Tips for watching Classics in Belgium this year

Odelay!

I currently live and work in Brussels and, understandably, I'm looking forward to watching some of the spring classics, at least Tour of Flanders and L-B-L, maybe others. I don't have a car here. Can anyone recommend any tips for watching these races, or classics generally, with, or preferably without, a car.

To try an alternative tack: If anyone is driving to any of the northern classics from Brussels or any other Belgian city and they have a spare space that would be hugely appreciated

cheers,
Pete

Bronzie

I saw Flanders last year, first on the Molenberg (got there early to watch the kids race and womens race) then after much getting stuck and lost decided to head to Geraardsbergen to watch the race on the big screen in the square - you can also see the riders come through the town, but you need to get there early for a space on the Muur itself (and then you can't see the big screen).

The atmosphere was great - a few cheeky Belgien beers, frites and warm sunshine. The noise the crowd made when Ballan pipped Hoste for the line was also magic - 1000 people intaking breath sharply! :P

Kléber

Take train to Geerardsbergen for the Tour of Flanders. A local paper is helpful, even if you don't understand Flemish, the rider numbers and route is published. A small radio can be useful, once again you might not understand the commentary but "Tom Boonen" (pronounced Bone-en) is obvious. Get there early.

Odelay!

Thanks for the tips, Geraardsbergen sounds good.

Anyone else going to Flanders this year?

Also, has anyone been to watch L-B-L or Fleche Walloon?

ram038

Odelay! wrote:

Thanks for the tips, Geraardsbergen sounds good.

Anyone else going to Flanders this year?

Also, has anyone been to watch L-B-L or Fleche Walloon?

I am going this year. this is my first-time and have been trawling the web for ideas on best place to watch. decided on Geraardsbergen. doing the sportive the day before so will have a better idea of the route and may decide on a different location.

Monty Dog

There's a railway station in Geraardsbergen, so probably conveniently served by trains from Brussels - which is only about 40 minutes away. To make a day of it, you could head to the main square in Brugge for the rider sign-on and depart 10am before heading elsewhere. Two other key spots are the Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg, where each of the local villages hold a big fete - but there are always huge crowds, so for a roadside view you need to get there earlier. Likewise, there's a big fair in Geraardsbergen too. There's live TV coverage from about 1pm and it'll be on in virtually every bar and cafe in Flanders - it is the biggest thing that happens in Flanders ever year and there's a massive tradition of following the race.

Odelay!

Think I'll go with Geraardsbergen, unless I formulate an amazing alternative plan before Sunday. Nice and accessable although clearly quite competitive for places roadside. Don't think I'll by up in time for Bruges first thing on a Sunday , but thanks for the tip.

Anyone else going?

Anyone every watched L-B-L before/got any tips?

Mar ge

I'm doing the RVV 145 sportive on the saturday and will probably go down on Sunday to watch - either to Gavere (very convenient for me) or a bit further down to Koppenberg. (depends on what I am allowed to do after spending a big chunk of Saturday with the bike).

metroid

i'm doing the 260 on saturday, with the pros
http://www.veloriders.co.uk/phpBB2/view ... hp?t=67642



.. kwaremont on sunday, i think?! last minute change of plan likely . .

Bronzie

I shall be there with a few others from CC Luton - doing the 140km Sat and then Gerardsbergen for the big screen probably depending on how lost we get