FLCS Clubhouse: sport, lifestyle & communities in the Sacred Flemish cycling week
From 2 to 6 April, Flanders Classics opens the doors of its FLCS Clubhouse presented by MyWhoosh for the first time at the Wintercircus in Ghent. It will be a place where sport and lifestyle come together in the week of the Tour of Flanders. On the programme? Indoor cycling, running, Pilates and much more.
Social runs, rides and virtual challenges are not the first things that come to mind when you think of Flanders Classics. In the sporting world, the company remains largely synonymous with professional cycling, the Flemish spring classics and cyclo‑cross. Yet, the Tour of Flanders organiser already runs 60 to 70 events every year, and with this initiative it wants to show that it is not blind to the constantly evolving world of sport.
It is from this observation that FLCS Clubhouse was born, says Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics: “We give each of our races a recognisable identity and with FLCS Clubhouse we now want to build further on Flanders Classics’ identity as a company. It is a concept that matches perfectly with the kind of company we want to be: an innovative organiser that places community and experiences for fans and active athletes at the heart of what we do.”
Wintercircus Ghent
Starting Thursday 2 April, Wintercircus Ghent becomes the central hub where Flanders Classics, in collaboration with a number of partners and communities, will be organising social runs, social rides, Pilates sessions and virtual challenges. “The sacred Flemish cycling week draws many visitors from abroad to Belgium,” says Van Den Spiegel. “With FLCS Clubhouse, we offer them an extra programme to enrich their race weekend. Ghent is centrally located, easy to reach and offers many options for fans visiting Flanders for a few days. It is also an opportunity for us to connect with a new audience in our own region - people who do not typically come to our races or who might want to experience Flanders Classics in a different way. So we are delighted with the positive spirit shown at Wintercircus for joining forces with us on this project.”
“The Wintercircus, with its beautifully renovated circus arena — now an indoor city square — is the ideal setting for the Flanders Classics Clubhouse’s blend of sports experience and innovation,” said Stijn Jansen, Curator of Wintercircus. “For five days, it will become a lively meeting place where communities and the wider public can experience sport in an innovative way.”
Matt Smithson, Director at MyWhoosh, presenting partner of the FLCS Clubhouse: "The Tour of Flanders weekend is where the sport breathes the loudest. The fans aren’t there for hospitality, they’re there because they love it. That’s the community we want to speak to. We don’t want to sit behind a screen and say we’re part of the sport. We want to talk to people, hear what they think, and show them what we’re building. Being here with Flanders Classics is about earning our place in the community, not assuming it. If you’re around during the holy week, come and say hello. We’ll be there.”
On Thursday 2/4, FLCS Clubhouse kicks off with an evening programme that includes both a Night Ride presented by MyWhoosh (19:30) and a social run (21:00). Moreover, during that first social run, the focus is entirely on women. With an After Dark Run - Women Only on day one, FLCS Clubhouse, in collaboration with Ghent Running Crew (GRC), is putting its weight behind an important social issue.
- 08:00 - 12:00 | Morning Reset group sessions - HIIT & Mobility in collaboration with Rite Studios, a boutique fitness concept offering a variety of disciplines.
- 14:00 | “De Ronde Watch session”, where documentaries will be played that offer a unique look behind the scenes at the Tour of Flanders.
- 16:00 | Virtual challenge in collaboration with MyWhoosh, the free online platform for indoor cycling.
- 20:00 | Indoor run challenge in collaboration with Octane Racing, a Brussels based community.
- 08:00 - 12:00 | Indoor Cycling sessions in collaboration with Rite Studios.
- 09:30 | Social ride with three-time cycling world champion Peter Sagan - presented by Sportful.
- 09:30 | Social run in collaboration with GRC and presented by Salomon.
- 14:00 | Watt Ride Live in collaboration with MyWhoosh.
- 18:00 | Live podcast session.
Given the time of year when the FLCS Clubhouse opens, the link with the Classics is inevitable. “We simply had to include a Tour of Flanders watch party,” says Van Den Spiegel. “Road cycling is fundamental to our DNA and given the timing of the FLCS Clubhouse, the Tour of Flanders certainly has its place in the programme.”
At 9:00, fans following the Tour of Flanders at Wintercircus can take part in a community group ride presented by 100%, the American premium eyewear brand specializing in sporty sunglasses.
- 08:00 - 12:00 | Reformer Pilates group class in collaboration with Rite Studios
- 10:30 | Barista session hosted by Vandekerckhove coffe roasters and presented by La Marzocco, Italian manufacturer of handmade espresso machines.
- 15:00 | Social ride in collaboration with RPM Souplesse and presented by Neversecond.
- 16:00 | Social run in collaboration with GRC.
In addition to the program above, there will be an expo zone running throughout the week, where partners of the FLCS Clubhouse will be present. Visitors can discover brands such as MyWhoosh, Salomon, 100%, Sportful, and Neversecond.
How to participate?
Pre-registration is required for all challenges on the program, as some activities have limited spots. Participation is free, except for the Rite Studios sessions, which require a paid registration.
