100 years of the Tour of Flanders
100 years of the Tour of Flanders When the new spring cycling season comes around, Flanders
the full impact of the Tour of Flanders. It is also difficult to
undergoes a bizarre metamorphosis. In the space of a few
describe the collective passion that takes hold, even among
weeks, Flanders sees the all the classics taking place one after
people who have no interest in cycling during the rest of the
other: the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dwars door Vlaanderen,
year. Suddenly it’s upon us: The Ronde! In the space of just
Gent-Wevelgem, etc. It is an exciting run-up to Holy Sunday
a few hours, the race pulls in the masses, either along the
- the Ronde. A 260-kilometre (162 mile) apotheosis. When
circuit or clustered around their TV sets. They’re in among
the whole world can see that Flemish people do not just like
the pack, experiencing the race with them. Drawn faces in an
racing it; they breathe it. They are the race.
equally intense setting.
Anyone who does not live in Flanders or who has never been there in the springtime might have difficulty imagining
On May 25th 2013, it will be exactly a hundred years since the first Tour of Flanders took place. Flanders honours this birthday. There will be celebrations, exhibitions, events and new cycling routes will be created. Flanders will be the place to be for all cycling enthusiasts!
The Escape, Flanders launches a unique cycling team The Escape is a cycling team like any other with an administrator,
green hillsides, get shaken about over cobblestone roads, ride
team medic, physio, technical support team and car. Only the 72
through villages and ribbon developments, stop for a while in
cyclists stand out. They are a life-size reproduction of the plastic
front of a closed railway crossing, pass cheering supporters,
toy cyclists in four colours children once used to get with a box
greet their fans in the supporters’ cafés or take a short break at
of washing powder. They absolutely loved them – they used to
the chip shop by the roadside. Each one is an avatar for another
collect them and then re-enact their own races with them. Artist
term of cycling jargon: drafting, yo-yo, break-away, wheel sucker,
Erik Nagels has given them a second life.
etc. The cyclists of The Escape do not always choose the most usual terrain. They cycle on inland waterways, climb a tower,
You can find the cyclists of The Escape from the beginning of
reach the Flemish coast via the sea… You can follow each phase
February until the end of June at several freely accessible
of their route on the website and in the press, on Facebook,
locations in Flanders and along the route of the Tour of Flanders
Twitter or YouTube, etc.
and the Flemish cycle races in the spring. They hurtle through
Date:
from the beginning of February until the end of June 2013
Place: at several freely accessible locations in Flanders More info:
www.deontsnapping.be (from 7th January 2013)
100 years of Flandriens-exhibitions The Valley of the Lys has a rich cycling tradition and with its
‘Iron’ Briek Schotte and Jean-Pierre ‘Jempi’ Monseré are the
major spring classics such as Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Dwars
connecting thread. The pinnacle of each exhibition is a ride on
door Vlaanderen, E3 Harelbeke and Ghent-Wevelgem, the region
a replica of a bike from the period when the central figure was
has a number of races with an international reputation. As a
active as a cyclist. The route and the circumstances of the ride on
result of 100 years Tour of Flanders you will be able to visit a
the replica refer to the period of the figure in question or to one
number of temporary exhibitions ‘100 jaar Flandriens’. Central
race in particular in which the cycling giant in question was the
figures such as Paul Deman, winner of the first Tour of Flanders,
main character.
Date:
from March till September 2013
Place: the locations are the Cycling Museum in Roeselare, the Town Hall of Waregem and Veloods Waregem (bicycle rental), the library of Wevelgem, meetingplace OC De Cerf in Gullegem, the ancient Pump Building in Bossuit, the Jukebox Museum in Menen and finally the Peter Benoit Museum in Harelbeke Price:
included in the regular entrance fee of the Cycling Museum (€ 5) and the Peter Benoit Museum (€ 2).
At the other locations, you can visit the exhibition for free. More info:
www.iedereenflandrien.be (from end 2012)
Muur & Myth: a sound, image and light show The Muur of Geraardsbergen (‘Wall of Geraardsbergen’),
stories come alive. It’s as if you were standing on top of the
which has been part of the Tour of Flanders since 1950, is one
world. Here, the Celts celebrated the spring equinox. Or was the
of the most iconic climbs of the race. Many legendary battles
Muur a place of offering, a place of worship, of ritual for druids?
took place on its steep and rough cobbled road that winds up to the chapel, man to man: Schotte-Vansteenbergen, Merckx-
Muur & Myth is inspired by the symbiosis between race and hill.
