About 16,000 Flanders residents from all over the world boarded their Tour of Flanders on Saturday. A total of 69 nationalities from all over the world started. The Red Cross had to intervene mainly in cases of injuries after falls, but no other incidents were reported. That’s says Gert van Goulen, a spokesperson for the We Ride Flanders organizer.
The bravest of cyclists left Antwerp at 7 am on Saturday and rode the full pro track. The Ronde and Flemish Racing Championships attract cycling enthusiasts from all over the world. There were 69 nationalities driving this year. Of these, 61 percent, or about 9,750 participants, came from abroad. 2,460 participants came from the Netherlands and there were also 2,000 British, 1,400 French, and 1,300 Italians. Participants also came from Venezuela, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Again, the total number of event participants is limited to 16,000.
After a few years without the Ronde or as it was postponed to fall, bike tourists were allowed to explore the track again this year the day before the pros. “Yes, you can see that’s a good thing,” says Van Golen. The roads are dry and sunny. Maybe it was cold, but one could wear it. The last riders to complete the full distance are not expected until around 8, but in the late afternoon there were no accidents to report other than some minor falls.
The bravest of cyclists left Antwerp at 7 am on Saturday and rode the full pro track. The Ronde and Flemish Racing Championships attract cycling enthusiasts from all over the world. There were 69 nationalities driving this year. Of these, 61 percent, or about 9,750 participants, came from abroad. 2,460 participants came from the Netherlands and there were also 2,000 British, 1,400 French, and 1,300 Italians. Participants also came from Venezuela, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Once again, the total number of event participants is limited to 16,000. After a few years without the Ronde or as it was postponed to fall, bike tourists were allowed to explore the track again this year the day before the pros. “Yes, you can see that’s a good thing,” says Van Golen. The roads are dry and sunny. Maybe it was cold, but one could wear it. The last riders to complete the full distance are not expected until around 8, but in the late afternoon there were no accidents to report other than some minor falls.
