The Tour of Flanders: The Ultimate Belgian Cycling Monument

The Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) is one of the most prestigious and grueling one-day races in professional cycling. Held annually in Belgium, this race is a cornerstone of the Spring Classics and a true test of endurance, skill, and strategy.

The History of the Race

First held in 1913, the Tour of Flanders has grown into one of the five Monuments of cycling, alongside Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Giro di Lombardia. Known for its brutal cobbled climbs and unpredictable weather, the race is revered by both riders and fans alike. The event takes place in Flanders, a region where cycling is akin to religion, and the atmosphere on race day is electric.

The Challenging Route

What makes the Tour of Flanders unique is its demanding course. The route has evolved over the years, but some iconic elements remain:

• Cobbled sectors: Riders must navigate through narrow, bumpy roads that test their bike-handling skills.
• Short, steep climbs (Hellingen): Legendary climbs such as the Koppenberg, Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont, and the Muur van Geraardsbergen define the race.
• Tactical battles: Unlike long mountain ascents in Grand Tours, the short, explosive nature of these climbs forces riders to attack strategically.

Eddy Merckx and His Legacy

Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx, often considered the greatest cyclist of all time, claimed victory at the Tour of Flanders twice, in 1969 and 1975. His first win in 1969 was particularly dominant—he launched a solo attack over 70 kilometers from the finish, a feat that remains one of the most spectacular performances in the race’s history. His ability to break away and sustain power over the cobbled climbs solidified his place in Flanders’ cycling folklore.

Iconic Moments in the Tour of Flanders

Beyond Merckx’s exploits, the race has seen many legendary performances:

• Johan Museeuw (1993, 1995, 1998) – A Flemish hero, Museeuw conquered the race three times and became known as “The Lion of Flanders.”
• Tom Boonen (2005, 2006, 2012) – A dominant force in the early 2000s, Boonen’s rivalry with Fabian Cancellara created thrilling battles.
• Fabian Cancellara (2010, 2013, 2014) – A master of the cobbled classics, Cancellara’s power and strategy made him a Tour of Flanders icon.
• Mathieu van der Poel (2020, 2022) – A modern superstar keeping the Flemish tradition alive with his aggressive racing style.

The Tour of Flanders Today

The modern Tour of Flanders remains as prestigious as ever, drawing the world’s best cyclists and massive crowds. Fans line the roads, waving Flemish flags and cheering on the riders. The atmosphere, combined with the race’s unpredictable nature, makes it a must-watch event every cycling season.

For cycling enthusiasts and collectors, the Tour of Flanders is a symbol of grit, history, and tradition. Whether you’re watching the race unfold or looking for vintage cycling jerseys that pay tribute to this legendary event, Pulling Turns celebrates the rich culture of cycling.

The Tour of Flanders is more than just a bike race—it’s a cultural phenomenon that showcases the heart and soul of Belgian cycling. From Eddy Merckx’s legendary solo ride in 1969 to the modern battles between today’s stars, the Ronde continues to captivate and inspire.

Do you have a favorite Tour of Flanders moment? Share it with us in the comments below!