Organisers of the Tour of Flanders have stuck with much of the tried and tested route of the previous five editions as the historic race celebrates its 100th edition in 2016.
The monstrous 255km route will see riders tackle a very similar final 150km to this year’s, in which Katusha’s Alexander Kristoff beat out Niki Terpstra in Oudenaarde.
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Roadworks around the Molenberg have ruled the climb out of the race, while the Holleweg climb is replaced by the Jagerij.
“A number of years back there were a lot of questions about changing the course, but in the meantime, the riders have become accustomed to the course of the past four years. It ensured in recent years for a memorable race,” said race organiser Wim Van Herreweghe.
“In the last 150 kilometres there is a maximum of 12 kilometers between the cobble sectors and slopes. That makes it hard to control the race.”
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The race will, once again, start in Bruges and end on Minderbroedersstraat in Oudenaarde, where Van Herreweghe hopes a home favourite can cement his place in the history books.
“[Fabian] Cancellara and [Tom] Boonen are still actively co-record holders with three wins. It would be wonderful if Boonen on the centenary edition can only record holder. Otherwise, Peter Sagan as world champion would also look good on the honour roll.”
