Oudenaarde, new arrival town

We took a year’s time to properly explore three possibilities: Ninove/Meerbeke as the traditional arrival area since 1973, Oudenaarde, home to cyclists and a town full of heritage and Ronse a town with a history in cycling. The choice fell on Oudenaarde. Although we are aware of the strong qualities of the other cities, our feeling is that Oudenaarde can provide the best assets for the Tour of Flanders in the future. 

A DYNAMIC, CLENCHED FINAL SECTION

After a smooth section of 20 kilometers the riders take on a clenched final section of 75 kilometers built around three loops on the Oude-Kwaremont and Patersberg in combination with the Koppenberg and Kruisberg. This provides a new concept concentrated around four crucial hill slopes in the Flemish Ardennes within a stone’s throw of each other. The ultimate final, being ten ascensions and two cobbled roads followed by a straight line to the finish in Oudenaarde, will provide a challenging setting for the race. 

MAXIMIZING THE EXPERIENCE

The new final section is very accessible. It allows cycling fans to witness the apotheosis of the race in  the best circumstances.  Without having to move around, fans can experience the multiple passages on the Oude Kwaremont and the Patersberg and really feel and even smell the final stage from the first row. The celebrations alongside the track will become even more intense.

MORE SAFETY AND SERVICE IN THE FINAL AREA

One hundred thousand cycling fans make the Tour of Flanders what it is today.  The competition and heroic efforts of the cyclists in the hill slope scenery are always accompanied by the sound of festivity with good food and drink. Vlaanderen’s Mooiste has become a massive event. That is the power but also the weak point of the race. Safety is our first priority. Our efforts in consulting and collaborating with government officials become greater every year. The special intervention plan becomes more complex every year. The new track allows less movement by the spectators and hence provides possibilities for optimizing service and safety measures in the finish area. We want to provide an improved execution of the safety plan, the traffic plan, waste disposal and services for the fans (parking space, shuttles services, etc…).

In short, the new final section will allow us to manage the event better and will therefore honor the experience and the fair battle even more.

HISTORIC PERSPECTIVE: THE CLASSIC REMAINS A CLASSIC

Ever since the first edition in 1913 the Tour of Flanders has undergone many changes in departure and arrival areas. The Tour of Flanders is a living monument to cycling but also wants to invest in a great future. Its ability to adjust is what makes the Tour of Flanders a monumental race. In spite of all these changes the classic remains a classic. The final section contains the traditional ingredients of the Tour of Flanders: cunning hills and cobbled  roads in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes. Oudenaarde with its historic center, its wonderful Town hall and its unique experimental museum ‘Centre Tour of Flanders’ lies in the center of this new track. Oudenaarde breaths passion for cycling for a lot of recreational riders and cycling lovers.