Gent-Wevelgem, the second cobbled Classic of the season, will be held today (Sunday March 30) and here’s where you can watch it.
Sky Sports 3 will broadcast highlights of the 233km race in which Peter Sagan (Cannondale) will bid to win a second cobbled Classic in as many races with a successful defence of his title. The Slovak won the E3-Harelbeke race on Friday (28).
Sagan’s victory in the “sprinter’s classic” last year was marked by the now famous wheelie across the line into Wevelgem, and the Cannondale Pro Cycling leader is confident of a second victory.
There are a host hugely talented riders who will bid to stop him, however, including three-time winner, Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep).
Tornado Tom, who won all four cobbled Classics in 2012, had been a doubt for today’s race having injured his thumb on Friday, but a statement from OPQS confirmed his participation.
“Boonen suffered a strong contusion on his right thumb that caused him pain on the articulation. The thumb is swollen and he also has a stretched ligament,” a spokesman said.
“The medical staff taped his thumb this morning, and Boonen was able to go out for a ride with the rest of the team on Saturday, even with some soreness.
“Tom Boonen will be at the start tomorrow at Gent-Wevelgem. If it will be necessary after the race, Boonen will pass further examinations.”
Around 200 riders are expected to take the start in Deinze, with Fabian Cancellara (Trek), Geraint Thomas (Team Sky), and John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano), among the pre-race favourites.
The riders will tackle nine climbs, or ‘hellingen’, four of them twice, and all of them in the second half of the race.
Check back for a full report of the action.
Gent Wevelgem 2014
Highlights
Sunday March 30: Sky Sports 3 – 10.30pm
Monday March 31: Sky Sports 3 – 3am
