The second edition of the Clasico de los Gigantes with start and finish at the experience square de Steenakker in Wervik was good for 135 participants. The event was marred by unknown people who threw thumbtacks in Heuvelland. As a result, seven participants got a flat tire. Mayor Youro Casier (Vooruit) also got a flat tire, but that had nothing to do with the work of the lame jokers.
“Two different groups were plagued by thumbtacks,” the mayor responds. “No complaint was filed with the police. Not by the organization and not by the participant(s). It may be the work of lame jokers. Fortunately, we could count on Dieter Vercaemer of Dcycles for roadside assistance.”
Three distances
There were three distances this time: 55, 82 and 110 kilometers. The groups were divided according to the choice of distance and speeds.
The youngest participant was Arthur Deslée from Menen (8) in the 55 kilometre group. Tibo Ennaert (11) from Wervik also rode the same distance and in the outfit of Wout van Aert’s team. Roland Boullard (74) was one of the oldest participants. Nice detail: in 1972 he finished second in Gent-Wervik after winner Roger Verschaeve. The late Ghislain Cael came third. The organisers focused on safety on the road and therefore there were more supervisors, a total of seventeen.
The supplies were back on the Dries in Kemmel. Alderman for Sports Geert Bossuyt (Vooruit) was there at 6 o’clock to set up everything for the supplies post, together with Kathy De Caluwe, wife of Patrick Deneut.
New was the information stand of the police zone Arro Ieper where everyone could have their bike labeled, an excellent tool in the fight against bike theft. About forty bikes were labeled.
An added value was also the presence of De Pogiboys with a stand. Filip Cardoen from Moorslede made a painting of Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar.
