Gent-Wevelgem History: Gent-Wevelgem is a true Classic where anything can happen. This Sunday the sprinters might have it their way, or will a late attack group take the day? Whoever wins, he adds his name to a list of top riders who have been first over the finish-line in Wevelgem.*** You can see the ‘PEZ 2025 Gent-Wevelgem Preview’ HERE. ***Sep Vanmarcke Unveils the secrets of the Kemmelberg | Gent-Wevelgem Insider’s GuideThe first Gent-Wevelgem was on 9th of September, 1934 and Gustave Van Belle was the solo winner after 120 flat kilometres, he won with a lead of 20 seconds. In those days Gent-Wevelgem was organised for amateur riders by the newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen and Wevelgem was selected for the finish because it was the home town of the events first owner, local textile manufacturer Georges Matthijs. The race was originally run as a tribute to Gaston Rebry, a native of Wevelgem, who was one of the stars of cycling in Belgium in the 1930s.Gaston RebryThe 1936 the race distance was increased to 168km and Robert Van Eenaeme won. The race didnt run during the Second World War, but when it made its return in 1945 as a race for professionals, it was Robert Van Eenaeme who won again. It took ten days for the final result to be announced as the officials needed a closer inspected of the photo finish. Gaston Rebry was by then president of Het Vliegend Wiel and the race director. In 1947 GentWevelgem was given…
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