At around 7:00 in the morning on Saturday, the first cyclists began their Tour of Flanders under a sunny sky.
Thousands of cycling enthusiasts, participating under the name "We Ride Flanders", started in Bruges and Oudenaarde. A total of 15,000 people are riding the "Flanders’ Finest’ course.
Participants had the choice of different routes. Those opting for the 80 km, 128 km, or 158 km routes departed from the East-Flemish town Oudenaard, while the full 229 km course participants left from Bruges.
Among the 15,000 riders on Saturday are many international participants. About 10,000 foreigners are at the start line, primarily from the Netherlands, France, England, and Germany.
Supporters are already positioned along the course to cheer on the cyclists. Various musical stands are set up to encourage participants.
The finish line, as for the professional race, starting at Brugge, is located at Minderbroederstraat in Oudenaarde. The first riders are expected to arrive from around 13:00, with most reaching Oudenaarde between 14:00 and 16:00, according to organisers.
