Final finish on prestigious & historic Central Square of Ypres

Daily start at the football stadium of KVK Westhoek (also finish day 1 and day 2)

The organization of the first Flanders Fields Gravel Tour is taking shape. We have an agreement with KVK Westhoek – the football club from Ypres in the 2nd national amateur division – to organize the reception and the start there every day. There are plenty of showers and changing rooms in the catacombs of this footbal ground. And the cafeteria is also large enough to serve as reception area in the morning. In addition, there is a lockable area where your bicycle can be temporarily stored safely (of course also guarded). There is ample parking in the area (see plan). Easily accessible via the Zuiderring and yet close to the center of the fortified city of Ypres. And more than enough space to create a superb finish & après-bike atmosphere.

We may confirm now that final finish on the 3rd day will be drawn at the historic Central Square, just in front of the gothic and very impressive Cloth Hall & Belfry of Ypres.

It will feel great after a final passage through the famous Menin Gate. So via the Menin Street (and Biking Box bicycle experience center) you will make a finish in style at the historic and a very impressive Grote Markt. From there you can cycle back to the football stadium within 2 kilometers (1, 3 miles away only), if you want to shower and change there afterwards or perhaps take your parked car again.

1) Can I also participate in the Flanders Fields Gravel Tour with an MTB or cyclocross bike?

Answer: yes, on day 3 the “Roubaix stage” is even possible with a regular racing bike provided that you choose an appropriate (thicker) tire choice. Stage 2 is very suitable on a mountain bike if you do not (yet) have a gravel bike. We are currently investigating whether there are gravel bike manufacturers who would like to rent out some gravel bikes for promotion and testing for these three days. And what are the conditions for using such a bicycle for 3 days? It goes without saying that the bicycle must be returned in the same condition afterwards. The possibility of subsequent purchases must also be included in this rental option.

2) Can I handle those daily distances?

Answer: There are also shorter versions every day that counts between 75 and 100 km only.

3) What do I get for my registration amount?

Answer: a high-quality Herfenking cycling jersey, retail value €89, is automatically included in the package. Both for those who ride the full 3-day event and those who can only cycle the weekend stages. Furthermore, the goodie bag is not to be missed. And you will of course enjoy the signposted tracks, all food and drink supplies, technical assistance, etc. 

4) Can I get accommodation through the organization?

Answer: Urban Gardens has lots of suitable accommodations for campers, tents, but also huts and lodging or glampings. Ypres and its surroundings also has a large variety of hotels, B&B's and holiday houses.

5) How is the 'chrono' organized?

Answer: a selected zone each day will offer you the opportunity to compete with others. It will be organised using Strava. Most people already know this principle, the technical explanation how ever will be communicated to everyone who's interested.

For now, the 'chrono' remains unofficial. The Flanders Fields Gravel Tour is therefore not an official cycling race or 'race'.

During this Christmas period, many of us are quietly starting to defineour cycling dreams and ambitions for next season. Join the FLANDERS FIELDS GRAVEL TOUR, where history meets cycling heroes including hills as the Kemmelberg and some cobblestone zones from Paris-Roubaix.

But also 'win' this unique and very stylish souvenir shirt:

the Poppy Graveltour jersey - included in your registration package!  It appeals to the imagination and should convince you to come over for this 3 days Gravel Tour.

View the design here and know that you will get your own FIRST NAME + NAME (or 'nickname' if you prefer) printed on the back (shoulder height) when ordering in time (at least 3 months in advance).

Member of your own cycling club? Maybe you and your club friends can send us your own club logo? This can also be applied to the side panels, so that the shirt will be completely personalized.

We are now busy reconfirming and looking for (new) sponsor partners. The goodie bag will certainly contain a lot of 'delicious' and 'interesting' items. Registering now is worth it, because until mid-February at a discounted rate!