Verbeeck, Museeuw-Van Petegem, Boonen-Cancellara… riders
Against the scenic background of the Chapel of Our Lady and
worshipped as gods, Flandriens reaching to the skies.
with the sleeping sun as a beacon, a sound, image and light show is performed. Until the Muur is blanketed in darkness...
For centuries the ‘pagan hill’ has been majestically overlooking the surrounding scenery and the valley of the Dender. Its history stirs all the senses and, especially at sunset, the most wonderful
Date:
23-25 May 2013
Place: Geraardsbergen www.muurenmythe.be (from end 2012) © archief RVV
More info:
Š archief RVV
Ronde 100-Classic On May 25 1913 Karel Van Wijnendaele organised the first Tour of
another side of the Tour, in shrill contrast with those who win the
Flanders. It covered 330 km (205 miles), all on bad roads with just
race and who cycle their way to legendary status in a single day.
the occasional cycle path. There were 27 riders. The race finished on a wooden track that circled a lake in Mariakerke near Ghent.
This complex combination of factors is what the Tour of Flanders
The first race was won by Paul Deman, a 25-year-old who went
is built on. The Ronde is about experience. Intense pleasure
on to win Bordeaux–Paris in 1914.
for the public, and the ultimate trial for the racers. It is a crazy caravan of riders on grim, narrow roads, a circus unlike any
The fabulous Flemish scenery makes the Ronde unique: narrow,
other, an inspiring spectacle against a breathtaking backdrop,
winding roads, sudden steep inclines on bumpy cobblestones.
resurrection after death.
The “Muur”, the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg! Even during the approach to the climbs there’s not a moment when you can
Flanders Classics will celebrate the centenary of ‘the Ronde’ on
let your attention slip. The racers have to work hard to get a place
Saturday the 25th of May, by presenting the Ronde 100-Classic,
near the front and anyone who is taken by surprise is in trouble.
the ultimate Tour of Flanders-challenge, which traces the original
The Tour of Flanders is hard but fair, except for those who have
route first used.
bad luck with a burst tyre or other mechanical problems. That’s
Date:
25th May 2013
More info:
www.rvv.be (from 11 December 2012)
RetroRonde van Vlaanderen, a historical bicycle event ‘The RetroRonde van Vlaanderen’, on Sunday 26th May, is a
of those typical well known cobblestoned slopes. The bicycles
colourful and gastronomic cycling event with riders from all over
should date from before 1987 and clothing should be from
Europe on nice retro bicycles and clothed to match. In this edition
the same period. Food stops are nicely located and offer local
we celebrate the centenary of the original Tour of Flanders which
specialities to eat and drink. Registrations open on Saturday
first start was given date to date 100 years earlier.
25th May, and there’s also a swap meet, a criterium race in the city centre of Oudenaarde and a swinging Retro Ball. So you
The RetroRonde is not a competition, it’s an enjoyable Sunday
can warm up the legs for the next day.Grab your old bicycle and
ride of 40, 70 or 100km (approx. 25, 43 and 62 miles) through
come ride with us!
the rolling landscape of the Flemish Ardennes containing some
Date:
25-26 May 2013
Place:
Oudenaarde
Organisation:
Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen
Markt 43 - 9700 Oudenaarde - www.crvv.be
Participation fee (including food and drink along the route, insurance, souvenir…): Saturday criterium race: € 5 if preregistered, € 7 on the day - Sunday ride: € 10 if preregistered, € 12 on the day for all distances Registrations:
Online via www.retroronde.be or on the day
Group bookings and accommodation info: info@retroronde.be or +32 55 33 99 34 Conditions for participation and all other information:
www.retroronde.be
The Tour of Flanders route, including a timing system In the early days of the Tour of Flanders, large parts of East
of Flanders Route, including a timing system on the Kruisberg
Flanders and West Flanders were part of the racing route, but for
and Koppenberg hills, the Muur of Geraardsbergen (Wall of
many years now the centre of activities is in the Flemish Ardennes.
