Flanders Follies & the Belgium Spring Classics 2024
BiciSport to the Belgium Spring Classics in 2024
13 Mar - Nokere Course 14 Mar - Denain Grand Prix 15 Mar - Monsere Anniversary Tribute
16 Mar - Dwars Vlaanderen Cyclosportive, 17 Mar - BiciSport Velle Junior Race
22 Mar - E3 Grand Prix 23 Mar - Gent Wevelgem Cyclosportive 24 Mar - Gent Wevelgem
27 Mar - Dwars Vlaanderen 30 Mar - Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclosportive 31 Mar - Ronde van Vlaanderen
April
6 Apr - Paris Roubaix Cyclosportive, Paris Roubaix (Women) 7 Apr - Paris Roubaix (U19, U23, Professionals)
10 Apr - Brabant Arrow 14 Apr - Amstel Gold Race 17 Apr - Fleche Walloone Arrow 20 Apr - Koers Museum Retro Fair in Roeselare
FLANDERS FOLLIES OVERVIEW
Accommodation is at the Kokerelle B&B in the village of Maarke Kerkem near the Eikenberg climb.
Kokerelle B&B is just 5k from Oudenaarde (Oudenaarde translates to ‘Old Fields’ in Flemish). Kokerelle has been used by BiciSport for nearly 10 years.
Semi Classic races are usually held mid week on a Wednesday or a Thursday @ 200k. Classics are on the weekend @ 250k usually on the Sunday.
NOKERE COURSE - 13 Mar
Course
Starting in Deinze, with a big rural loop through rural Flanders, over the Holleweg cobbles near Oudenaarde, then several laps around the Wannegem-Lede cobbles to finish in the tiny nearby village Nokere.
Seeing the action
Vantage points are pretty good.
Seeing the start in Deinze is not practical (too far away) but if the weather is good then its possible to see Holleweg & Wannegem-Lede cobbles by bike then maybe head to Nokere village by bike.
If its wet - its a car to Holleweg cobbles then to the finish at Nokere and find a beer tent. The late afternoon is a drive to Haspres near Denain in northern France for the race next day.
DENAIN GRAND PRIX - 14 Mar
Course
A mini Paris Roubaix Classic at 200k with 12 pave (cobbled) sections and several pave sections used in the Paris Roubaix Classic (around Quivey & Viesly).
Denain is ‘famous’ for coal mining & a steelworks (which closed in 1978).
The race starts & finishes in Denain with one big (northern) loop out of Denain, then local laps around Denain, then a southern loop with Paris Roubaix cobbles south of Denain around Quivey, Viesly & Haspres.
Seeing the action
Vantage points are endless, and even more so on a bike. The Police dislike cars - so seeing the race by bike is the best.
A new event on the BiciSport Belgian Classics calendar but only a 75 minute drive from Oudenaarde and well, why not.
Options are to see the Denain start, then two more viewings on the northern loop just after the start, then watch the local laps just outside Denain, then head to the Haspres cobbles.
Accommodation is at the village of Haspres
BICISPORT sponsored VELLE JUNIOR RACE - 17 Mar
The second year of the BiciSport sponsored Junior Race which starts & finishes in the village of Velle.
Velle is 20k from Antwerp
E3 GRAND PRIX - 22 Mar
Course
A mini Ronde van Vlaanderen with numerous climbs used that are also in the Ronde on 31 March. The race starts & finishes in Harelbeke then the usual rural Flanders loop in and around Oudenaarde.
Every cobbled berg in the region is used in some shape or form.
Seeing the action
Vantage points are just everywhere.
No seeing the start finish in Harelbeke (not practical) but choices on bike or car are simply endless (it can get a bit confusing as there are so many viewing options).
The E3 race actually passes the Kokerelle B&B front door - so … go see it at the Holleweg cobbles then either linger around the village of Maarke Kerkem or head out towards Kluisbergen or Ronse.
Bike is better than a car. At the end go find a pub with a tv.
GENT WEVELGEM - 23 + 24 Mar
Course - a weekend in two parts
Wevelgem Cyclosportive @ 23 Mar
Accommodation is on a lovely barge on the Schelde River in Menen
The Wevelgem township is no tourist destination and certainly no oil painting (yes, it is very ordinary), but the cyclosportive is (within just two kilometres of the start) a stunning loop in the rural Flemish countryside.
