Where and when does De Ronde pass through West Flanders? Check it out here

Over the next five years, Flanders’ Most Beautiful, among the men, will start three times from Bruges. After 6 editions from Antwerp, riders and fans will have to get used to it again on April 2. Then the run-up to the Flemish Ardennes is different from what everyone was used to in recent years.

“As in the past, the epicenter of the start will be the combination of Grote Markt and ‘t Zand”, says Nicolas Denys, Head of Road of Flanders Classics. “The heart of Bruges will breathe more than 100% race. Both the City of Bruges and we are looking forward to departing from Bruges for 3 times in the next 5 editions.”

After the start on the Grote Markt, the peloton travels through Bruges during the neutralized zone. “That will undoubtedly produce beautiful images. The official start will be given after just over 8 km on Beernem territory. We will immediately visit the first Village of the Round.” From Beernem, the peloton starts a journey of 273.4 km and first awaits a passage in Aalter, also Dorp van de Ronde. Then it goes to Izegem, where the BK will be driven on the road in June. The fourth and last Village of the Ronde is Zulte, after which the Ronde remains on East Flemish territory for a long time for the 19 slopes and 6 cobblestone sections in the Flemish Ardennes.

The Huisepontweg is the first cobblestone section of the day after almost 110 km, followed by the Korte Ast. The peloton then heads for the first of a total of 3 times to the Oude Kwaremont. Nothing changes in the final. After the second Oude Kwaremont followed by the first ascent of the Paterberg, the Koppenberg opens the final with about 45 km to go. Via the Mariaborrestraat and Steenbeekdries it goes to the Taaienberg and Kruisberg/Hotond. This is followed by the ultimate final chord with the third passage on the Oude Kwaremont and the second time Paterberg.

(continue reading below the photo)

Women again to the Koppenberg

Also a party with the women, because on April 2 it is time for an anniversary edition. Then the Tour of Flanders for women will blow out its 20th candle. As usual, Oudenaarde is the epicenter of the women’s race, with both start and finish. After the team presentation, amid great interest on the Market, the women will start their festive edition at 1.30 pm on the Market in Oudenaarde. We know the winner after 158 km, with 13 hills and 5 cobbled sections along the way. For the women, the Tiegemberg opens the cobblestone and slope zone. Via the Huisepontweg and Korte Ast, the women head for a package including Molenberg, Berendries and Valkenberg, which are also on the men’s menu. Just like last year, the Koppenberg also opens the final for Lotte Kopecky and co. Via Mariaborrestraat, Steenbeekdries, Taaienberg and Kruisberg/Hotond it goes in a final identical to that of the men towards the absolute highlight on the Oude Kwaremont – Paterberg duo. Then 13 final kilometers in the direction of Oudenaarde await the finish of an anniversary edition.