Geraardsbergen) and on the cobblestones of the Paddestraat. This
Bumpy paved roads and harsh hill slopes challenge the peloton
is an excellent opportunity for sports cyclists to follow in the tracks
each year to give his best. Tourism East Flanders will celebrate the
of Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara or Michele Bartoli.
birthday of Flanders most beautiful tour with a brand-new Tour
Date:
from 1st April 2013
Place: Flemish Ardennes (start at Oudenaarde, Ronse, Zottegem and Geraardsbergen) www.tov.be Š archief RVV
More info:
Š archief RVV
The Tour of Flanders Visitor Centre The Tour of Flanders Visitor Centre is a multifunctional venue, which
“cobblestone feeling” and demonstrate your puzzle skills on our
forms the ideal base for a cycling trip on the Tour of Flanders routes.
king size sliding puzzle.
The experience centre plunges you into the unique atmosphere and history of Belgium’s most well-known bicycle race by means of
With audio guides available in three languages (English, French,
multimedia, interactive attractions and exclusive collectors’ items.
Dutch) you can become acquainted with the marvelous story of the Tour of Flanders, which will enthrall everyone, whatever their age or
In 2013 the centre will organise numerous activities and present
interest in cycling.
some brand new interactive installations. Enjoy the panoramic Tour of Flanders film on three large screens, climb a famous
On 25th May 2013, theTour of Flanders square at the rear of the centre
cobblestoned slope in the wheel of Fabian Cancellara, search the
will be opened. This area will be popular with the implementation of
link between two remarkable objects on the “electro game” and
some exclusive Tour of Flanders floor games and the opening of an
have a unique photo taken with your favourite cycling heroes
cycling-themed original playground. Visitors who want to take a rest,
alongside you on the podium! In addition, you can test your
are invited to try out the new spinning benches or can take a seat at
knowledge with the Tour of Flanders quiz, experience the so-called
the specially designed wooden Tour of Flanders tables on the terrace.
Place:
Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen - Markt 43 - B-9700 Oudenaarde
Prices: Individual adults: € 8
Individual children: € 4 (under 15s & students)
Trade price: € 6 Opening times:
© Marc De Moor
Booking:
Tuesday to Sunday incl. 10 am to 6 pm
www.crrv.be - Booking is mandatory for groups of 15 or more
Guided tours:
€ 95 (reservation is mandatory)
Group price: € 5.50 per person (minimum 15 people)
The Flandriens routes When we say, ‘The Tour of Flanders’, we almost automatically think
This project combines the discovery of the own region by bike
of the Flemish Ardennes. This is probably rightly so, because over
with all these stories of cycling heroism, the film material and the
the past few years, they have made up the backdrop for the finale
numerous colourful figures. Along six sign-posted cycling routes
of this world-famous cycling race.
(starting from 30km, approx. 19 miles) you are immersed into the world of the Flandriens.
However, right from the beginning, West Flanders and its Flandriens have played an important role in the history of the Tour
Starting places are located along these loops, equipped
of Flanders and cycling as a whole.
with charging points for electric bikes and cars. (Temporary) experience elements are located over each route (looking,
It is still so obvious everywhere you go in the streets: cafés named
listening and doing). The physical experience elements are
after cyclists, several monuments and races named after a Flandrien.
enhanced by a mobile application (available in English, French and Dutch) whichnot only offers practical information, but also an interactive story in images and sound.
Date:
from March 2013
More info:
www.iedereenflandrien.be (from February 2013)
Cycling museum Roeselare: where the heart of the ‘Flandrien’ beats! The Cycling museum or “WieMu” in Roeselare presents a dazzling
peloton jargon & cycling poetry… And with its unique collection
story. A story of heroism, determination and suffering. You will get
of ‘vélocipèdes’ the WieMu also maps out the history of bicycles
to know the Flandrien here! Stijn Devolder wins theTour of Flanders
in addition to cycle sports. Also in the Wiemu: a shop with cycling
in 2008, Jules Vanhevel preceded him in 1920. The bicycles they
books and shirts, a rich archive and documentation centre and a
achieved that tour de force on can be admired at the WieMu.
jukebox with old cycling records.