Car parking is easy. The Menin Gate at Ieper is a highlight. At least the event starts in Wevelgem. A must do cyclosportive with great organisation.on closed roads
Wevelgem Pro Classic @ 24 Mar
The race actually starts in Ieper and not in Gent (money does talk).
Ieper is some 50k from Gent. A big loop through rural west Flanders, plus heavy crosswinds in the exposed plains around Poperinge. Wevelgem looks better on the tv than in real life.
Seeing the action
Gent Wevelgem vantage points are few & far between and a real hassle on either bike or car … the only option is the top of the Kemmelberg climb near the village of Kemmel at the local hotel (for three passes) or sit at Menin or go to the finish in central Wevelgem. .Find a Belgian pub.
DWARS VLAANDEREN - 27 Mar
Course -
Dwars Vlaanderen simply translates to Across Flanders
Another epic mid week semi Classic @ 200k - this time starting from the urban and concrete disaster that is Roeselare.
Roeselare is the home of the Koers Cycling Museum (a stunning celebration of the sport) & the home city of Jean Pierre Monsere (ex World Champion but now RIP).
The usual rural loop into Flanders, around Oudenaarde, and the usual cobbled bergs used in the E3 & Ronde van Vlaanderen
The finish is in Waregem (was the home of the Australian cyclist Phil Anderson).
Seeing the action
No going to the Roeselare start unless you want a local council parking ticket for your efforts and stare at ugly Flemish concrete (where are the trees ?).
Will go to the Holleweg cobbles near Maarke Kerkem, then a few other bergs nearby, then find a tv in a local pub and try another Duvel,. A great day out.
RONDE VAN VLAANDEREN - 30 + 31 Mar
Course
Accommodation is in Kluisbergen near the Olde Kwaremont climb
RVV Cyclosporive @ 30 Mar
starting & finishing in Oudenaarde with 19,000 close personal friends.
A cyclosportive without peer over closed roads.
RVV Pro Classic @ 31 Mar
starting in Antwerp with the usual rural Flanders loop then the Berg Loop that is beyond description with multiple laps of Old Kwaremont, Patersberg and the finish at Oudenaarde. Magic.
Seeing the action
Police road closures means the only way to catch the action is by bike. If it rains … tough, bring a rain jacket.
Watch the start from 9am on Flemish tv, get the lycra on and head for the Womens start in central Oudenaarde. After the Women’s start head directly to Melden pub and watch the action on the tv.
The Mens race goes through Melden then its off to a climb at Hotond, then its back towards the Old Kwaremont to watch the men (three times), back to the Koppenberg, and the women just once (coming off the Patersberg).
Go find a cafe to see the finish on tv. Accommodation is in Kluisbergen.
PARIS ROUBAIX - 6 + 7 Apr
Accommodation
BiciSport service course is in the village of Bachy, near the cobbled section of Cysoing (Zone 7) and Wannehein (Zone 6).
Course
Roubaix Cyclosportive @ 6 Apr
start finish is from the old Roubaix Velodrome.
Compared to closed roads at the RVV cyclosportive the previous week, this French cyclosportive is mildly shambolic and potentially hazardous with french drivers.
Maybe 4,000 or 5,000 starters (mostly french) and forceful french car drivers are not your friend.
Iconic, yes you must do it, but caution is at every pedal stroke.
PR Classic @ 7 Apr
Compiegne start with cobbles starting at Troisville. Its epic. This year there is also the Under 19 and Under 23 versions of the same race just before the pro race arrives.
Seeing the action
The Day in Hell - avoid Compiegne all together and stay within the numerous road closures around Bachy & Orchies and go to Cysoing for lunch and see either Zone 15, or Zone 7 cobbles at Cysoing or Zone 6 cobbles at Wannehein
BRABANT ARROW - 10 Apr
Course
Starting in Leuven (a university town) and finishing at Overijse (a hilly Brussels suburb). This French speaking Brussels semi classic and just maybe a local french speaking lad will win it.
There is a long transfer from the Leuven start to the local Overijse finishing laps.
Seeing the action
Not that easy, and just watching it on Belgian TV could be the go
Forget going to the start in Leuven (no car parking, so why bother ?) and maybe head to Overijse for the finishing local laps, maybe a cobbled section, find a pub with a tv. Find somebody (anybody) who speaks English.
Maybe just stay at home and watch it on tv.
AMSTEL GOLD RACE - 14 Apr
The Amstel Gold was first visited in 2023 and what a great day. Valkenberg was a big big party and who could forget the Shimano Experience concept store.
