Entries for the 2019 Tour of Flanders sportive are now open. This year sees four routes on offer for the legendary Spring Classic sportive, with early bird prices available for the first riders to register their place.

The Flanders cyclosportive, also known as the Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo, is one of the most popular in Europe. Each year 16,000 cyclists take to the cobbles to ride the route a day ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) pro race.

Cancellara launches his winning move on the finish straight in 2014. Photo: Oisin Sands
Cancellara launches his winning move on the finish straight in 2014. Photo: Oisin Sands

After a few years based in Bruges, the 2019 Ronde will be based in Antwerp for a third successive year. The full course details have not yet been announced, but riders can typically choose from 229km, 174km, 139km and 74km options. The 229km route starts in Antwerp while the shorter routes begin in Oudenaarde, as in previous years, where the main action takes place on the cobbled bergs and rural roads around the town.

As usual the organisers are offering a discounted price for early entries. Sign up early and you'll pay just €60 for the 229km course, €50 for the 174km option, €40 for the 139km route, or €30 for the 74km short course.

The prices will rise by €5 and €10 as more riders enter, so it's well worth registering as soon as possible to get the best rate.

For riders taking on the 229km distances, a shuttle bus service is available from Oudenaarde to the start in Antwerp. You can book this at the same time as registering, the cost is €30.

The 2019 Tour of Flanders sportive takes place on Saturday 6th April, with the pro race taking place the next day.

If you go to ride this event make sure you stay for the full weekend to experience the pro riders in the actual Tour of Flanders the next day. This is the race that stops Belgium: when Fabian Cancellara won in 2014, over eighty percent of the population watched his victory either live or on television!

Check out some more information on riding the Tour of Flanders:

For more information and to register, visit www.sport.be.

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