MattTuck
11-28-2016, 01:33 PM
To me, this has a bit of a 'jumping on the bandwagon' feel to it. Gravel is king right now, I suppose, but this smells more like a gimmick. If it ends up bringing more attention to WWI memorials (as is the stated goal), then I can get on board with it. The link below has a video which shows the roads. In the spring, I hope they are in decent condition.
Not that the racing calendar has time for it, but I'd prefer to see Spanish organizers build a 1 day alternate surface race. Now that Strade Bianche is firmly entrenched, Spain should try to develop a one day race with its own personality.
In part to pay homage to nearby World War I battlegrounds, the peloton will face three sectors totaling 5.2km of unpaved farm roads in between the two passages over the emblematic Kemmelberg climb on “green roads” called “plugstreets.” The new sectors, which could be treacherous if rain turns conditions muddy, come with about 60km to go to the finish line.
“Integrating this strip between the two Kemmel climbs will provide additional nervousness,” said race director Hans de Clercq. “There will be less opportunity to recover. The [race] won’t be won here, but the chaff will be further separated from the wheat.”
http://www.velonews.com/2016/11/news/gent-wevelgem-route-gets-dirty-with-green-roads_425269
Not that the racing calendar has time for it, but I'd prefer to see Spanish organizers build a 1 day alternate surface race. Now that Strade Bianche is firmly entrenched, Spain should try to develop a one day race with its own personality.
In part to pay homage to nearby World War I battlegrounds, the peloton will face three sectors totaling 5.2km of unpaved farm roads in between the two passages over the emblematic Kemmelberg climb on “green roads” called “plugstreets.” The new sectors, which could be treacherous if rain turns conditions muddy, come with about 60km to go to the finish line.
“Integrating this strip between the two Kemmel climbs will provide additional nervousness,” said race director Hans de Clercq. “There will be less opportunity to recover. The [race] won’t be won here, but the chaff will be further separated from the wheat.”
http://www.velonews.com/2016/11/news/gent-wevelgem-route-gets-dirty-with-green-roads_425269