Biniam Girmay was the defending champion at Gent-Wevelgem, but the brutal conditions made it very difficult for Biniam Girmay. As expected however, he was received as a true winner following the race.
Girmay was the victim of a crash during the Belgian race, but as many did, he struggled in the rainy and windy conditions. The Eritrean crossed the line in 97th place as Intermarché-Circus-Wanty struggled and had Laurenz Rex as the team's best-placed rider in 45th place.