In Flanders Fields Women LIVE - A hat trick for Lorena Wiebes or is the world's best sprinter vulnerable?

The women's peloton is currently tackling the 135.2km route of the newly-named Gent-Wevelgem, with all eyes on SD Worx-Protime's Lorena Wiebes. The Dutch sprinter is aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the race, a feat that would solidify her already formidable reputation. The CyclingNews preview highlighted this "hat trick" attempt, while also questioning if the world's best sprinter might be vulnerable on the day.

This pursuit of a third straight Gent-Wevelgem win is significant, placing Wiebes on the cusp of etching her name deeper into the Classics history books. Her dominance in sprint finishes over the past few seasons has been near absolute, making any suggestion of vulnerability a rare and intriguing narrative. For her competitors, this race represents a prime opportunity to disrupt the established order and prove that even the most dominant riders can be challenged on the hallowed roads of Flanders.

Ultimately, Wiebes' performance today will either confirm her status as an unassailable force in the sprints or provide a glimmer of hope for a peloton tired of seeing her back wheel cross the line first.