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Home , 2012 UCI World Tour, Bokrijk, Briek Schotte, Criterium, Dwars door Vlaanderen, East Flanders

100 years of the Tour of 100 years of the

When the new spring 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 , , year. Suddenly it’s upon us: The Ronde! In the space of just Gent-, 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 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 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 has a rich cycling tradition and with its ‘Iron’ and Jean-Pierre ‘Jempi’ Monseré are the major spring classics such as Kuurne--Kuurne, Dwars connecting thread. The pinnacle of each exhibition is a ride on door Vlaanderen, E3 and -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 , winner of the first Tour of Flanders, main character.

Date: from March till September 2013 Place: the locations are the Cycling Museum in , the Town Hall of and Veloods Waregem ( rental), the library of Wevelgem, meetingplace OC De Cerf in Gullegem, the ancient Pump Building in Bossuit, the Jukebox Museum in 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 (‘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 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- 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 . Its history stirs all the senses and, especially at sunset, the most wonderful

Date: 23-25 May 2013 Place: Geraardsbergen More info: www.muurenmythe.be (from end 2012) © archief RVV © archief © 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– 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 , the ! Even during the approach to the climbs there’s not a moment when you can 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 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 colourful and gastronomic cycling event with riders from all over should date from before 1987 and clothing should be from 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 race in the centre of 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 containing some

Date: 25-26 May 2013 Organisation: Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen Place: Oudenaarde 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: [email protected] 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 Flanders and were part of the racing route, but for and hills, the Muur of Geraardsbergen (Wall of many years now the centre of activities is in the . 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 will celebrate the of , or . birthday of Flanders most beautiful tour with a brand-new Tour

Date: from 1st April 2013 Place: Flemish Ardennes (start at Oudenaarde, , and Geraardsbergen) More info: www.tov.be © archief RVV © archief © 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 ’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, the Tour 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) Group price: € 5.50 per person (minimum 15 people) Trade price: € 6 Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday incl. 10 am to 6 pm Booking: www.crrv.be - Booking is mandatory for groups of 15 or more Guided tours: € 95 (reservation is mandatory) © Marc De Moor 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! wins the Tour of Flanders in addition to cycle sports. Also in the Wiemu: a shop with cycling in 2008, 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: T +32 51 26 87 40 - E [email protected] - www.wielermuseum.be - www.facebook.com/WieMuRoeselare Prices: Adults: € 5 (over 60 years: € 4) Under 12 years: free, ages 12 to 26: € 1 Group price: € 4 per person (min.10 people) Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday incl. 10 am to 5 pm Booking: T +32 51 26 87 40 - E [email protected] 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

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 , Brussels and . 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, , 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: www.sportimonium.be Prices: Adults: € 4 Under 6 years: free, ages 6 to 26: € 1 Seniors (over65 years.): € 3.50 Group price (minimum 15 people): adults: € 3.50 seniors (over 65 years): € 3 Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm - Sundays and public holidays: 11 am to 5 pm - Closed on Saturday © Rob Walbers Walbers © Rob © Rob Walbers The Tour of the Cycling Paradise

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 .

Date: Sixties exhibition Bokrijk with digital cyclist identities: from 31 March to 30 September 2013. The Race of Bokrijk: 2 June 2013 Place: Domein Bokrijk - Bokrijklaan 1 - B-3600 Tickets and more info: T +32 11 26 53 00 - E [email protected] - www.bokrijk.be © Tourisme © Tourisme Limburg 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: - Terlaemen 30 - 3550 Heusden-Zolder Opening times: every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6.15 - 9.30 p.m. Price: day ticket: € 2 More info: T +32 11 85 88 88 - www.circuit-zolder.be © Tim De Waele © 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 - [email protected]