Flanders 2011 Trip

Thornton Road Club

Tour Of Flanders Sportive

02.04.2011

Ride the classic route, and then watch the pro’s ride it properly the next day!

The 14^th Sunday of each year sees the Tour of Flanders One Day Classic in Belgium.

This annual event is one of the world’s classic cycle races and the biggest Pro race in Belgium. It features numerous steep climbs, some approaching 20%, and the infamous cobbled sections.

The day before is the annual Flanders Sportive, the chance for amateur riders to test themselves over the course used by the Pros. This event is attended by approximately 18,000 amateur riders each year. The crowds turn out in their thousands to watch the amateurs test themselves, and I’m reliably informed that it is an incredible riding experience.

Next year a group of Thornton riders intend to ride this Sportive. They will be travelling over on Friday the 1^st April, riding the Sportive on the Saturday, and then watching the Pro race on the Sunday (start Bruges) before returning home late on Sunday evening.

This is a fairly tough Sportive, so a fair amount of training prior to the event is probably advisable. There will of course be plenty of time to sample Belgium fruit beers and Frites before and after the Sportive…..

Below is some brief information regarding the Sportive should you wish to join in the ‘fun’ …..

3 Sportives Available

260 km (160 miles) Option

Departure point – Markt Sq. Bruges

Finish - Provincial Technical Institute (PTI), Centrumlaan 160, Ninove

Start Time – 7- 8.30am

Price €22 in advance. €30 on the day.

150 km (93 miles)

Departure point – Provincial Technical Institute (PTI), Centrumlaan 160, Ninove

Finish – PTI, Ninove

Start Time – 7- 10am

Price €17 in advance. €25 on the day.

75 km (46 miles)

Departure point – Provincial Technical Institute (PTI), Centrumlaan 160, Ninove

Finish – PTI, Ninove

Start Time – 7- 2pm

Price €15 in advance. €20 on the day

€5 deposit payable for the bike identification tag (refundable at the finish)

Registration

Online entry via this link –

http://sport.be.msn.com/cyclingtour/rondevanvlaanderen/2011/eng/

One week before the event you’ll receive your rider number. You can use this number to pick up our bike tag at the relevant registration booth.

Friday 01.04.2011 between 1pm and 7pm

Cityhall, Centrunlaam, Ninove.

Saturday 02.04.2011 from 7am

Cityhall, Centrunlaam, Ninove.

Markt, Bruges (260 km Sportive only)

ExampleTravel Info

Departing Friday am 01.04.2010 and returning late Sunday pm on 03.04.2011

P&O - £80 for car and 4 people

Eurotunnel - £100 for car and 4 people

Example Accomodation

Bruges (approx 50 miles from Ninove). This is the start point for the Pro race on Sunday 02.04.2011.

http://www.otel.com/hotels/belgium.htm

£80 per night Twin Room

Ghent (approx 10 miles from Ninove)

http://www.otel.com/hotels/belgium.htm

£60 per night twin room