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14,000 Brave Souls Ride the 2026 We Ride Flanders Cyclo

A significantly higher number of participants opted for the full experience this year at the 34th edition, 3,600 signing up for the 247 km and over 5,000 for or the 163 km distance, with one unfortunate fatality.

14,000 Brave Souls Ride the 2026 We Ride Flanders Cyclo

Over 14,000 participants rode We Ride Flanders and chose from a 79, 133, 163 or 247 km ride this Saturday. The longest route started in Antwerp, just like the pros do on Sunday; the others set off from Oudenaarde, which is also the finish line and the heart of the Tour of Flanders.
 
In the Flemish Ardennes, hills well known from the final stages awaited, such as the Eikenberg, Taaienberg, Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. The 247 km route featured 16 climbs (2,100 metres of elevation gain), whilst the shortest distance still offers 10 climbs and 900 metres of elevation gain. 
 
Of course, anyone can ride the Tour of Flanders course all year round, but We Ride Flanders adds a unique experience: everything is set up the same way as for the pros. Banners mark the climbs, with campervans and supporters lining the roadside, whilst DJs and presenters create a lively atmosphere at the start, finish and key points along the route. And along the way, there’s that typical Tour atmosphere, culminating in a finish where riders cross the official timing line.
 
Notably, more and more young people want to experience the cycling magic of We Ride Flanders. The number of participants aged between 18 and 34 was up 20% higher than last year. They now make up 29% of the field, compared to 21% in 2025.
 
14,000 Brave Souls Ride the 2026 We Ride Flanders Cyclo
 
We Ride Flanders attracts participants from all over the world but remains particularly popular at home too: 40% of the peloton is Belgian (5,500 participants, a slight increase compared to last year). The largest foreign delegations come from France and the Netherlands (each with more than 2,000 participants), as well as the United Kingdom (over 1,000 cyclists). Cycling enthusiasts from Brazil, Ivory Coast and Singapore and many more will also be at the start.
 
To ensure all 14,000 cyclists enjoyed the ride without a care on Saturday, organiser Peloton was once again prioritising safety with 340 marshals, 40 of whom were mobile. Medical facilities are being expanded with six additional posts in the busy hilly section, four of which are mobile. In addition, a further 750 staff and volunteers will be on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
 
Unfortunately, a 51-year-old British cyclist died after suffering cardiac arrest near the Hotond climb near Ronse. He had been riding with his son at the time.
 
Organizers expressed their sadness, "What should have been a memorable day at We Ride Flanders 2026 was overshadowed by the loss of one of our participants, who became unwell while riding. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and send our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him."
 
Spectator Andy Deighton who saw the incident expressed his condolences "Very sad to witness, medics, police & marshals were in attendance very quickly! Sending all my love & prayers to his family & anyone who knew him."

Two other incidents occurred during Saturday's event, one involving a 57-year-old Dutch man and later a second British rider who was rescued on the Oude Kwaremont. Both were taken to hospital.
 
Link to 2026 We Ride Flanders Cyclo results: https://www.acn-timing.com/?lng=NL#/events/2156915396518727/ctx/20260404_rvv/generic/198026_9/home/RVV

14,000 Brave Souls Ride the 2026 We Ride Flanders Cyclo

 
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