Flanders Gravel: a new gravel event in Oudenaarde on July 2, 3 and 4, 2021

The organizers of Flanders Classics have unveiled details of a brand new Gravel event on July 2, 3 and 4, 2021, in Oudenaarde, a mythical finish location well known to Tour of Flanders enthusiasts. Organized in cooperation with LtD Gravel Rides (founded by former professional Laurens Ten Dam), the Flanders Gravel event will offer courses of 80, 120 and 160 kilometers, with the aim of promoting Gravel as a leisure activity and providing access to iconic climbs such as the Koppenberg, Paterberg, Kruisberg and Oude Kwaremont.

Source – Photo credits: Flanders Classics

Because in these troubled times when we really need to look ahead, Flanders Classics has unveiled the outlines of a new Gravel event this summer in Oudenaarde, a new organization for the general public, which is added to the calendar of events set up by the organizers of the Tour of Flanders. In cooperation with LtD Gravel Rides – founded by former professional rider and Gravel ambassador, Laurens ten Dam – the inaugural Flanders Gravel event will be held on July 2, 3 and 4 (if the global health situation permits) and will be based in the heart of the Ronde capital: the city of Oudenaarde.

Flanders Gravel aims to bring together and link the great history of cycling for over a century with the Gravel trend sweeping across roads and trails in Europe. By opening access to iconic cobbled climbs such as the Koppenberg, Paterberg, Kruisberg and Oude Kwaremont to the world of Gravel.

“We hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” explains Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics. “So we’ve been working hard in the background to launch this event. If all goes well, we’ll welcome participants to Flanders in early July. We’ve also set up an alternative date of October 16-18. Riders opting for the day ticket – the Saturday Troopers – will depart on the morning of July 2 from Oudenaarde’s iconic town square to ride 80, 120 or 160 kilometers. Flanders Gravel focuses primarily on cycling and recreational riders. We look forward to a weekend where Gravel will be the center of attention in a relaxed and unique atmosphere. Complemented by routes that will lead riders to unknown cobbles, our famous bergs and unique gravel sections. If you succeed in the Flanders Gravel event, you will truly have earned the title of Gravel Flandrien.”

The Flanders Gravel organizers have implemented comprehensive Covid19 measures to allow the event to proceed safely, as planned for the weekend of July 2-4. However, as the current global health situation is constantly evolving, they are being cautious and have also put a backup plan in place. For this reason, Flanders Gravel has set an alternative date of October 16-18 and will work closely with the relevant authorities to monitor the situation and provide updates to participants via the event website.

Flemish festival at the finish line

The finish of the Flanders Gravel event is located in the middle of the Flemish Ardennes, in the shadow of the famous Koppenberg and Oude Kwaremont climbs. A characteristic farm located between these iconic hills is expected to serve as the Flanders Gravel finish line. Entertainment, DJ, live performances, bike expo, catering, campfire and famous Belgian beers: these are the ingredients of Flanders Gravel 2021. Participants who opt for the Weekend Warrior ticket can pitch their tent from Friday, in a designated area near the finish line. Special additional arrangements for Weekend Warriors are planned for Friday evening and Sunday morning.

Co-organizer Laurens ten Dam, founder of LtD Gravel Rides, known for introducing gravel culture to the Lowlands, is delighted to be part of this Flanders Gravel event. “Gravel riding is becoming increasingly popular in Belgium. Working with Flanders Classics guarantees riders the best overall experience – the best of road and cyclocross history mixed with authentic gravel DNA. The Flanders Gravel event offers a challenging bike ride in a region that lives and breathes the Ronde. Hopefully, health conditions allow us to enjoy our ride on the iconic gravel and cobbles next July. Then we can all relax around the campfire with a beer in hand, music in the background, talking about the great adventures and sensations we had on the ride. Gravel riding is fun. Who can say no to that?“

More information and registration details at: www.flandersgravel.cc