Great memories of 2023 for many reasons when “The Podge” destroyed the pro peloton in damp & cold conditions
Accommodation in 2024 is at the nearby village of Schin op Guel not far from Valkenburg between 14-17 Apr. A great bike shop in the local villages
Course
Hilly, and endless travels up every hill in Limburg.
Some people call it the worlds hillest criterium as there are endless loops over the same roads.
Start is in Maastricht (great shopping there !) with the finish at Valkenburg
Seeing the action
There is a great coffee shop/bike shop just in the centre of Valkenburg town. It has great food & coffee, a big tv, loads of atmosphere. You know the one, it was great in 2023. The Womens race passes 5 times and the Mens race passes 2 times. Perfect.
FLECHE WALLOONE ARROW - 17 Apr
An early morning departure out of Valkenberg accommodation just 75k away, with a 10am arrival at french speaking Huy. Maybe a pedal along the river & park up in the centre of town and head for the Mur de Huy (Wall of Huy).
Course
Its all about the Mur (or Wall). The women & men do multiple laps (men now do 4 laps up the Mur). The rest of the circuit is similar to West Head plus the obvious Mur de Huy as the crowning glory..
Seeing the action
The women start in the centre of Huy. Go have a look at their start first then head for the Mur de Huy just 500m away …. Its all about the Mur (or Wall).
Grafton to Inverell Classic (NSW)
Grafton to Inverell
Riders - Craig Pager (BiciSport Happy Wheels), Dudley Hoskin
Accomm
Friday - Quality Inn Grafton Grafton (x 2)
Saturday - Rest Point Motor Inn Glen Innes (x 2)
Team
Rider Registrations - Toast Expresso Grafton @ 5pm
Race timing estimates - start @ 7.40am = finish @ KS @ 2.35pm, CP @ 3.20pm
Support Contact - Mike O’Reilly on 0417 403 244
CycloSportive : Mudgee Classic (NSW
Website : www.cyclingclassics.com.au
Accommodation : AirBnB @ 11 Common Rd Mudgee from 3-6 May
Riders : Grant, Dudley H, Alex S, MOR, Marty W, Robbie B, Frank S, Steve Holland, Davide B x 3, John R, Doris C, Craig P, offers - Brett Tarlington, Alf P, Danny O’Keefe, Peter V
Accomm - 3xQ, 3xS, !xMulti (D+S+Bunk) - Grant (Q), Hoskin (Q), Simmons (Q), MOR (couch), Wright (S), Robbie (S), Signor (S), Davidex3 (# 7), Robb (couch), Doris (couch), Pager (couch)
Contact : MOR on 0417 403 244
Racing : BiciSport-Team Time Trial Championship Singleton (dates tbc)
In 2024 this will be a single day “Park & Ride” strategy - drive up early on race day (Saturday), then compete, then return home on the same day.
Field of play, Perceived effort, Road Captain, Cent Park pretrials,
Accommodation, Warm Up trainers, Helmets, Valid licence
BiciSport details is Mike O’Reilly on 0417 403 244
Racing : Tour of Bright (Victorian Alps)
Tour website : www.tourofbright.com.au
BiciSport accommodation & race dates
Race dates - 30 Nov-1 Dec 2024
Weather Forecast
tbc
Bright Training Rides - contact MOR on 0417 403 244
Long & short teams, team clothing, ITT equipment, support cars & roof racks, Feed zones yes/no, Bici membership yes/no, periodisation & peaking yes/no, nothing heavy on Thursday.
