Tour of Flanders 2017: The Route

Sunday 2 April, 2017 – At 259.5 kilometres, the 101st edition of the Tour of Flanders features 18 hills. While the Muur van Geraardsbergen returns, the last 75 kilometres are the same as last year's, meaning a ceaseless succession of short, sharp and often cobbled climbs that are emblematic of the race.

After leaving the new start in Antwerp the 101st Tour of Flanders heads for Sint Niklaas and Hamme-Zogge, birth place of Olympic Champion Greg Van Avermaet. Via Berlare, Aalst and Herzele the riders arrive in Zottegem, where they get their first taste of cobbles with the Lippenhovenstraat and Paddestraat.

After 115 kilometres in the saddle, the 2.2 kilometres cobbled climb up Oude Kwaremont is the first uphill section. Then the route takes in the hills of the Kortekeer, Eikenberg and Wolvenberg before the flat cobbled sectors of the Holleweg and Haaghoek gives way to the climbs up the Leberg, Berendries and Ten Bosse.

With 165 kilometres done the Flemish cycling fans are treated when the Tour of Flanders hits the Muur van Geraardsbergen for the first time in six years. At 1.1 cobbled kilometres, the Muur has legendary status in De Ronde. Its 20% gradients lead up to the iconic chapel on the top.

Following the infamous Muur the Flemings have some time to control their emotions as it takes almost 20 kilometres before the riders tackle the Pottelberg. After this 1.3 kilometres hurdle the last 75 kilometres are reached. These are identical to last years when the race brought some hauntings finales.

After the Kanarieberg the second climb up Oude Kwaremont brings the Paterberg in its wake. This cobbled duo will be back in the finale’s finale as they are the last two climbs in the 2017 Tour of Flanders.

The first Oude Kwaremont-Paterberg double is followed by the Koppenberg and the flat cobbled sector of the Mariaborrestraat. Successively, climbs up Steenbeekdries, Taaienberg and Kruisberg takes the riders in 10 kilometres of flat to the aforementioned combo: Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, successively crested with 16.7 kilometres and 13.2 kilometres remaining.

In last edition Peter Sagan and Sep Vanmarcke were leading on the Oude Kwaremont before Peter Sagan broke free on the Paterberg. After his searing acceleration the World Champion soloed to a superb victory.

Results/race report Tour of Flanders 2017.