RetroRonde van Vlaanderen celebrates Tour of Flanders centenary

Retro cycle ride through the Flanders region of Belgium

Published: February 14, 2013 at 12:02 pm

The seventh RetroRonde van Vlaanderen, a nostalgic cycling event during which riders gear up in retro clothing and ride classic bikes through the heart of the Flanders cyclosport region, has been announced for Sunday 26 May 2013.

Described as a leisurely Sunday ride, the RetroRonde will run 100 years to the day since the first Tour of Flanders was ridden. It isn't a competition, though – you'll get to follow a route of 40, 70 or 100km through the infamous cobblestone slopes of the Flemish Ardennes.

Bikes being used should date from before 1987, or at the very least be of a vintage style, while clothing should also be period. Riders will have opportunities to stop at scenic locations, while fuels stops will also be provided by the organisers. The participation fee stands at €10 for pre-registered riders and €12 for on-the-day sign-ups.

Registration opens on Saturday 25 May, with a bicycle swap meet and votes for the most authentic riders. A criterium race will also be held in the city centre of Oudenaarde (€5 pre-registered, €7 on the day), followed by a Flemish dance.

For more information or to pre-register see www.retroronde.be.