Flanders Classics, organizer of the Tour of Flanders, Ghent-Wevelgem, and Omloop Het Newsblad, in cooperation with KPMG Belgium, has launched a three-year plan to boost the women's cycling scene.

The group announced Tuesday a three-year plan called "Flanders Classics Women, closing the gap" outlining its initiative.

"As Flanders Classics, we have always tried to help move women's cycling forward. We believe it is now time to move into higher gear," said Thomas van den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classic.

"Women's cycling is already growing on many levels, but there is still a lot of potential left, and partners like KPMG are willing to work with us in developing the sport over the next few years. We also hope that it will inspire other companies to invest in the sport."

Flanders Classics currently hosts two women's World Tour events: the Tour of Flanders and Ghent-Wevelgem. It also hosts the women's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dwars door Vlaanderen, and De Brabantse Pijl.

The three-year plan includes developing a women's Scheldeprijs, bringing all Flanders Classic races into the women's World Tour or Pro Series, having the same finish line for men and women, and a joint podium ceremony.

In the long run, Flanders Classics hopes to increase start fees and aim for equal prize money for men and women.

"For starters, we will listen to all stakeholders and upgrade the facilities around the women's race. On the sporting side," van den Spiegel said. 'A Scheldepri for the women is one of the things on our list to complete the list for the Spring Classics. The same goes for upgrading non-World Tour races to the Pro Series and World Tour to equalize prize money."

Flanders Classics also hopes to solidify already existing partnerships for the future. "We have a great partnership with VRT (Belgium's national broadcaster) to produce live broadcasts of the Ghent-Wevelgem and Tour of Flanders. It is common sense that we want to further develop the potential of our audiovisual products," said Van den Spiegel.

Van Den Spiegel also announced that the start of Dwars door Vlaanderen will move from Tielt to Waregem and De Brabantse Pijl from Gooik to Lennik, allowing girls to finish in the same Overijse as the boys He announced.

Gent-Wevelgem will start in Ypres and the men's and women's teams will be announced side by side.

February 29: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Team presentation will take place in Gent alongside the men

March 29: Gent-Wevelgem Start in Ypres alongside the men

April 1: Dwars door Vlaanderen Waregem Same arrival as men's

April 5: Tour of Flanders Men and women continue to share the same finish

April 15: De Brabante Pyle Starts in Rennik, finishes in Ovalais as men's