Bahrain Victorious Set for “In Flanders Fields”

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Victorious takes on the Belgian cobbled classic “In Flanders Fields. From Middelkerke to Wevelgem” today, a 241 km UCI WorldTour one-day race previously known as Gent–Wevelgem. The race starts on the North Sea coast in Middelkerke for the first time, with the opening 70 km forming a completely new and exposed section.

Sports Director Michał Gołaś outlined the team’s approach: “The first part of the race is completely new and mostly exposed. Windy conditions can make the race demanding from the start, but our focus will be on conserving the leaders’ energy for the second part. The race will then pass through the echelon-prone area of De Moeren before heading inland towards the hilly zone. It will be a very exposed first 130 km, so positioning into De Moeren (km 76) will be crucial. We need to commit as a team early on, as the wind can really change the dynamics of the race.”

After De Moeren, the course returns to a familiar profile, featuring the climbs of Scherpenberg, Baneberg, Monteberg, and three ascents of the Kemmelberg, along with three gravel sectors.

Gołaś added: “Our plan is to position our leaders, Alec Segaert and Matej Mohorič, well before the first climbs and gravel sectors, and then follow the key moves. The climbs around the Kemmelberg will shape the final selection. We should try to anticipate the decisive move before the last Kemmelberg. It’s important to stay calm and fight until the end. The last 30 kilometres are almost flat, and with a tail-crosswind the speed will be very high, reducing the chances for groups to come back together.”

Segaert will lead the team with Mohorič as co-leader, supported by debutants Borgo, Skerl, Stockwell, and Miquel. Gołaś highlighted:

“For Pau, it will be one of his first experiences on Belgian roads, but if he makes it to the final and the race comes down to a reduced sprint, he could have his opportunity. While Skerl and Stockwell will support from the start, Borgo alongside Gradek will support in the second part of the race.”