This spring, the women will be presented with a more difficult course in Gent-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders and the Waalse Pijl. Why? And won’t the women’s races be too heavy? Sporza listened to some important players in women’s cycling.
The introduction of the Koppenberg in the Tour of Flanders. The steep side of the Kemmelberg and De Moeren in Gent-Wevelgem. And 3 instead of 2 climbs of the Wall of Huy in the Walloon Arrow.
The classics in women’s cycling are getting a facelift this season. The degree of gravity increases sharply.
Why are women’s races being made heavier?
“We felt that the demand for heavier courses was present in the women’s peloton,” says Annelore Cleuren of the Flanders Classics communication service, which has Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders in its portfolio.
“In addition, women’s cycling has made huge strides in recent years. More races are on the calendar, the number of WorldTour teams is expanding from 9 to 14 and women’s teams are better and better framed. We want to evolve with women’s cycling with our races. .”
“With these course changes, we are also focusing on sport-technical equality between men and women. We want women to have the opportunity to race on the iconic Flemish slopes, just like the men.”
Former rider and analyst Ine Beyen is a fan of the course changes. “The fans will have more points of recognition thanks to the similarities between men’s and women’s competitions. That will also be an argument from the organisers.”
“The demand for a heavier course comes from women’s platoon”
Are heavier women’s races less attractive?
Belgian champion Lotte Kopecky applauds the tougher courses. “In the Tour of Flanders, the race was often locked because we were sometimes presented with fairly long sections between the hills.”
“As a result, the Tour of Flanders lost in difficulty. Because of the Koppenberg we will now have a harder course.”
Is a dance of dying swans 35 km from the finish publicity for women’s cycling?
Griet Langedock (until last year involved in the organization of Gent-Wevelgem) fears that the women’s races will become too tough.
“There is a chance that the race will now remain closed for a long time. But the reverse is also possible, namely that the game falls into a definitive fold early in the final.”
“The ascent along the steep side of the Kemmelberg. How many women will be able to handle it in a beautiful and sporty way after a tough race? Is a dance of dying swans 35 km from the finish publicity for women’s cycling?”, Langedock asks, chairman of Cycling Vlaanderen’s women’s cycling committee, wonders.
“I was in contact with some riders. They are afraid that people will race with fear. A race where cyclists sit on their bikes with fear is never a nice race.”
Conclusion: “Worth a try, riders still make the race”
Lotte Kopecky certainly wants to give the trend towards more difficult courses a chance. “Any change can be positive, so it’s definitely worth a try.”
“I think the time is right for it,” adds Ine Beyen. “There are now also more riders who have the opportunity to focus 100 percent on their sport.”
“A more difficult course or not? They are still the riders who make the race”, concludes Griet Langedock.
