<figure ><img title="2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini" src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/26_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7282-320x213.jpg"/><p></p></figure>
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</div><div class="marquee marquee-365054"><ul class="slider" id="post-slider-secondary"><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/1_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6315.jpg"title="The few and the brave weathered the storm to line the start barriers in Deinze for the day's race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/1_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6315-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Brave fans
</h2><div><p>The few and the brave weathered the storm to line the start barriers in Deinze for the day's race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/2_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6070.jpg"title="On their way to the sign-in stage, Ag2r La Mondiale riders tried to keep their sneakers dry. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/2_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6070-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Ag2r La Mondiale
</h2><div><p>On their way to the sign-in stage, Ag2r La Mondiale riders tried to keep their sneakers dry. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/3_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6441.jpg"title="Well under the radar, eventual race winner Luca Paolini took his time getting to the start stage, avoiding the rain as much as possible. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/3_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6441-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini before the start
</h2><div><p>Well under the radar, eventual race winner Luca Paolini took his time getting to the start stage, avoiding the rain as much as possible. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/4_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6589.jpg"title="The line-up in Denize offered the riders no relief from what lay ahead on the parcours &mdash; this year's E3 Harelbeke winner Geraint Thomas (Sky) collected himself moments before the start. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/4_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6589-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Thomas gets focused
</h2><div><p>The line-up in Denize offered the riders no relief from what lay ahead on the parcours — this year's E3 Harelbeke winner Geraint Thomas (Sky) collected himself moments before the start. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/5_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5486.jpg"title="The 2015 edition of Gent-Wevelgem will be remembered for the impossible winds and the massive dairy farm protests that took place along three points in the race course. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/5_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5486-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Farmers
</h2><div><p>The 2015 edition of Gent-Wevelgem will be remembered for the impossible winds and the massive dairy farm protests that took place along three points in the race course. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/6_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0571.jpg"title="The peloton reached one of the first of many long and gusty straightaways on the course that would force the group into endless echelons and scattered disarray. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/6_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0571-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Echelons forming
</h2><div><p>The peloton reached one of the first of many long and gusty straightaways on the course that would force the group into endless echelons and scattered disarray. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/7_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0711.jpg"title="Riding into a constant stream of head-on rain and fierce crosswinds, many of the race favorites took whatever shelter they could within the bunch. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/7_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0711-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Peloton
</h2><div><p>Riding into a constant stream of head-on rain and fierce crosswinds, many of the race favorites took whatever shelter they could within the bunch. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/8_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0852.jpg"title="The peloton reached the base of the Diksmuide bridge where they would pass the IJzertoren memorial, which commemorates the Belgian soldiers killed on the Yser Front during World War I. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/8_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0852-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Peloton approaches Diksmuide bridge
</h2><div><p>The peloton reached the base of the Diksmuide bridge where they would pass the IJzertoren memorial, which commemorates the Belgian soldiers killed on the Yser Front during World War I. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/9_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6778.jpg"title="The marshy flatlands of De Moeren &mdash; the westernmost point on the course &mdash; is known for its strong crosswinds even on a normal day. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/9_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6778-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: De Moeren
</h2><div><p>The marshy flatlands of De Moeren — the westernmost point on the course — is known for its strong crosswinds even on a normal day. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/10_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0967.jpg"title="The front of the peloton struggled to stay upright in the winds at the tail-end of de Moeren while even the race motorbikes leaned into the winds. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/10_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0967-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Fighting the wind
</h2><div><p>The front of the peloton struggled to stay upright in the winds at the tail-end of de Moeren while even the race motorbikes leaned into the winds. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/11_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6888.jpg"title="Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge) was one of several riders who were swept off the road in de Moeren. While his bike was pulled from the swampy shoulder, he received medical attention from the race paramedic team. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/11_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6888-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Durbridge crash
</h2><div><p>Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge) was one of several riders who were swept off the road in de Moeren. While his bike was pulled from the swampy shoulder, he received medical attention from the race paramedic team. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/12_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6898.jpg"title="The face of Lars Bak (after crashing in de Moeren) clearly summed up the day so far. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/12_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6898-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Lars Bak
