On Wednesday 15th April, the 55th edition of the Flèche Brabançonne takes place. It’s the last one of the ‘Flanders Classics’ races. In the Flemish-Brabant region, the peloton gets served 26 climbs.

The start is at the Grote Markt in Leuven, the capital of the region. There after it goes straight to the first climb of the day: the Rue de Hal. This one is only the beginning of a long series of climbs. There are eleven climbs to be covered before the peloton reaches the finish line in Overijse for the first time. Among the climbs: the Alsemberg, Krabosstraat, Holstheide and the IJskelderlaan. With 70 kilometres to go, the riders will start the first of three local laps. Each lap is 23.4 kilometres long and contains five climbs. These laps are the hardest part of this race. The Hagaard, Hertstraat, Holstheide, IJskelderlaan and the Schavei will cause a natural selection in the peloton.

Lotto Soudal will start in this Europe Tour race with among others Tony Gallopin, Thomas De Gendt and Pim Ligthart. They will strive against Philippe Gilbert, last year’s winner. Also riders like Jan Bakelants, Gianni Meersman and Thomas Voeckler will probably want to show themselves.

“With Pim Ligthart and Tony Gallopin we have got two riders in our team who have a chance to set a high result in this Flèche Brabançonne, the route suits them. Tony has prepared himself for this period and Pim has rested the last ten days to recover from the first hard part of his season. Also other riders in our team could take their chance on the right moment," sports director Bart Leysen said.

“The Flèche Brabançonne is a pretty predictable race, especially because the weather forecast is optimistic. In the first loop there shouldn’t be an escape of a big group or a group with teammates of the favourites. Probably the peloton will be still big and racing at high speed at the beginning of the 23.4 kilometres long local laps. From that moment on it will be an elimination race. Because of all the climbs on the route it will be hard to get back in the race once you had to let go.

“I think there is only one favourite: Philippe Gilbert. BMC will have to control the race and he will be the man to beat. Besides Gilbert, Belgians like Bakelants, Meersman and foreigners Matthews and Voeckler will be present.“

Selection Lotto Soudal: Sander Armée, Thomas De Gendt, Gert Dockx, Tony Gallopin, Pim Ligthart, Tosh Van der Sande, Dennis Vanendert and Louis Vervaeke.