This year’s Gent-Wevelgem men’s race ended in a battle of the strongest two riders, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceunink) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), after a 253.1km race across the unforgiving cobbled roads between Ypres and Wevelgem on Sunday.
What became the battle of world champions saw the pair race the last 35kkm into the finale, where cheering crowds were greeted by a two-man sprint to the finish line that saw a triumphant Pedersen celebrate his victory across the line.
Below are some of our favourite images from photographer Zac Williams, courtesy of photo agency SWpix.com.
UEA Team Emirates relaxed and ready ahead of the start of the men’s race
Arnaud De Lie pinpointed Gent-Wevelgem as one of his main objectives of the season.
Ryan Mullen and Sam Bennett pose for photo opportunities ahead before hitting the 253km from Menin Gate, Ypres to Wevelgem.
Biniam Girmay lined up as one of the major pre-race favourites and ended up finishing seventh.
The peloton flies by a windmill along the route.
Mathieu van der Poel pushes the pace in the breakaway across the rough cobbled terrain.
Yves Lampert leads the group along cobblestone, forest roads.
World Champion Mathieu van der Poel is all but a blur as he races past roadside photographers.
Mathieu van der Poel, Laurence Pithie and Mads Pedersen push their speeds in the day’s breakaway.
Harry Sweeny with a smile or a grimace during a tough race where he ended up in 65th place.
The crowds get a close-up view of the two leading riders on the way into Wevelgem.
Jonathan Milan giving it his all.
A valiant ride from Laurence Pithie.
Fans out to watch and cheer for their favourite riders.
The rainbow jersey of Mathieu van der Poel.
Mads Pedersen piling the pressure on a seemingly invincible Mathieu van der Poel.
A two-man battle decides the race after the pair ride…
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