The route of the 40th edition of the Three Days of De Panne has been announced this week, and the Muur Van Geraardsbergen is set to make its first ever appearance in the race.
The steep cobbled climb, which has reached near mythical status among fans, will be ascended twice on the opening stage and will form part of what is set to be a very challenging first day of racing.
"For the first time in our existence, and on our 40th anniversary edition, we will do the mythical ascent of the Muur de Geraardsbergen," said race director Jurgen Van de Walle, according to Het Nieuwsblad. "This operation is to give more presence and force to our opening stage. The remaining kilometres to the finish, after the Muur, will run over undulating roads."
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Organisers have also planned a De Panne café where fans will be able to go for free, stating that they are taking ‘the normal fans' into consideration.
Perhaps the inclusion of the Muur is a statement of intent from the race organisers. Bruno Dequeecker, the new chairman of the organising committee, confirmed that they were targeting WorldTour status. "We are 40 years young but still burning with ambition,” he said.
“Above all, we made the application to promote our stage race at the WorldTour. We have always had a positive rapport with the UCI. Our success rate is so big; financially there is no problem."
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