88th In Flanders Fields Race Set for March 29

Cyclists from around the world are set to compete in the 88th edition of a storied Belgian one-day classic on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as the men's and women's fields tackle the renamed In Flanders Fields race from Middelkerke to Wevelgem. The event, previously known as Gent-Wevelgem, draws top UCI WorldTour contenders over demanding cobbled terrain in the Flanders region, with the outcome hinging on whether breakaways succeed on the climbs or sprinters dominate the flat finale.

The race begins in Middelkerke on Belgium's North Sea coast, marking a shift from recent starts in Ypres, before covering approximately 240 kilometers for the men through the historic Flanders Fields area. Riders will face eight climbs, including three ascents of the iconic Kemmelberg cobbled hill, with the final one 35 kilometers from the Wevelgem finish line. Unpaved sectors like the Plugstreets add disruption, potentially creating gaps, while a flat run-in allows chasing groups to regroup for a bunch sprint. The women's route follows a similar structure, emphasizing survival on the Heuvelland climbs and Kemmelberg before the decisive finale.

Organizers renamed the event In Flanders Fields to honor the...