Tour of Flanders organisers and former professional rider Laurens ten Dam have confirmed plans for a gravel event to take place this summer, with Flanders Gravel scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 July.
The three-day event will “open up the gravel world to the iconic Koppenberg, Paterberg, Kluisberg and Oude Kwaremont cobbled climbs.” according to a press release.
The organisers readily agree that the future of the event is largely dependent on the pandemic of Coronavirus and any limitations imposed by government or local authorities, but they expect to provide participants with a healthy event as gravel events begin to take off further across Europe. The event has back-up dates set for mid-October for these reasons.
“So, we have been working hard in the background to launch this event. If all is well, we will welcome participants to Flanders in early July. We have also set up an alternative date of October 16-18. Riders opting for the day ticket – the Saturday Troopers – will set off in the morning of July 2 from the iconic downtown square in Oudenaarde to head out for their 80, 120 or 160-kilometre ride.
“Flanders Gravel focuses mainly on the recreational rider. We look forward to a weekend where the gravel bike will be the centre of attention combined with the relaxed and unique gravel ambiance. Topped off with routes that will bring the riders to undiscovered cobblestones, our famous bergs and unique gravel sections. If you successfully complete the Flanders Gravel event, you have truly earned yourself the title of Gravel Flandrien.”
