This morning, Flanders Classics and the municipality of Middelkerke announced a partnership for the next 10 years. From next year until 2035, the men's Gent-Wevelgem Elite will start from the Belgian coast: in Flanders Fields, from Middelkerke to Wevelgem. The women's race, held on the same day, will start and finish in Wevelgem. The Youth Day, scheduled in May, will remain in Ypres.

Mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker: "I am immensely proud that Middelkerke will host the start of Gent-Wevelgem for the coming years. Just look at the history, the phenomenal list of winners, and the extraordinary stories that make Gent-Wevelgem so special. For me, Gent-Wevelgem is Jacques Brel's poetry combined with the power of our honorary citizen Freddy Maertens and the grit of Briek Schotte. Top-level sport at its best, for me. Gent-Wevelgem has long been the embodiment of flesh and blood heroism, enthusiasm, and tragedy. It brings back wonderful memories of when we hosted the Belgian Championships in 2022. I can't wait to join the people of Middelkerke to offer cycling fans and cyclists a spectacular start to a true cycling festival."

Marc Descheemaecker, Sports Commissioner: "We are particularly grateful to the organizers for allowing us to add our touch of color to the start of this great classic. Gent-Wevelgem is the second most important race in Flanders. That says it all. From a sporting perspective, I expect fireworks because, in recent years, only the best have managed to win the race. But it's also a race full of fantastic twists and unforgettable characters. Who can forget Paolini's triumph, Vandenbroucke's ingenuity, Mattan's cunning? Gent-Wevelgem is a cycling story we all share. That Middelkerke is now a protagonist is simply fantastic."

Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics: "We are particularly pleased to announce the start of a long-term partnership today. We invest heavily in sustainable partnerships. The major change, a decade-long contract, and a shared commitment have prompted us to give the race a new official name: In Flanders Fields, from Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Of course, Gent-Wevelgem will continue to be called that given its history, but in this way, we further emphasize the unique DNA of this race. A new chapter is opening, which we eagerly await."

Women in Wevelgem, Youth in Ypres
From 2026, the women's race will start and finish in Wevelgem. "The UCI sets maximum distances for women's races, and we are bound by these limits," explains Van Den Spiegel. "This makes a start from Middelkerke impossible for women. For many years, we have felt at home in Wevelgem and have built a solid and lasting partnership with the mayor, municipal council, and local services. With women now starting from there, the city's cycling festival takes on an extra dimension."

From 2024, Flanders Classics will bring together youth races for U17 (boys and girls), U19 (boys and girls), and U23 (boys) in a special Youth Day in May. "That Youth Day will continue to have its venue in Ypres," Van Den Spiegel confirmed. "We are particularly grateful for the support received from Ypres in recent years and for their constant commitment to cultivating tomorrow's talents. And so, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, we will again organize 5 youth races in the shadow of the Cloth Hall."

A Route Linked to World War I History
With Middelkerke as the new starting point for men, the route will have a completely renewed appearance. The climbs of Moeren, Kemmelberg, and Plugstreets will, however, maintain their usual place in the race. "Work on the final route is still ongoing. One thing is certain: the Great War will always remain deeply connected to this race. The goal is also to maintain the passage through the center of Ypres in the final part of the race. This race is steeped in world history, which gives it a truly unparalleled identity in the cycling world. It's an aspect we will continue to work on," concludes Van Den Spiegel. The women's route will also change, with start and finish in Wevelgem. More details on all final routes will follow in the lead-up to the races.