</h2><div><p>The face of Lars Bak (after crashing in de Moeren) clearly summed up the day so far. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/13_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1115.jpg"title="Bradley Wiggins (Sky) leaned into the winds in the last stretches of de Moeren, he would eventually abandon the race before the midway point. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/13_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1115-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Wiggins
</h2><div><p>Bradley Wiggins (Sky) leaned into the winds in the last stretches of de Moeren, he would eventually abandon the race before the midway point. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/14_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6930.jpg"title="Maciej Bodnar looked down the road as the end of the race disappeared into he distance. He managed to get a bike change from Tinkoff-Saxo staff and get back on the road. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/14_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6930-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Bodnar gets a new bike
</h2><div><p>Maciej Bodnar looked down the road as the end of the race disappeared into he distance. He managed to get a bike change from Tinkoff-Saxo staff and get back on the road. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/15_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5546.jpg"title="As the winds blew the peloton apart, fans hunkered down to wait for the race in a warm tavern at the top of Cassel, just across the French border. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/15_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5546-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Cassel tavern
</h2><div><p>As the winds blew the peloton apart, fans hunkered down to wait for the race in a warm tavern at the top of Cassel, just across the French border. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/16_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5561.jpg"title="Having caught the break, the front of the race arrived at the first portal to Cassel at 120 kilometers into the race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/16_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5561-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Cassel
</h2><div><p>Having caught the break, the front of the race arrived at the first portal to Cassel at 120 kilometers into the race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/17_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1732.jpg"title="The peloton, now whittled down to almost one-quarter of its original size, climbed up into Cassel again, passing through the iconic Porte d'Aire. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/17_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1732-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Porte d'Aire
</h2><div><p>The peloton, now whittled down to almost one-quarter of its original size, climbed up into Cassel again, passing through the iconic Porte d'Aire. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/18_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5993.jpg"title="Up on the Kemmelberg, the fans were few and far between due to the cold rain and wind &mdash; and those that prevailed stood in the mud that the Flanders classics have not seen in many years. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/18_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5993-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Kemmelberg mud
</h2><div><p>Up on the Kemmelberg, the fans were few and far between due to the cold rain and wind — and those that prevailed stood in the mud that the Flanders classics have not seen in many years. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/19_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5756.jpg"title="With so few riders left in the race, attacks were expected, and Maarten Tjallingii (LottoNL-Jumbo) launched a solo move just before the first climb up the Kemmel. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/19_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5756-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Tjallingii solo
</h2><div><p>With so few riders left in the race, attacks were expected, and Maarten Tjallingii (LottoNL-Jumbo) launched a solo move just before the first climb up the Kemmel. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/20_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7113.jpg"title="Having made his escape on the Catsberg, Tjallingii reached the summit of the Kemmelberg at kilometer 160. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/20_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7113-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Tjallingii solo
</h2><div><p>Having made his escape on the Catsberg, Tjallingii reached the summit of the Kemmelberg at kilometer 160. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/21_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2026.jpg"title="The chase group was not far behind Tjallingii but clearly showed the strains of the day. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/21_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2026-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: The chase
</h2><div><p>The chase group was not far behind Tjallingii but clearly showed the strains of the day. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/22_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6087.jpg"title="Fans couldn't ask for a more animated race on the Kemmel as Sep Vanmarcke climbed the wet cobbles. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/22_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6087-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Vanmarcke climbs
</h2><div><p>Fans couldn't ask for a more animated race on the Kemmel as Sep Vanmarcke climbed the wet cobbles. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/23_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5986.jpg"title="Team staff peppered the race course throughout the day &mdash; offering spare wheels, warm bottles, and assistance. Once their man Tjallingii had escaped, the LottoNL-Jumbo staff watched the live feed between passes of the Kemmelberg. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/23_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5986-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: LottoNL-Jumbo staff
</h2><div><p>Team staff peppered the race course throughout the day — offering spare wheels, warm bottles, and assistance. Once their man Tjallingii had escaped, the LottoNL-Jumbo staff watched the live feed between passes of the Kemmelberg. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/24_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6027.jpg"title="As the race reached the Kemmel's second pass, Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto-Soudal) took the lead to the crowd's applause and cheers. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/24_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6027-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Roelandts solo
