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The Ronde Van Vlaanderen is one of the most anticipated races of the year for all cycling fans. The second monument of the year arrives this Sunday, March 31, and marks the culmination of the classics on cobbled climbs season, contested in the Flemish region of Belgium. The Ronde is the queen of all these classics, and is undoubtedly the race every Flandrien wants in their palmares.

Men’s race: route and favorites

The Ronde 2024 presents a route of 270 km starting from Antwerp and finishing in Oudenaarde. Along the way, 15 cobbled climbs concentrated in the second half of the route will test the best specialists. As in the last editions, the last two bergs will be the Oude Kwaremont (2.6 km at 3.5%) and the Paterberg (0.4 km at 10%), where the race is usually decided.

Mathieu Van Der Poel (800), Wout Van Aert (1200), and Mads Pedersen (1200) are the three big favorites for victory. Other cyclists to watch are Stefan Küng (600), Dylan Van Baarle (400), Jasper Philipsen (1200), Matteo Jorgenson (800), Biniam Girmay (800), Matej Mohorič (600), Jasper Stuyven (400), Jan Tratnik (200), Tim Wellens (400), Julian Alaphilippe (600), Oier Lazkano (200), Kasper Asgreen (400), Jhonathan Narvaez (200), Alberto Bettiol (400), and Nils Politt (200).

Women’s race: route and favorites

The route of the women's race covers 163 km, with 12 cobbled sections. The final part of the race is the same as that of the men's race, with the duo Oude Kwaremont / Paterberg, which also tends to be decisive in the women's race.

Lotte Kopecky (1200), Demi Vollering (1200), Elisa Longo Borghini (1000), Marianne Vos (1200), Elisa Balsamo (1000), Katarzyna Niewiadoma (1000), Pfeiffer Georgi (600), Silvia Persico (800), Emma Norsgaard (800), Shirin Van Anrooij (200), Christina Schweinberger (200), Puck Pieterse (200), or Fem Van Empel (200) are some of the best cyclists who will be present.

Photo: © Flanders Classics