Through its century-plus history, the Tour of Flanders has altered its course several times. The race will begin in Antwerp, Belgium, for the sixth time in 2022, after having been held in Bruges, Belgium, since 1998.
From its previous length of 254 kilometres, the race has grown to a whopping 272.5 kilometres this year.
The Muur Van Geraardsbergen was left out from 2011 to 2016, however it has been brought back as a main attraction for this year.
The race begins in Antwerp and proceeds to Oudenaarde after passing over two preliminary cobbled sectors on Lippenhovestraat and Paddestraat.
The next 136 kilometres of the race follow a somewhat altered route from the previous year, with a longer flat section bypassing the Katteberg and instead leading to the day’s first run at the Oude Kwaremont, which will also be the day’s first ascent.
After a brief lull in 2020 and 2021, the 103-meter-high Oude Kwaremont, with an average gradient of 4.8% and a maximum of 10%, will be attacked three times from different directions, each time with a crowd of cheering spectators along the route.
Five additional stretches of cobblestone will be tackled, and the route will be a loop like in 2021, with the addition of the Achterberg.
Despite being shorter than Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg is twice as difficult, with grades of up to 20%. The final 13 kilometres are flat.
Course for the Women’s Tour of Flanders in 2022
Similar to the men’s race, but over 100 kilometres shorter, the women’s race will end on the Kwaremont/Paterberg.
This year, for the first time, the 114-kilometer stage will contain the Kobbenburg, one of the most difficult hills in the redion due to its maximum gradient of 21.6% and its rutted cobbles, which the women’s peloton will have to conquer on six separate occasions.
Spectacular action is promised on the day’s final two climbs, Oude Kwarement and Paterberg, before a flat 12-kilometer sprint to the finish line in the form of a time trial.
This looks to be both a brilliant and gruelling race, with the women’s peloton becoming increasingly formidable as the race progresses.
When to Watch the 2022 Tour of Flanders on TV
Sunday, April 3rd, 0900-1530, men’s race, available on Eurosport Player and GCN+ Race Pass.
Time: Sunday, April 3rd, from 8:55 a.m. until 15:45 p.m.
Humans of the Female Species
Sunday, April 3rd, 15:30–17:30 on Eurosport Player and GCN+ Race Pass; Sunday, April 3rd, 15:45–18:00 on Eurosport 1
Teams for the 2022 Men’s Tour of Flanders
- WorldTour teams
- AG2R-Citroën
- Astana-Qazaqstan
- Bahrain Victorious
- Bora-Hansgrohe
- Cofidis
- EF Education
- Groupama-FDJ
- Ineos Grenadiers
- Intermarché-Wanty Gobert Matériaux
- Israel- Premier Tech
- Jumbo-Visma
- Lotto Soudal
- Movistar
- QuickStep Alpha Vinyl
- Team BikeExchange
- Team DSM
- Trek-Segafredo
- UAE Team Emirates
- ProTeam wildcard teams
- Alpecin-Fenix
- B&B hotels – KTM
- Bingoal-Wallonie Bruxelles
- Sport Vlaanderein Baloise
- Team Arkea-Samsic
- TotalEnergies
- Uno-X
Tour of Flanders most successful riders
- Achiel Buysse (1940, 1941, 1943)
- Fiorenzo Magni (1949, 1950, 1951)
- Eric Leman (1970, 1972, 1973)
- Johan Museeuw (1993, 1995, 1998)
- Tom Boonen (2005, 2006, 2012)
- Fabian Cancellara (2010, 2013, 2014)