</h2><div><p>As the race reached the Kemmel's second pass, Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto-Soudal) took the lead to the crowd's applause and cheers. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/25_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2254.jpg"title="Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick-Step) was in the mix until late in the race. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/25_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2254-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Terpstra
</h2><div><p>Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick-Step) was in the mix until late in the race. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/26_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7282.jpg"title="Luca Paolini brought up the rear of the now elite chase group that would bring the race to its final kilometers. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/26_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7282-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini
</h2><div><p>Luca Paolini brought up the rear of the now elite chase group that would bring the race to its final kilometers. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/27_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2301.jpg"title="En route to Ieper, the chase group came down to a six survivors. Merely 39 riders would cross the finish line less than 20 kilometers later. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/27_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2301-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Leaders
</h2><div><p>En route to Ieper, the chase group came down to a six survivors. Merely 39 riders would cross the finish line less than 20 kilometers later. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/28_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2375.jpg"title="Luca Paolini took the win solo in a race that normally comes down to a bunch sprint. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/28_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2375-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini wins
</h2><div><p>Luca Paolini took the win solo in a race that normally comes down to a bunch sprint. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/29_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6262.jpg"title="Paolini couldn't hold back the victory smile. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/29_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6262-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini celebrates
</h2><div><p>Paolini couldn't hold back the victory smile. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/30_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2720.jpg"title="The day concluded with riders soaked from the start until the finish &mdash; Paolini doused himself with champagne as Terpstra joined in. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/30_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2720-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini champagne
</h2><div><p>The day concluded with riders soaked from the start until the finish — Paolini doused himself with champagne as Terpstra joined in. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><a href="https://www.circsource.com/store/Subscribe.html?offerId=7888"><imgsrc="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/01/VeloBG15_300x250.jpg" /></a></li></ul></div></div>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/03/gallery/photo-essay-2015-gent-wevelgem_365054">PhotoEssay: 2015 Gent-Wevelgem</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://velonews.competitor.com">VeloNews.com</a>.</p>
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</div><div class="marquee marquee-365054"><ul class="slider" id="post-slider-secondary"><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/1_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6315.jpg"title="The few and the brave weathered the storm to line the start barriers in Deinze for the day's race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/1_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6315-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Brave fans
</h2><div><p>The few and the brave weathered the storm to line the start barriers in Deinze for the day's race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/2_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6070.jpg"title="On their way to the sign-in stage, Ag2r La Mondiale riders tried to keep their sneakers dry. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/2_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6070-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Ag2r La Mondiale
</h2><div><p>On their way to the sign-in stage, Ag2r La Mondiale riders tried to keep their sneakers dry. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/3_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6441.jpg"title="Well under the radar, eventual race winner Luca Paolini took his time getting to the start stage, avoiding the rain as much as possible. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/3_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6441-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini before the start
</h2><div><p>Well under the radar, eventual race winner Luca Paolini took his time getting to the start stage, avoiding the rain as much as possible. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/4_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6589.jpg"title="The line-up in Denize offered the riders no relief from what lay ahead on the parcours &mdash; this year's E3 Harelbeke winner Geraint Thomas (Sky) collected himself moments before the start. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/4_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6589-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Thomas gets focused
</h2><div><p>The line-up in Denize offered the riders no relief from what lay ahead on the parcours — this year's E3 Harelbeke winner Geraint Thomas (Sky) collected himself moments before the start. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/5_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5486.jpg"title="The 2015 edition of Gent-Wevelgem will be remembered for the impossible winds and the massive dairy farm protests that took place along three points in the race course. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/5_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5486-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Farmers
</h2><div><p>The 2015 edition of Gent-Wevelgem will be remembered for the impossible winds and the massive dairy farm protests that took place along three points in the race course. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/6_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0571.jpg"title="The peloton reached one of the first of many long and gusty straightaways on the course that would force the group into endless echelons and scattered disarray. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/6_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0571-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Echelons forming
</h2><div><p>The peloton reached one of the first of many long and gusty straightaways on the course that would force the group into endless echelons and scattered disarray. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/7_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0711.jpg"title="Riding into a constant stream of head-on rain and fierce crosswinds, many of the race favorites took whatever shelter they could within the bunch. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/7_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0711-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Peloton
