It is THAT week of the season, when Belgium becomes the focus of the cycling world and cobblestones are a feature of the racing action. As we approach the 107th edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, here is a gallery from one of the spring Classics.

The 2023 edition of Gent-Wevelgem provided yet another opportunity for the Jumbo-Visma team to showcase their strength.

– Photos by Stefano Sirotti

A celebration. A confirmation. And a familiar scene. Christophe Laporte and Wout van Aert arrive at the finish together with the rest of the riders nowhere in sight. The Frenchman took the win and the Belgian runner-up also celebrated a Classics conquest with a smile and sense of satisfaction.

Pro cycling has a notable yellow glow about it in 2023 with Jumbo-Visma dominating in stage races and Classics alike.

Gent-Wevelgem became a showcase race, another opportunity for WvA to demonstrate his class and enjoy the spoils of solid teamwork and supreme fitness. Laporte triumphed in the one-day Classic on Sunday 26 March 2023 and next Sunday he will be committed to van Aert’s quest for his maiden victory in the Ronde van Vlaanderen.

With a few days to go before The Big Race, we look back at some of the action on the Kemmelberg, a cobbled climb that featured three times in the 260.9km race last Sunday.

Below you can see a study of styles (and equipment, and clothing selection) as the riders wrestle their way up the gradient in the wet of a Belgian spring.

Stefano Sirotti captures the emotions of the crowd while the riders battle the elements on a day when two riders dominated and the rest found themselves racing for minor honours.

Caleb Ewan grimaces towards the rear of the field. He ended the race in 66th place.

Luke Durbridge was the best of the three Australians in the race: 62nd, almost six minutes behind Laporte and van Aert.

Anthony Turgis was the best placed of the TotalEnergies team, with his team-mate and three time winner of Gent-Wevelgem, Peter Sagan (1st in 2013, 2016 and 2018) well off the pace in 83rd, over 11 minutes behind the winner.

Mads Pedersen scored fifth place in Gent-Wevelgem with a custom-coloured Trek Madone.

The rendezvous with de Ronde awaits… what can Wout do this Sunday?