Cycling fans ready for Tour of Flanders this Sunday

The first weekend of April is a special weekend for cycling fans, and this year is no different. The 106th edition of the Tour of Flanders, one of the most important races of the year, will kick off this Sunday, April 3. Participants will traverse 272 km, from Antwerp to Oudenaarde, in an attempt to make cycling history.

The first edition of the race was organised in 1913 and, after a pause during World War I, has been organized every year since 1919. Traditionally, most of the route traverses the provinces of East and West Flanders. But the route has been changed numerous times over the years. The most recent change occurred in 2017, when the departure moved from Bruges to Antwerp. The two cities will alternate hosting the start beginning in 2023.

Unlike last year, there are no clear favourites. Belgian champion Wout Van Aert, seen as one of today’s best riders, is unlikely to start due to illness. 2020 winner Mathieu van der Poel has struggled with a back injury for months. And debutant Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian powerhouse who won the Tour de France twice in a row, is not used to riding on Flemish cobblestone roads.

Van Aert’s illness is far from an exception this year. 2022’s edition has been plagued by ill and injured riders dropping out ahead of the race on Sunday. Israel-Premier Tech will not show up at all, since the team only has two healthy riders available. 

Organizer Flanders Classics will provide several fan zones along the route, including at the finish line in Oudenaarde. The riders will pass each zone at least once, and fans will be able to follow the race on a big screen. Many spectators are expected to gather in Antwerp, to cheer on their favourite riders as they start the Tour of Flanders.

© BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS - Illustration picture shows the pack of riders at the start of the 105th edition of the Tour of Flanders one day cycling race, 254km from Antwerp to Oudenaarde, Sunday 04 April 2021.