Narrow roads, cobbles, crosswinds and a bar on every corner full of people cheering. Racing in Flanders is unlike anything in the UK, and every racer should try it once.
Kermesses
Kermesses are local races around a town or village circuit, often 5 to 10 km a lap, with tight corners, cobbled sections and plenty of wind. Fields are big and the racing is fast and aggressive from the gun. You learn more in one kermesse than in a month of UK races.
The atmosphere
Cycling is the national sport. People turn out to watch local races, the café terraces fill up, and the commentary rolls on all afternoon. It is a brilliant place to be a bike rider.
Racing there from the UK
A British Cycling racing licence is generally accepted, but check each race's entry rules and categories before you travel.
Entry is usually on the day. Arrive early to sign on.
Belgian gear restrictions apply for youth riders. Check them with our gear calculator, which includes the Flanders limits.
Plan for wind and cobbles: positioning matters more than ever. See how to sprint faster and your first road race.
The classics
Time your trip for the spring classics and you can watch the pros on the same roads, then ride the sportives that run alongside them.
Preparing for it
Belgian racing rewards repeated hard efforts, positioning and handling in wind and on cobbles. I have raced six-day events in Belgium and supported riders at the Ghent Six Day. If a Belgian trip is on your list, we can help you prepare.
Planning a trip
Ferry or Eurotunnel with the car is easiest for bikes. Flanders is a short drive from Calais.
Look at Belgian race calendars for kermesses near where you stay.
Book accommodation near a few races so you can do two or three in a week.
Pack spares: tubes, a spare wheel if you can, and tools.
What it costs
Entry fees for kermesses are usually small, paid on the day. The bigger costs are travel and accommodation. Sharing a car and a house with teammates keeps it affordable.
What you will learn
Positioning in wind. Racing on cobbles. Attacking and being attacked. And a lot about how hard you can actually go. Most riders come home faster.
Over to you
Want to arrive race-ready? If you would like help with it, coaching starts at £140 a month and the first chat is free: book it here.
Related reading
Saddle up.
