Gent-Wevelgem evolved into a crash-marred affair with most of the team riders hitting the deck in the 80km/h crosswinds that created havoc on the 239km road to Wevelgem. In the end, Peter Sagan finished 10th in the main chasing group behind winner Luca Paolini, after having been isolated due to the numerous crashes. Only 39 riders completed the race.
 
After crossing the finish line, team captain Peter Sagan notes that the day had been extremely dangerous due to the weather conditions.
 
“It was an extremely tough and dangerous race. After 70km we had forceful wind gusts and at the same time we were going full gas, which created echelons and made the race really tough. I have now had two demanding races, E3 Harelbeke and Gent-Wevelgem, and I have spent a lot of energy. So I need to recover from today and I’ll be looking forward to Ronde van Vlaanderen”, says Peter Sagan, who took second spot behind Kristoff in the big chasing group.

After setting out from the start town of Deinze accompanied by heavy rain, the riders entered a long section of extreme crosswinds, which turned the pro riders into kites being carried away in the wind. Lars Michaelsen tells that Tinkoff-Saxo was heavily affected by crashes during this part of the race.
 
“This year’s edition was very unique and very hard for the riders and it was very dramatic for Tinkoff-Saxo, as we had so many riders crashing. It happened after 70k, where the riders turned left, and some places they hit 80km/h winds, which simply sent the riders flying. Trusov had to pick his bike up from a small river or watery ditch and Bodnar also crashed around this part. Then Matti broke his nose in a fall and Sagan even hit the deck”, tells Lars Michaelsen, who adds that Breschel managed to get back to support Peter Sagan.
 
“Matti fought his way back to the front but with 75km he had to let go, which meant that Sagan was alone without teammates and support. It’s not what we came for and I’m sure that we are all a bit disappointed, actually a lot. But we will be back in a week for the remaining Classics starting with Vlaanderen”, adds Lars Michaelsen.

Dazzled by the racing that took place in Gent-Wevelgem, Matti Breschel subsequently said:
 
“Gent-Wevelgem was epic, crazy and exciting! The doctor confirmed that I have a broken nose and a small concussion. I should be alright for Tour of Flanders”.
 
The turning point of the 77th edition of Gent-Wevelgem came after the first time up the famous Kemmelberg at nearly 80km from the finish. Here, a group of favorites rode away from the main pack, where Sagan was riding. Unfortunately for Tinkoff-Saxo, the pace in the pack dropped, as there were no teams left to do the working. While Luca Paolini eventually rode away from the break in the final kilometers to take a solo win, Peter Sagan finished 10th.