It wasn't exactly a seriously cobbled race yesterday. Gent-Wevelgem doesn't dish out the same kind of punishment as its neighbors on the calendar. But when it decides to turn ugly... Seriously, are those stones just sitting there? Faaaantastic.
More from Patrick on the Kemmelberg! On the flip...
It was a lovely day of racing out in West Flanders Sunday. Lizzie Armistead took the sprint in Wevelgem; here she is climbing earlier:
Before there were cobbles (and after too), there were big pelotons on smooth roads:
Past editions have featured earlier action, but today very little happened before the race reached the Kemmelberg. Here's your early break on their way up during the first passage:
Anders Lund and Jon Izagirre would be on the loose still during the second passing. Here's the chase, led by Pippo's Farnese Vini squad:
And some more early passengers... Cav, Eisel and a Sicilian guy:
Man who needs no introduction:
The second passing was a little less comfortable. Here's Van Avermaet having a dig:
Ouch:
Cancellara keeps a close eye on Boonen:
Breschel was special after all:
All photos by Patrick Verhoest for the Podium Cafe