</h2><div><p>Riding into a constant stream of head-on rain and fierce crosswinds, many of the race favorites took whatever shelter they could within the bunch. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/8_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0852.jpg"title="The peloton reached the base of the Diksmuide bridge where they would pass the IJzertoren memorial, which commemorates the Belgian soldiers killed on the Yser Front during World War I. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/8_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0852-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Peloton approaches Diksmuide bridge
</h2><div><p>The peloton reached the base of the Diksmuide bridge where they would pass the IJzertoren memorial, which commemorates the Belgian soldiers killed on the Yser Front during World War I. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/9_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6778.jpg"title="The marshy flatlands of De Moeren &mdash; the westernmost point on the course &mdash; is known for its strong crosswinds even on a normal day. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/9_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6778-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: De Moeren
</h2><div><p>The marshy flatlands of De Moeren — the westernmost point on the course — is known for its strong crosswinds even on a normal day. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/10_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0967.jpg"title="The front of the peloton struggled to stay upright in the winds at the tail-end of de Moeren while even the race motorbikes leaned into the winds. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/10_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O0967-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Fighting the wind
</h2><div><p>The front of the peloton struggled to stay upright in the winds at the tail-end of de Moeren while even the race motorbikes leaned into the winds. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/11_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6888.jpg"title="Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge) was one of several riders who were swept off the road in de Moeren. While his bike was pulled from the swampy shoulder, he received medical attention from the race paramedic team. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/11_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6888-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Durbridge crash
</h2><div><p>Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge) was one of several riders who were swept off the road in de Moeren. While his bike was pulled from the swampy shoulder, he received medical attention from the race paramedic team. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/12_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6898.jpg"title="The face of Lars Bak (after crashing in de Moeren) clearly summed up the day so far. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/12_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6898-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Lars Bak
</h2><div><p>The face of Lars Bak (after crashing in de Moeren) clearly summed up the day so far. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/13_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1115.jpg"title="Bradley Wiggins (Sky) leaned into the winds in the last stretches of de Moeren, he would eventually abandon the race before the midway point. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/13_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1115-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Wiggins
</h2><div><p>Bradley Wiggins (Sky) leaned into the winds in the last stretches of de Moeren, he would eventually abandon the race before the midway point. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/14_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6930.jpg"title="Maciej Bodnar looked down the road as the end of the race disappeared into he distance. He managed to get a bike change from Tinkoff-Saxo staff and get back on the road. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/14_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y6930-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Bodnar gets a new bike
</h2><div><p>Maciej Bodnar looked down the road as the end of the race disappeared into he distance. He managed to get a bike change from Tinkoff-Saxo staff and get back on the road. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/15_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5546.jpg"title="As the winds blew the peloton apart, fans hunkered down to wait for the race in a warm tavern at the top of Cassel, just across the French border. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/15_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5546-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Cassel tavern
</h2><div><p>As the winds blew the peloton apart, fans hunkered down to wait for the race in a warm tavern at the top of Cassel, just across the French border. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/16_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5561.jpg"title="Having caught the break, the front of the race arrived at the first portal to Cassel at 120 kilometers into the race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/16_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5561-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Cassel
</h2><div><p>Having caught the break, the front of the race arrived at the first portal to Cassel at 120 kilometers into the race. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/17_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1732.jpg"title="The peloton, now whittled down to almost one-quarter of its original size, climbed up into Cassel again, passing through the iconic Porte d'Aire. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/17_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O1732-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Porte d'Aire
</h2><div><p>The peloton, now whittled down to almost one-quarter of its original size, climbed up into Cassel again, passing through the iconic Porte d'Aire. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/18_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5993.jpg"title="Up on the Kemmelberg, the fans were few and far between due to the cold rain and wind &mdash; and those that prevailed stood in the mud that the Flanders classics have not seen in many years. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/18_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5993-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Kemmelberg mud
</h2><div><p>Up on the Kemmelberg, the fans were few and far between due to the cold rain and wind — and those that prevailed stood in the mud that the Flanders classics have not seen in many years. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/19_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5756.jpg"title="With so few riders left in the race, attacks were expected, and Maarten Tjallingii (LottoNL-Jumbo) launched a solo move just before the first climb up the Kemmel. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/19_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5756-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Tjallingii solo
