[CYCLING CLASSIC] The TACX film of this route evokes the atmosphere of genuine competition. The Ronde van Vlaanderen is a world-famous classic, varied and unpredictable. ’Vlaanderens mooiste’, the term of endearment that Belgian cycling fanatics use for this race, is famous for its many short, steep climbs, the likes of ‘Kruisberg’ and ‘Oude Kwaremont’, fast descents, narrow, windy roads and treacherous cobblestones. Thousands of spectators are on the side of the road, cheering you on. You will feel like being in the lead of the race. ** The course is varied and unpredictable, with thousands of people lining the roads and cheering you on: it gives you the feeling of being the front runner. This classic, world-class event conjures up a real racing atmosphere. The final 104 km of the 2007 Pro race route was filmed from a car that drove ahead of the peloton, giving the impression that you are the leader of the race. After a flat 10 km warm up 15 well-known classic Tour of Flanders' ascents such as the Kluisberg, the Oude-Kwaremont and the super steep Paterberg follow each other in rapid succession. After the Bosberg, you will finish in style at the finish line in Ninove. Ascents: • Kluisberg - Knokteberg - Oude Kwaremont - Paterberg - Kortekeer - Steenbeekdries - Taaienberg - Eikenberg - Leberg - Berendries - Valkenberg - Tenbosse - Eikenmolen - Kapelmuur - Bosberg. Shortest climb Leberg 0.6Km; longest Oude-Kwaremont 1.9km; Max. Gradient - 12.5%. The course (103.8 km) • Start in Oudenaarde at about 152km into the 259km long race & follows the 2007 Pro race route from that point - Kluisbergen - Brakel - Geraardsbergen - Denderwindeke - finishes in Meerbeke (Ninove) Course information: The Tour of Flanders is a classic, world-class event, traditionally ridden the first Sunday in April. Starting at the same point of our popular original 2004 woman's race in Oudenaarde. This time though we lead the sunny 2007 pro race taking in 10 km of flat roads to warm up towards Kluisbergen before starting the relentless crowded steep climbs that make the Pro race one of the toughest single day events in the sport. Witness the legendary climbs like the lactate building epic of the Oude Kwaremont or the thigh busting steepness of the Paterberg from the eyes of a rider. Perfect training for those that want to help build up their VO2 max Belgium style while also building endurance. 2007 featured the warmest April on record, The hills are short and steep, the descents rapid. The ascents alternate between flat, narrow roads, sometimes paved with rough cobblestones. The course is tortuous, unpredictable and often difficult to negotiate. It requires maximum concentration. The world of racing is brutally challenging & this route highlights this point in neon. The strongest cyclists ride at the front. Mistakes are quickly punished. * From the 18 climbs included in the 2007 race we miss just 3 (the first 2 that come before the start of filming & hill number 11 the Boigneberg). For a total of 15 famous climbs! Top of the Kapelmuur has film taken outside of the race due to restrictions on traffic during race day. by thunderthighs
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