The most prestigious 5 monuments of cycling, the Tour Of Flanders is the ultimate cycling challenge which takes place in the Flanders region. These routes take place on Sunday, April 2nd Watch the Pros tackle the same roads on Sunday in the 2023 Tour of Flanders. Dating back as far as 1913, this year marks its 110th anniversary. A race defined by its meandering twists turns and narrow cobbled climbs, the Tour of Flanders, also known as the Ronde van Vlaanderen, is arguably the finest of the Classics. Should you want to experience this event first-hand, we have created our top tips on what you should expect during the weekend. Make sure to book your stay at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde, to make the weekend a memorable one.
Tour de Flanders Men
Typically for the last six years, the men’s race started in Antwerp, however this year it will start in Bruges and head 273.4km to Oudenaarde. Around 109km into the journey the cyclists will find their first challenge the Huisepontweg cobbled section. Midway the men will approach the longest climb Oude Kwaremont and afterwards are faced with another cobbled challenge, offering little chance in between to recover. The Tour of Flanders this year finishes with its usual flat run-in to Oudenaarde. Last year’s winner Mathieu van der Poel will be back for this year’s edition in the hope of defending his title.
Tour of Flanders Women
The first women’s edition of the Tour of Flanders took place back in 2004. This first route was 94k long, the shortest route in history. In 2016 Tour de Flanders women’s race was awarded UCI World Tour status and has become of the most awaited races in the women’s calendar. The women’s race takes place the same day as the men’s and finishes one hour after, taking in much of the men’s route but the starting point is different. Starting and finishing in the Oudenaarde route is 153km, with 13 climbs and five sections of pavè surfaces. The women’s race will reach the first cobbled section of 10km of racing, but will not return until 40km later. Little rest is available on this race, as the ladies will also take on a series of unrelenting climbs including the race’s most famous climbs, Koppenberg and Taaienberg, with just over 40km of the race remaining. Lotte Kopecky won the 2022 edition of the Tour of Flanders, followed by Annemiek van Vleuten and Chantal van den Broek-Blaak. Only three riders have managed to achieve a first place podium on more than one occasion in this race, including Mirjam Melchers
Rest up at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde
After all that cycling you will need a base to put your feet up and relax. Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde offers a comfortable, stylish and relaxing place to stay for organisers, staff, riders and onlookers for these exciting races which happen but once a year. Located on the Scheldt in the De Ham district, we’re ideally located to explore the area, attend events, go shopping or sightseeing, or be an ideal place to get some R&R before exploring everything the city has to offer. We’re close to many mountain bike routes & fantastic Belgian restaurants and the town centre is a short walk away. Our stylish and comfortable bedrooms will ensure you get a great night’s sleep, preparing you for whatever the following day has in store.
Book your stay at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde on our official website to enjoy exclusive access to our best available rates and seasonal special offers. We look forward to welcoming you.
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