On Saturday, one day before the world’s best pro cyclists race in Ronde van Vlaanderen (better known as the Tour of Flanders), over fifteen thousand amateurs had the opportunity to ride on the same roads, including the famous Koppenberg and Patterberg cobbled climbs.

As is typical for the event, miserable Belgian weather was not in short supply.

One participant, Johan, was not discouraged by the weather, “Last year, after ten hours of rain, I thought I would never do it again. But here I’m in the rain again,” he told HLN News.

It rained most of the night before, all morning and throughout the entire day, with cobblestones on the route turning slippery. In addition, there was much mud and thousands of riders with varying bike skills to navigate.

It turned into a sloppy, muddy, slippery day on the bike for everyone, with many riders falling and swearing at their misfortune as they picked themselves up – especially on narrow wet cobbled climbs. The Koppenberg claimed many a victim, with most riders dismounting (some gracefully, others not) and walking up the cobbles.

The longest route, 237km, saw over 2400 dedicated hard men and women finish. The quickest crossing the final timing strip in under 7 hours, with others taking up to 12 hours. Shorter routes of 159, 128 and 74 kilometers in length were also offered.

No matter the route, everyone rider was rewarded with a well earned glass of Belgian beer after crossing the finish in Oudenaarde.

Complete Tour of Flanders Cyclo results HERE.

Photo Credit: Ronny De Coster

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