Start Times & strategies - grade specific, Sign On, Field of Play strategies, Sprint/GC options, Sprint locales, Spares Vehicles, Littering, Race Lights, Presentations
Rider Registration @ Bright Velo @ 5.30pm
Dinner @ Porepunkah Pub @ 7.00pm
Racing in Bright
Riders need to attach a static tail light for all stages
No spares vehicles are provided during any stage (carry a spare)
Saturday
Race Day 1 is an early Saturday morning road stage over 92k (finishing atop Tawonga Gap) followed by a Saturday afternoon Individual Time Trial over 16k
Masters C - Riders tbc @ 7.45am
stage time benchmark 3 hrs + a 25 minute peloton envelope
Masters 6+ - Riders tbc @ 8.35am
Women C - Riders tbc @ 8.15am
ITT - Start sequence = Mens B, Masters B, Men C, Masters C, Masters 6+, Wom B, Wom C, Wom A, Masters A, Elite A
Sunday
Race Day 2 is a short sharp Bright-Mt Buffallo Road stage on the Sunday morning
Riders :
Dudley Accomm
Tbc for 2024 - Dudley Hoskin (Tues - D), MOR (Tues - D), R Brown (Tues - D), Steve Holland (Thurs - S), Eric Dole (Tues - S), Frank Signor (Thurs), Marty Wright, Peter Figg
MOR Accomm
Spare (D + Bunk-Wed), Ian Grant (Q-Thurs), Craig Pager (S1-Tues Tumut), John Robb (S1-Tues Tumut), Sean Bloch
Riders Racing -Hoskin, others tbc
Team personnel (tbc) : Mike O’Reilly (Manager). Peter Figg (Soigneur), Marina J (HW & Anytime Fitness Soigneur), Doris Cooke (Soigneur), John Robb (Soigneur) , Frank Signor (Soigneur), Brooke Greene (Soigneur)
Accommodation
MOR Service Course - dates in Wed 27 Nov out Mon 2 Dec 2024 (booked 4 Jan 04)
3 br - 1 = 1 x D, 2 & 3 = ! x D, 1 x Double Bunks
Dudley Service Course - dates in Tues 26 Nov/out Wed 4 Dec 2024 (booked 7 Feb 24)
5 br - 2 x double + 3 x 2 singles
Dinners :
Tues, Wed, Thurs - The Star Hotel/Bistro @ 6.30pm (back area)
Fri & Sat - Porepunkah Pub - @ 7.00pm
Sun
Presentations 3.00pm @ Bright Brewery, Dudley Service Course + Panatone Award
BiciSport contact : Mike O’Reilly on 0417 403 244
Cyclosportive : Tumut Cycle Classic (NSW)
The Weekend - Tumut Cycle Classic raises funds in support of the local hospital in the most picturesque part of NSW just a 4.5 hour drive from Sydney.
Sunday start time is 6.30am. A fantastic event through some picturesque countryside
Entry - via www.tumutclassic.com.au
Distances - 100k, 75k, 45k
Riders - Peter Budd, Melissa Budd
BiciSport Support contact - Peter Budd on 0431 012 174
CycloCross : Belgian Winter Series
Belgian CX Series featuring Mike Lawson
Oct 1&2 - Zele, Oct 9 - Vuerne, Oct 15 - Dienze, Oct 16 - Zolder, Oct 20 - Ardooie, Oct 22 - Bossuit
Oct 23 - Herenthout, Oct 29 - Alsemberg, Oct 30 - Wortegem, Nov 1 - Koppenberg Cross, Nov 5 - Zottegem, Nov 6 - Arendonk
Racing MTB : AusCycling MTB Marathon Championships (Wagga)
BiciSport Riders : Eric Dole (Happy Wheels)
BiciSport contact : Mike O’Reilly on 0417 403 244
Racing : NSW Masters Track Championships (DGV Velodrome)
Friday - Individual Pursuit, Team Sprint
1pm - Indiv Pursuit @ Lawson, Hopson, Baral
Saturday - Sprint, Scratch Race
10am - Sprint @ Hopson & Browne
2.30pm - Scr Race @ Hopson & Browne
Sunday - ITT, Teams Pursuit, Points
10am - ITT @ Lawson, Browne, Hopson
1.30pm - Points @ Lawson, Hopson & Baral
Bici Country Escapes # 2 - BiciSport Training Camp @ Tumut NSW
The Weekend - A popular cycling region based out of Tumut with BiciSport car support each day
Daily Distances - 45k to 100k (Fri to Sun)
BiciSport accommodation is based @ Emu Motel in Tumut on the Fri & Sat night. Tumut has plentiful accommodation and numerous eating options.
Riders - BiciSport Griffith x 10, Mike O’Reilly, Eric Dole
Dinner (Sat) - Orient Hotel @ 6.30pm
BiciSport contact - Mike O’Reilly on 0417 403 244
Cyclosportive : Bici Country Escapes # 1 - Tumut Cycle Classic (Tumut, NSW)
The Weekend - Tumut Cycle Classic raises funds in support of the local hospital in the most picturesque part of NSW just a 4.5 hour drive from Sydney.
