One could argue: that’s perfect for title defender Filippo Ganna. Last year, the Italian powered to gold on slightly more accidented route of 31.7 kilometres. He won the race 26 seconds ahead of Wout van Aert with Stefan Küng another 3 seconds further behind. That said, Küng bested Ganna recently on the flat ITT course at the European Championships in Trentino.
The riders roll down the starting ramp at the beach and continue along the North Sea for 1.5 kilometres. A sharp turn takes them inland and after moving through Knokke-Heist a flat section on long straight roads goes to Westkapelle, Oostkerke and Dudzele. Another long straight along the Boudewijnkanaal – a channel – leads to Bruges. The riders already enter the city before a U-turn takes them back to Dudzele. Via Damme and another stretch along a channel – Damse Vaart – the route returns to Bruges. After a bit pf twisting and turning in the city centre the finish lies at ’t Zand square.
As said, Ganna is title holder. Last year, he succeeded Rohan Dennis, who powered to the rainbow jersey in 2019 and 2018.
Another interesting read: results ITT 2021 World Championships in Flanders.
World Cycling Championships 2021 Flanders ITT men: route & profile
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