12,500 Cyclists Take Part in Flanders Finest from Bruges to Oudenaarde

Oudenaarde (Eurotoday) – Flanders’ Finest attracted 12,500 cyclists representing 67 countries, with most races beginning and ending in Oudenaarde. Gert Van Goolen described it as a dream ride, filled with legendary climbs, enthusiastic crowds, and upbeat music.

Thousands of cycling enthusiasts from around the globe gathered in Flanders for Flanders’ Finest, an amateur cycling event that has become one of the most celebrated in Europe. Participants had the option to choose from four race distances, ranging from 80 km to 229 km. While the majority of the races both started and concluded in Oudenaarde, the longest 229 km route kicked off in Bruges. Every course finished in Oudenaarde, just like the professional Tour of Flanders.

Amateur participants had the opportunity to test their endurance on iconic cobbled climbs such as the Koppenberg and Paterberg, experiencing the same challenges faced by the pros. Although the shorter routes were more manageable, the full 229 km course followed the same terrain as the professional competition, offering breathtaking views and a deep sense of immersion in Flemish cycling tradition.

Global Riders Experience the Spirit of Flanders’ Finest

Approximately 12,500 cyclists took part in this year’s edition of Flanders’ Finest—one of the largest amateur cycling events in Europe. Organizers had aimed for 15,000 participants, and the turnout was still considered a great success. Impressively, a majority of the cyclists were international visitors: around 10,000 came from 67 different nations, with large contingents arriving from the Netherlands, France, the UK, and Germany. The Tour of Flanders continues to hold worldwide appeal as a bucket-list event.

According to Gert Van Goolen, spokesperson for the organizers, many foreign riders are drawn to the event after watching the professional Tour of Flanders on television. “For them, this ride is more than a physical challenge,” said Van Goolen. “It’s about being part of the story of Flemish cycling. Tackling the famous hills—some intimidating—is part of what makes it special.”

To elevate the atmosphere, organizers placed music stands along the route, with live bands and DJs entertaining cyclists as they passed. This musical addition not only motivated riders, but also gave the event a festive, communal vibe that many described as “a celebration on wheels.”