</h2><div><p>With so few riders left in the race, attacks were expected, and Maarten Tjallingii (LottoNL-Jumbo) launched a solo move just before the first climb up the Kemmel. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/20_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7113.jpg"title="Having made his escape on the Catsberg, Tjallingii reached the summit of the Kemmelberg at kilometer 160. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/20_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7113-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Tjallingii solo
</h2><div><p>Having made his escape on the Catsberg, Tjallingii reached the summit of the Kemmelberg at kilometer 160. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/21_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2026.jpg"title="The chase group was not far behind Tjallingii but clearly showed the strains of the day. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/21_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2026-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: The chase
</h2><div><p>The chase group was not far behind Tjallingii but clearly showed the strains of the day. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/22_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6087.jpg"title="Fans couldn't ask for a more animated race on the Kemmel as Sep Vanmarcke climbed the wet cobbles. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/22_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6087-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Vanmarcke climbs
</h2><div><p>Fans couldn't ask for a more animated race on the Kemmel as Sep Vanmarcke climbed the wet cobbles. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/23_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5986.jpg"title="Team staff peppered the race course throughout the day &mdash; offering spare wheels, warm bottles, and assistance. Once their man Tjallingii had escaped, the LottoNL-Jumbo staff watched the live feed between passes of the Kemmelberg. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/23_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V5986-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: LottoNL-Jumbo staff
</h2><div><p>Team staff peppered the race course throughout the day — offering spare wheels, warm bottles, and assistance. Once their man Tjallingii had escaped, the LottoNL-Jumbo staff watched the live feed between passes of the Kemmelberg. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/24_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6027.jpg"title="As the race reached the Kemmel's second pass, Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto-Soudal) took the lead to the crowd's applause and cheers. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/24_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6027-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Roelandts solo
</h2><div><p>As the race reached the Kemmel's second pass, Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto-Soudal) took the lead to the crowd's applause and cheers. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/25_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2254.jpg"title="Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick-Step) was in the mix until late in the race. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/25_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2254-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Terpstra
</h2><div><p>Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick-Step) was in the mix until late in the race. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/26_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7282.jpg"title="Luca Paolini brought up the rear of the now elite chase group that would bring the race to its final kilometers. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/26_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_A22Y7282-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini
</h2><div><p>Luca Paolini brought up the rear of the now elite chase group that would bring the race to its final kilometers. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/27_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2301.jpg"title="En route to Ieper, the chase group came down to a six survivors. Merely 39 riders would cross the finish line less than 20 kilometers later. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/27_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2301-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Leaders
</h2><div><p>En route to Ieper, the chase group came down to a six survivors. Merely 39 riders would cross the finish line less than 20 kilometers later. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/28_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2375.jpg"title="Luca Paolini took the win solo in a race that normally comes down to a bunch sprint. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/28_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2375-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini wins
</h2><div><p>Luca Paolini took the win solo in a race that normally comes down to a bunch sprint. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/29_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6262.jpg"title="Paolini couldn't hold back the victory smile. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/29_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_E22V6262-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini celebrates
</h2><div><p>Paolini couldn't hold back the victory smile. Photo: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><div class="viewLargerImage"><a class="fancybox" rel="gallery" href="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/30_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2720.jpg"title="The day concluded with riders soaked from the start until the finish &mdash; Paolini doused himself with champagne as Terpstra joined in. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com" onClick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'Image Gallery Carousel', 'Enlarge', 'View Larger Image']);">View Larger Image.</a></div><a href="#" class="p-next-img"><img src="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/03/30_20150329_©BrakeThrough-Media_AX7O2720-659x440.jpg" class="cover secondary"/></a><h2 class="slideHed">2015 Gent-Wevelgem: Paolini champagne
</h2><div><p>The day concluded with riders soaked from the start until the finish — Paolini doused himself with champagne as Terpstra joined in. Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media | brakethroughmedia.com</p></div></li><li class="slide"><a href="https://www.circsource.com/store/Subscribe.html?offerId=7888"><imgsrc="http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/01/VeloBG15_300x250.jpg" /></a></li></ul></div></div>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/03/gallery/photo-essay-2015-gent-wevelgem_365054">PhotoEssay: 2015 Gent-Wevelgem</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://velonews.competitor.com">VeloNews.com</a>.</p>
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