Around half past eight this morning the first riders already cycle towards the starting stage in Bruges. On ‘t Zand and in the Steenstraat the supporters are rows thick. More than 30,000 spectators want to see from Aert, Pogacar and Co up close. “The atmosphere in Bruges is always great. Two years ago we were also present here. Of course we don’t want to miss that when the start is in Bruges,” says Supporter Illke Vandenabeele.
The toppers show themselves to the public just before the start. And when world champion Tadej Pogacar passes on the Bruges market, you hear wildly enthusiasm.
“From childhood I have looked at the Tour of Flanders on television. That is a high day for everyone in Flanders. We are happy to be here. We got up at a quarter past six this morning to be on time in Bruges. We have not had breakfast yet, but that will come soon,” says spectator Joachim De Graeve.
From a window overlooking the market, Herbert Flack follows, known as actor in Aspe, the start with the best view: “The fact that I can drive through Flanders with my Bruges friends, really makes me curious to see that. That devotion and grina of the people along the way to support, I think it is wonderful.
And then it becomes 10 hours and is the day. The peloton leaves from Bruges for Flanders’ most beautiful.