Published December 7, 2015 12:02PM
In the News: Harelbeke adds cobbles, gets shorter
E3 Harelbeke organizers say the 2016 race will be shorter but will offer a few new cobblestone sections.
Geraint Thomas won the 2015 edition of E3 Harelbeke with a solo attack. Photo: Tim De Waele | <a href="http://www.tdwsport.com" target="_blank">TDWsport.com</a>
Sporza reports that E3 Harelbeke organizers have teased a few details about the 2016 parcours. The race, which Geraint Thomas won last spring, goes from 215km to 205km in distance. To make the race more selective, a few new cobblestone sections will be included in the 59th running of the semi-classic race, scheduled for March 25.
Held on a Friday, Harelbeke is the kick-off to the Flemish classics week and is often referred to as “the little Tour of Flanders.” Tom Boonen holds the record for most wins at E3 — five, including four consecutive victories from 2004-2007.