[N 1] In 2016 organizers chose Citadel Park [nl], the site adjacent to the Kuipke velodrome, as the start location.

[3][6] There are thirteen categorized climbs:[3] Britain's Ian Stannard, the winner of the previous two editions, was not present in this year's event.

World champion Peter Sagan was among the key favourites, together with classics specialists Alexander Kristoff, Tom Boonen, Greg Van Avermaet and Philippe Gilbert.

Greg Van Avermaet, Luke Rowe and Tiesj Benoot broke clear on Taaienberg, immediately being joined by Peter Sagan on the descent.

Powering on to Ghent, the elite group stayed clear until the finish and the race was decided in a five-man sprint.