The Tour of Flanders will feature a new finale next year. Organizers announced this yesterday, a move that has also pleased the professional cyclists. "We have heard a lot of positive feedback about the route planning of the last two years, but we have also taken the criticism into consideration. For the new route, we have focused on the key elements ," reads an official statement.
The finish loop in particular was heavily criticized in the course of the last two events. Although it placed the Oude Kwaremont at the center of the racing action, it excluded traditional ramps such as the Muur and the Bosberg. Neither will be integrated into the route next year either, as a look at the map reveals. However, there will also be fewer flat sections in the final.
The Oude Kwaremont will be tackled three times in 2014, while the Paterberg will only be encountered twice. This means the final kilometers of the race will be similar to this year's edition. The approach to the finishing circuit has also been changed. The organizers have integrated the climbs into the course in a way that should allow breakaway riders to stay at the front longer. Compared to the past two years, there will be fewer flat sections between the climbs. In 2014, the riders will first conquer the Oude Kwaremont after 108 kilometers, before facing it again 100 kilometers later . Then comes the first ascent of the Paterberg, from where the riders will be directed towards the Koppenberg. This climb will now be tackled 45 kilometers from the finish. After that come the Steenbeekdries (39 kilometers), the Taaienberg (37 kilometers), the Kruisberg (35 kilometers), the Oude Kwaremont (17 kilometers), and the Paterberg (13 kilometers).
The changes have been met with approval from the professionals, most notably Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Leopard), this year's winner. Speaking to Nieuwsblad.de , he said: "This is a great, challenging course, much more traditional. The fans can be happy with this circuit. It will certainly be an exciting race." Stijn Devolder, winner in 2008 and 2009, and Nick Nuyens were similarly impressed: "The course really appeals to me. I think the short succession of climbs is good for the race," said the 2011 winner.