Sunday start time is 6.00am. A fantastic event through some picturesque countryside
Entry - via www.tumutclassic.com.au
Distances - 100k, 75k, 45k
Riders - Griffith (8)
Sun - Tumut Classic ride - starts 6.00am
Sat dinner - Orient Hotel @ 6.30pm
BiciSport Support contact - Peter Budd 0431 012 174
Endurance Ride : Sydney to Broome (over 51 Ride Days)
The Ultimate Endurance ride from Sydney (St Ives) to Broome with Eric Dole (BiciSport Happy Wheels). Cycling approximately 100k per day with 51 Ride Days, 10 Rest days and 7 Sightseeing days
The ride departs from St Ives on 20 April, then heads north through NSW to Queensland, then a big turn left direction Northern Territory then head west to Broome.
Follow all the action at www.facebook.com/eric.dole.334
Cyclosportive : The Singleton Mail Run (Hunter Valley)
The Weekend - A well supported cyclosportive based out of Singleton on generally flat to undulating roads (used in the NSW State Team Time Trial Championships).
Website for entries - www.the mailrun.org
Distances - 100k, 65k
Accommodation - AirBnB Broke (Sat & Sun)
Riders - Alex Simmons, Mike O’Reilly, Hadley Group, Glenn Vigar (tbc)
BiciSport Support contact - Mike O’Reilly on 0417 403 244
Cyclosportive : Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge (Adelong, NSW)
The Weekend - A popular Sunday cyclosportive based out of Adelong (near Tumut) and uses roads towards Batlow & Tumbarumba. Sunday start time is 6.30am in the village of Adelong. A fantastic event through some picturesque countryside outside Adelong and the Snowy region.
Website for entry & route information - www.snowyvalleyscyclechallenge.com.au
Distances - 140k, 100k, 72k
Accommodation - BiciSport accommodation is based in nearby Tumut on the Sat & Sun night. Tumut has more plentiful accommodation and eating options. Adelong is just a short 20 minute drive from Tumut on the Sunday morning
Riders - Will Walker x 2, Hoskin, O’Reilly, Grainger, Team Griffith x 10
BiciSport Support contact - Mike O’Reilly on 0417 403 244
Cyclosportive : The Singleton Mail Run (Hunter Valley)
The Weekend - A Hunter Valley cyclosportive based out of Singleton and well known roads used for the NSW Team Time Trial Championships towards Glendon. Course is not considered hilly. Sunday start finish is from Singleton Civic Centre
Website for entry & route information - www.the mailrun.org
Distances - 100k, 65k
Accommodation - BiciSport accommodation is based in Singleton on the Fri & Sat night.
Riders - O’Reilly, others tbc
Racing : AusCycling National Road Championships (Ballarat, Vic)
Darren Benson (BiciSport) lines up at the National Road Championships at Ballarat on 7 February. Simply put this effort is no cakewalk with 16 laps of the Mt Helen (double) climb just outside Ballarat.
National Road Championships Program
3 Feb - Time Trials - 9.15am to 6pm
4 Feb - Time Trials - Para @ 10.00am, Club Teams Time Trial @ 12.30pm
5 Feb - Criteriums (All Divisions) - 12.35pm to 6.30pm
6 Feb - Road Races - Para @ 7.30am, Under 19 @ 9.40am, Under 23 @ 1.20pm
7 Feb - Road Races - Women @ 8.50am, Men @ 12.30pm
Website is www.roadnationals.org.auxx
BiciSport : Christmas & New Year Rides
BiciSport Christmas & New Year Rides. Rides are cancelled in wet weather.
Midweek group training rides will continue as normal over the Christmas/New Year period but numbers may vary. Have fun, stay safe
Tues 29 Dec - Waratah Peloton @ pass the corner of Yulong Ave & McCarrs Creek Rd Terrey Hills @ 8.05am for Akuna Bay, top of McCarrs Creek Rd climb at 8.40am, then direction Duffys Forest, then return Terrey Hills shops @ 9.15am then to St Ives for coffee
Wed 30 Dec - Wise Monkey Cafe Gruppetto @ Berowra Railway Station @ 7.30am for 60k to Calga & return
Thurs 31 Dec - Waratah Peloton @ pass the corner of Yulong Ave & McCarrs Creek Rd Terrey Hills @ 8.05am for Akuna Bay, top of McCarrs Creek Rd climb at 8.40am, then direction Duffys Forest, then return Terrey Hills shops @ 9.15am then to St Ives for coffee
Thurs 31 Dec - Centennial Park @ Spruce Goose Cafe @ 9.30am for Park laps
Sat 2 Jan - Coffee @ Sandstone Cafe Miramare Gardens @ 9.30am