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We Ride Flanders: The Craziest Fondo Party in the World!

On Saturday March 20th, one day before the pros, tradition dictates that cycling enthusiasts ride the course of the Ronde (Tour of Flanders). We Ride Flanders offers cyclists four different distances and the chance to have the same experience as the pros have on Sunday. Once again this year, the most imaginative cyclo in the world is attracting over 9,700 foreigners from 65 countries!

We Ride Flanders: The Most Imaginative Fondo in the World

All those who want to feel what it means to be a Flandrien, will be present in Oudenaarde on Saturday. Or in Antwerp, where the bravest of all Flandriens set off at 7am to ride the full course to Oudenaarde, just like the pros on Sunday. There will be more than 3,200 who will cover the longest of the four distances. They will face 237 km, good for a total of 17 climbs and 2260 vertical metres. Just after the start, a unique passage through the Waaslandtunnel also awaits them.

The 159 km, 128 km and 74 km distances start in Oudenaarde between 7 am and 10 am. Even on the shorter distances, a minimum of 10 hills and four cobbled sections await the participants. No one escapes the Koppenberg, Karnemelkbeekstraat, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg and the 2 km cobbled stretch of Mariaborrestraat. As in the pro race this year, no Kanarieberg, but Kapelleberg. Those choosing the second longest distance (158 km) will also get a diversion via the Muur van Geraardsbergen, just like the participants of the longest distance.

Once again, there will be a motley crew at the start. 65 nationalities are represented, with just over 60% of the total field of participants coming from abroad, primarily from neighbouring countries: 2,800 Dutch, 2,200 French, 1,400 British, 700 Germans and 600 Italians have already registered. But they flock to the Flemish cobbles and hills in their hundreds from every continent: Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa,... About 600 employees will be on hand on the day to make sure everything runs smoothly.

We care about cycling

To improve the comfort of cyclists, filter blockades will again be provided at the foot of some hills where frame plates will be checked to prevent cheating. In addition, organiser Peloton would like to remind participants to follow the highway code at all times, to remain courteous to other cyclists and other road users, to hold onto and then throw away litter where it belongs and not to urinate in public. There are plenty of bins and toilets at various places along the route and at the supply stations.

Flandrien Café

It goes without saying that people participate in We Ride Flanders for the cycling experience, but - as participants testify every year - also for the group feeling and unique atmosphere. A perfectly mapped out course, encouragement and music along the route, the speaker and fireworks at the start. At the finish, it will be time to reminisce in the Flandrien Café, which has been decorated in style, including a mini exhibition courtesy of KOERS, Museum van de Wielersport, in Roeselare. You will be inspired by the rich history of Vlaanderens Mooiste, including two authentic racing bicycles: Greg Van Avermaet's last Ronde bicycle and the bicycle that winner Jules Vanhevel rode across the cobbles in 1920.

Well-known cyclists

As always, many prominent people will be at the start of We Ride Flanders: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, BOIC President Jean-Michel Saive, cyclo-cross riders Eli Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout, former cyclists Johan Museeuw, Dirk De Wolf, Stuart O'Grady, Thomas Voeckler, ...

Registration for We Ride Flanders is still open. Late deciders can still register online at www.werideflanders.be until Friday evening or possibly Saturday morning in Oudenaarde if the last available places have not been filled by then.

Follow it from the comfort of your home on WRF's channels:

- Werideflanders.com
- instagram.com/werideflanders
- facebook.com/rondevanvlaanderencyclo

For all info about and registration for We Ride Flanders go to www.werideflanders.be.