Tour of Flanders

Location:

Flanders, Belgium

Type:

Road cycling race

Difficulty:

💪💪💪

Distance:

260-270 km

Dates:

02.04.23

Cost:

175 € and up

The Tour of Flanders, aka Ronde van Vlaanderen in Dutch, is an annual one-day professional cycling race held in the Flanders region of Belgium. It’s widely considered one of the five cycling monuments, along with Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and the Tour of Lombardy. The race typically starts in the medieval city of Bruges and covers a distance of around 260 km, with 18 climbs through long cobbled roads. The course takes riders through the picturesque countryside of Flanders, passing through several historic towns and villages. Some of the most challenging climbs include the Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont, and Paterberg, which often decide the winner of the race.

What makes it unique?

The Tour of Flanders is an exceptional event that transcends mere competition. It’s a vibrant celebration of Flemish culture and cycling heritage, where thousands of enthusiastic fans gather along the route to cheer on the riders. Over the years, the race has produced many legendary figures, inspiring new generations of cyclists to surpass their limits.
The cobbled course is one of the most distinguishable and notorious features of the Tour of Flanders, adding an extra layer of difficulty and unpredictability. The riders have to navigate through uneven, bumpy sections, posing a formidable challenge. In addition, the Tour of Flanders boasts an ardent fan base, drawing cycling enthusiasts from around the globe who line the streets, scale hillsides, and pack cafes and bars to witness their heroes' triumphs.
Lastly, with its roots tracing back to 1913, the Tour of Flanders has a remarkable history, where many cycling legends have etched their names into folklore. As part of the prestigious UCI World Tour, entry to this event is coveted among riders and provides a fun experience for spectators.

Image source: Flanders Classics

How to prepare

Train on hilly terrain

The Tour of Flanders is known for its steep cobbled climbs. Focus on building strength and endurance in your legs, as well as improving your biking skills on uneven terrain. Add hill repeats to your workouts to simulate the demands of the race.

Know how to fuel and hydrate

Experiment with different types of sports drinks, gels, and solid foods to find what fuels you best during intense training sessions. Also, pay attention to your hydration levels and consume enough water to keep you at top performance throughout the race.