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Any advice for watching the Tour of Flanders

by simonwarren007
Tue, Mar 27, 2018 16:50
4

I'm making the pilgrimage to Belgium this weekend to watch the Tour of Flanders and wondered if anyone had any hints, tips or general advice that would help make my wife and I get the most from what is hopefully going to be a memorable trip.

We're staying in Ghent on Saturday night before driving to a little village called Kluisbergen so that we can try and stand on the Oude Kwaremont and watch them as they struggle up the hill.

Does anyone know if this is feasible, complete madness, not a good idea etc?  

If anyone has successfully watched the race from one of the classics cobbked climbs, what time would we need to be there to get a decent spot?

Any help, no matter how stupid or small you think it could be would be gratefully recived.

Thanks.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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4 comments

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simonwarren007 | 6 years ago
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Thanks for that info.  Really useful.

I think we might go for the train idea, less hassle and more fun.

Cant wait now!

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rebeccarrgghh | 6 years ago
0 likes

Hi!

I’ve been to watch in ’14 and ’16. We stayed in Ghent and got a train to Oudenaarde on the morning. From Oudenaarde station they run a free shuttle bus service to the Kwaremont, roads are closed so I’m not sure how easy it is to drive.  The Kwaremont is barriered off and very busy so be prepared for bustling. Both times I watched the riders on their first time up the Kwaremont then walked 10ish minutes across some fields (tip-follow the locals who leave!) to the Paterberg. The riders do two loops of the Paterberg so you will see them grinding up twice, you’ll also see the womens race pass first. There is also a big screen showing the race on the Paterberg plus beer/frite stands etc. Amazing atmosphere, gets a bit rowdy later on, (people stick around Kwaremont after the race for more beer and euro pop) but in a good way (I think)!

 

I’ve seen quite a few races and Flanders is my favourite for atmosphere and the circuit is great for spectating. I would have went again this year but I chose the ‘cross worlds instead smiley

P.S http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/sites/default/files/rvv2018-elite-men-t... tells you what time they expect to hit the climbs.

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simonwarren007 | 6 years ago
1 like

I'll give you a wave!

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CXR94Di2 | 6 years ago
1 like

Only watched one professional race, that was Tour de France @ Sheffield. The day was great with good weather and carnival atmosphere. The riders came by so fast it was over in a flash. 5 hours for less than a minute or so to see peleton fly by. the crowd dispersed immediately afterwards. Go for the atmosphere don't expect to see much of the riders even on the climbs.

Best viewing is from the TV. Have a good weekend, I might see you in the crowd on TV 1

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