Must do’s in the region of the Tour of Flanders

Would you like to follow in the footsteps of Tom Boonen, Philippe Gilbert, Nicki Terpstra, Fabian Cancellara or Alberto Bettiol? You can only do that in the region of the Tour of Flanders: the Flemish Ardennes. Tame the mythical inclines from the Tour of Flanders, break away when it suits you, stay ahead of that imaginary broom wagon and claim your place among the cycling gods.

You can experience the Tour in your own manner (and your own pace) because we can’t all be Tom Boonen. Experience this classic cycle race like you’ve never experienced it before. Plan your visit based on five essential activities in the region around Flanders’ Finest.

5 Tour of Flanders must do’s in the Flemish Ardennes

1.    Visit the Tour of Flanders Centre

A monument is not a monument without appropriate homage. That’s why the Tour of Flanders Centre was created. It’s a unique visitors’ centre and cycling hub that takes you through the history of this heroic race.

Admire the permanent Tour of Flanders exhibition or test a professional racing bike – you would undoubtedly make your mark in the real Tour with one of these! BMC, Ridley or Specialized? Your bike awaits you at the ‘Ride like a Pro’ stand. Be sure to check it out!

2.    Cycle the entire Tour of Flanders cycling route

It’s the Tour of Flanders season all year round, especially for cycling fanatics. Ambitious amateur cyclists are just as commonplace here as lampposts and road signs. The Tour of Flanders cycling route is permanently signposted so you’ll always find the correct route.

Experience the three exhausting cycling trails, tame cobblestones and inclines that are leg killers. Experience the heroic fight that cyclists wage every year. You’ll be doing it together with cyclists from all over the world. Because here you meet everyone, side by side, riding their own Tour of Flanders. You start and end at the Tour of Flanders Centre. The loop is 78 to 103 km, and you’ll be given a water-resistant map.

3.    Take part in the Strava Flandrien Challenge

Which iconic incline do you want to conquer? Will you choose the Koppenberg, with its 22% gradient – the holy ground of every true cyclist?

Or would you prefer to tackle the ‘Muur’ – that decisive slope where the battle was decided on several occasions? Climb a 20% gradient with the last of your strength.

With the Flandrien Challenges, you now know to the very second how fast you’re riding the legendary inclines of the Flemish Classics. Measure yourself against professional cyclists or compare times with your friends. The Strava app enables you to (automatically) register your time between the marked start and finish line of the Challenge segment on well-known inclines and cobblestone sections.

4.    Stop in a cycling café

This is a timeless tip. You’ll find cycling cafés all over Flanders, but you won’t find Café d’Oude Hoeve anywhere else. This authentic pub is the ideal stop for cyclists and hikers, but local residents also enjoy hanging out here. It exudes the Tour of Flanders. And every time you sip your regional beer, you feel the nostalgia kick in. In one word: wonderful.

5.    Visit the Ronde van Vlaanderenstraat

The Ronde van Vlaanderenstraat is a piece of cycling history embedded in the most beautiful landscape of Flanders. It’s located in Kwaremont. This is a tribute to the brave cyclists, the exhausting race and all its fans. It consists of 10 life-size portraits of cycling heroes, a 1.2 km long roll of honour on the pavement, and a mosaic incorporating every Tour of Flanders winner. It should be a place of pilgrimage for all cycling fans!

Experience your own Tour of Flanders

If you want to experience the Tour of Flanders your way, come to Oudenaarde and start your unforgettable journey!