The Three Days of West Flanders (2.1) will start in Middelkerke until 2019, according to an agreement between the organizers and the coastal municipality.

Since 2011 the first stage race of the Belgian season Belgium has started with a prologue in the streets of Middelkerke.

"This will be so at least until 2019. After all, we reached an agreement with the municipality for a contract extension," confirms Wim Mattheus of the organizing committee. "On Friday March 4 2016, the riders will again do a 7km time trial with start at the Epernay Square and finish at the Casino Middelkerke. The Three Days will again finish with a stage between Nieuwport and Harelbeke and it will be broadcast live on television."

This year the victory was taken by Yves Lampaert.