and Climbs Await in Dwars door Vlaanderen 

Cobblestones and Climbs Await in Dwars door Vlaanderen

On Wednesday, April 2^nd, AG Insurance – Soudal lines up for Dwars door Vlaanderen, a classic that is often seen as the perfect dress rehearsal for the Tour of Flanders. With a mix of short, sharp climbs and cobbled sections, it promises to be an exciting and challenging race once again.

The riders face a 128.5-kilometre course, starting and finishing in Waregem. The peloton will roll out from the Hippodrome in Waregem, passing through towns such as Oudenaarde, Anzegem, and Ronse. Along the way, they will tackle seven climbs, including the Hotond and Nokereberg, and five cobbled sectors, such as the Holleweg and Maria Borrestraat.

AG Insurance – Soudal heads to the start line with a strong line-up: Julia Borgström, Justine Ghekiere, Marthe Goossens, Anya Louw, Fauve Bastiaenssen, and Gladys Verhulst – Wild will proudly defend the team colours in this demanding midweek classic.

Last weekend, Gladys Verhulst – Wild sprinted to a strong ninth place in Gent-Wevelgem, after a committed performance by the whole team.

Sports director Fien Delbaere looks ahead to the race: “The course is slightly different compared to last year – the Kanarieberg is no longer included and in the final we now tackle the Eikenberg instead of Ladeuze. That makes the race a bit more open, with wider roads between the climbs, which could allow things to come back together more easily. I expect some big names at the start, but looking at our team, we have two strong cards with Justine and Gladys. Justine can go on the attack and try to get into a break, while Gladys is our option for a sprint – as she showed again in Wevelgem. It will be important for her to stay up there on the climbs. Supporting them we have Marthe, Fauve, Julia and Anya – four riders who always work selflessly for the team. I expect them to do the same again and help bring Justine and Gladys as far as possible. The weather looks good, and the wind might play a role in the final – so I’m looking forward to an exciting race.”