Daniele Bennati sprinted to second behind Tom Boonen in the 2011 Gent-Wevelgem edition, his second podium in this race in his career. This Classic is often called the sprinters' classic due to its flat finishing terrain. The riders are often tested by wind and rain. Further challenges include a number of climbs, including two ascents of the cobbled, difficult, and often selective Kemmelberg.  The 74th Gent-Wevelgem will not only be 30 kilometers longer than last year, besides the two Kemmelberg  ascents the riders will have to tackle now twice the Mont Cassel in France, a cobblestone climb that became famous thanks to the Four Days of Dunkerque.