A Race Steeped In History

The Ronde van Vlaanderen: A Spring Cycling Classic

A Race Steeped in History

The Ronde van Vlaanderen, also known as the Tour of Flanders, is a one-day cycling race held annually in the Flemish region of Belgium. First held in 1913, it is one of the five "Monuments" of cycling, alongside the Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia.

The Course

The race covers a distance of approximately 270 kilometers, with a parcours that includes numerous cobblestone sections and steep climbs. The most famous of these climbs are the Oude Kwaremont, Koppenberg, and Muur van Geraardsbergen.

Recent Winners

In 2023, the race was won by Mathieu van der Poel, who completed the course in 6 hours, 2 minutes, and 15 seconds. Other recent winners include Tadej Pogačar (2022), Kasper Asgreen (2021), and Alberto Bettiol (2019).

Legacy

The Ronde van Vlaanderen is considered by many to be the most prestigious cycling race in Flanders, and it attracts a large number of spectators each year. It is also a popular race for professional cyclists, as it offers a challenging course and a chance to earn valuable UCI points.