Cycling culture is also represented: village races & supporter
Visit the WieMu with a guide, on your own (with or without
pubs, sponsors & soigneurs, constructors & commentators,
smartphone in hand) or request a meet and greet with a Flandrien!
Place: Cycling museum - Polenplein 15 - 8800 Roeselare More info: Prices:
T +32 51 26 87 40 - E wielermuseum@roeselare.be - www.wielermuseum.be - www.facebook.com/WieMuRoeselare
Adults: € 5 (over 60 years: € 4)
Opening times: Booking:
Under 12 years: free, ages 12 to 26: € 1
Group price: € 4 per person (min.10 people)
Tuesday to Saturday incl. 10 am to 5 pm
T +32 51 26 87 40 - E wielermuseum@roeselare.be
www.wielermuseum.be/praktische-info/reservatieformulier-groepsbezoeken - Booking is mandatory for groups Guided tours:
Permanent exhibition (60min. € 4 per person + guide: € 30 per group of up to 25 people)
The Sportimonium: on the Wheel of Eddy Merckx The Sportimonium, the Olympic Museum in Belgium, is situated
A cycling tour through the region of Eddy Merckx starts at the
within easy reach of Antwerp, Brussels and Leuven. It offers lots to
Sportimonium, and passes by one of the biggest private collections
see and do for the active sports fan as well as for those with a more
in the area. In the restaurant Casa Grinta you will find more than
passing interest.
300 signed jerseys from famous cyclists like Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, Lars Boom, Jan Ullrich and Christophe Moreau. In this
In the spring of 2013 the Sportimonium focuses on cycling heritage
unique setting you can also enjoy a delicious meal.
and icon Eddy Merckx. A digital guide tells you the story of the highlights of cycling history and commemorates the memorable
Groups can choose to ride along with a former professional cyclist
moments from Merckx’s career.
who’ll take the platoon along for a ride.
Place: Sportimonium - Trianondreef 19 - B-1981 Hofstade-Zemst More info & bookings: Prices: Adults: € 4
www.sportimonium.be
Under 6 years: free, ages 6 to 26: € 1
Group price (minimum 15 people):
adults: € 3.50
Seniors (over65 years.): € 3.50
seniors (over 65 years): € 3 © Rob Walbers
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm - Sundays and public holidays: 11 am to 5 pm - Closed on Saturday
Š Rob Walbers
The Tour of the Cycling Paradise Limburg Limburg, a cycling paradise. You can ride your own personal ‘Tour of Cycling Paradise Limburg’ or choose from a range of digital routes and allow yourself to be guided by heroic cycling stories.
More info:
www.toerismelimburg.be
Bokrijk: relive the cycle races of the 60s Nostalgic for the cycling days of yesteryear? In the Open Air Museum of Bokrijk you´re transported back to the heroic cycling moments from the 1960s. Assume a different digital identity and experience the life of cycling icons from the perspective of (among others) the wife or the trainer. During the Race of Bokrijk you experience a race from the 1930s, with the accompanying equipment, race caravan and the unique atmosphere of the time.
Date: © Tourisme Limburg
Place:
Sixties exhibition Bokrijk with digital cyclist identities: from 31 March to 30 September 2013. The Race of Bokrijk: 2 June 2013 Domein Bokrijk - Bokrijklaan 1 - B-3600 Genk
Tickets and more info:
T +32 11 26 53 00 - E bokrijksales@limburg.be - www.bokrijk.be
F1 Circuit of Zolder: drafting in the slipstream of the pros Do laps yourself on the F1 Circuit of Zolder, setting of legendary Tour stages and hotly-contested World Championships in road racing and cyclo-cross racing.
Place: Circuit Zolder - Terlaemen 30 - 3550 Heusden-Zolder Opening times:
day ticket: â‚Ź 2
More info:
T +32 11 85 88 88 - www.circuit-zolder.be
Š Tim De Waele
Price:
every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6.15 - 9.30 p.m.
Š Tim De Waele
More information needed: www.ronde100.com (coming soon) www.facebook.com/ronde100 - www.twitter.com/ronde100 - #ronde100
Tourism Flanders-Brussels - 1a Cavendish Square - London W1G 0LD - www.visitflanders.co.uk - info@visitflanders.co.uk