The Tour of Flanders remains one of the most anticipated events of the year for cycling enthusiasts. The Tour, also known as “Flanders’ Finest,” has been held for over 100 years and is the most prestigious cycling race in Belgium. It is one of the five great monuments of cycling, alongside Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Lombardy, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
It’s a dream race for cycling enthusiasts, showcasing stunning landscapes in the hilly Flemish Ardennes with its challenging climbs. People from all over the world gather to witness this iconic spectacle on two wheels that takes place annually in Belgium every spring.
In 2024, Mathieu van der Poel secured his third victory in this prestigious event, cementing his status as one of the greats of cycling. Now, all eyes are on Sunday, 6th April 2025, as the world eagerly awaits to see who will claim the title this year.
Whether you’re competing in the race, supporting a loved one, or simply soaking up the electric atmosphere, Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde offers the perfect base for your stay. Book now to secure your accommodation at the best available rates and make your Tour of Flanders experience unforgettable.
Tips for Viewing the Tour of Flanders
1. Bring your Bike!
Whether you’re planning to take part or not, you can cheer on your favourite cyclist from multiple points when you bring your bike to get around quickly and easily. This website gives great suggestions for how to chase the race and watch the cyclists blur by from multiple points.
2. Don’t drive yourself
The race attracts 750,000 a year – can you imagine if even a quarter of those people drove their own cars? Parking is scarce at the finish lines and is limited in the towns and cities in between. You’re better off bringing your own bike or carpooling with friends and family to save you the hassle of finding parking.
3. Enjoy the atmosphere at a Public Village
Visit public areas on Koppenberg, Paterberg, Kruisberg and Oude Kwaremont for the best race day atmosphere. They’re ideal for day trippers or people who want to experience the thrill of the race without taking part in the cycle. They have sanitary facilities and various stands where you can have something to eat or drink. After the race, this is the place to be if you want to experience a joyous atmosphere!
4. Visit a true Flemish cycling pub on your trip to cheer on the racers in Tour of Flanders.
In the Flemish Ardennes bike races are a part of life and another popular culture point is the pub, where you can dissect the race, make predictions, and discuss the upcoming race. They’re great places for an exciting atmosphere before, during and after the race. Not sure where to go? The free ‘Plan Beir’ map or a chat with a local will tell you about some of the best pubs in the Flemish Ardennes.
The Patron Saint of Cycling
Some people rely on hard work and dedication while others look for divine inspiration to win their races! Did you know there is a patron saint of cycling? If you’re serious about the sport and religion, you can visit the Tour of Flanders Chapel.
Say a prayer to Saint Daniel, the patron saint of all cyclists, or light a candle near the stylised cyclist fresco where the names of past Tour of Flanders winners have been carved into the floor. It’s unique to say the least!
The Tour of Flanders Experience Centre
You might think you know everything there is to know about the Tour of Flanders but there is always something else to learn. Pop into the Tour of Flanders Experience Centre in Oudenaarde where you can learn everything you didn’t know you needed to know about our biggest race.
Experience race days of the past, watch videos, follow Peter Van Petegem up Oude Kwaremont, experience what it feels like to drive on cobblestones on a specially designed bike, test your knowledge of the Ronde in a quiz and get up on the podium yourself, flanked by your cycling heroes for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity.
Experience the Tour of Flanders like a VIP
If you want to experience all of this action from start to finish there is a VIP experience available. Nothing could compare to being in the crowd in the middle of the action to welcome the best cyclists in Belgium home, the VIP Experience has everything you could want and more.
The race organiser Flanders Classics has several special packages which offer a different experience of the race. You can choose from one of several VIP packages to turn this major sporting event into an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation for the Tour of Flanders is easy when you choose Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde. Enjoy the action from a comfortable, spacious base in the heart of Oudenaarde– adjacent to many pubs, museums, and lookout spots, and just a short walk from the finish line.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a daytime writer for Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde, a four-star boutique hotel in the city centre of Oudenaarde in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes. Since this free-spirited damsel loves to go on adventures, she’s got a lot to say about travel, dining, cultural enjoyment, and lifestyle.
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