For the first time in 40 years, Gent-Wevelgem will climb the Kemmelberg from its steepest side in 2016. "Why does every organizer always want to change things?" former winner Nico Mattan said. "I find it a little unnecessary."

The organizers of Gent-Wevelgem announced the route change this week. The first passage of the Kemmelberg will be from the familiar side of the climb but at the second passage, the riders will climb the steeper side (max. 23%).

"They think that this will allow more of a classic rider to win the race," Nico Mattan, the 2005 winner, told Sporza.

"But it should still be for the sprinters. I find the route change to be a bit too much. One of the sides is already hard and the other side (with a maximum of 23%) is just a bit more difficult. It doesn’t make too much of a difference.

"Every organizer always wants to make changes but that’s not how it should be. Gent-Wevelgem consists of two things: echelons and the (traditional side of the) Kemmelberg. There is no need to change that.

“Similarly, I find it very unfortunate that Gent-Wevelgem crosses the border into France. There are so many beautiful climbs in Heuvelland.”

Jelle Wallays (Lotto-Soudal) is not as familiar with the steep side of the Kemmelberg. "I mainly know the climb we did in Gent-Wevelgem in recent years.

"In theory Gent-Wevelgem is made for my body, at least when it rains. In good weather it is a race for the fast men."