First held in 1958, this is a popular lead-up race for Ronde van Vlaanderen and takes place as a large lap around East Flanders.  It  marks the start of the week of racing known as Vlaamse Wielerweek. The first half of the race is flat before meeting a succession of 12 hills to make up the second half of racing as the riders tackle cobbles and wind along the fabled climbs also included in the Ronde. Fabian Cancellara has won the last two editions of this cobbled race.