Canariberg and Kurtekir have not disappeared from the Tour of Flanders: “at the request of the peloton”

The Tour of Flanders must not only provide great scenery, but also be safe for passengers. That is why the organizer of Flanders Classics has made some changes to the course.

Kanariberg and Kortekeer disappeared from the course. “These two slopes have become known to every Tour of Flanders fan in recent years,” realizes CEO Thomas van den Spiegel.

“But the preparation period is very dangerous. We have already had many severe falls. Last year Biniyam Girmay had a severe fall during the preparation period.”

“After feedback from the peloton, we removed the two slopes and replaced them with Nieuwe Kruisberg and Kapelleberg.”

“It is easy to combine and allows you to drive on wide roads. It is up to us as an organization to make the whole route as safe as possible, especially since the race starts from kilometer 1.”

The organization is also doing everything it can to make the match as safe as possible for spectators.

At the six busiest locations, including Koppenberg and Oude Kwaremont, attendance figures will be kept using mobile phone signals.

This should help in the future to determine when it is “too busy.” “Then we can close somewhere, and we will no longer send shuttle buses,” says Karina Van Cauter, governor of East Flanders province.

Safety measures are also taken in Kluisbergen. One-way traffic will be temporarily introduced on the streets between Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont, the absolute climax of the Tour.

“In bad and rainy weather, it is dangerous for cars to block the streets,” says Mayor Philip Williquet. “It's for the safety of cyclists and cars.”