2023 SPRING CLASSICS
4 DAY FLANDERS LONG WEEKEND

31st March – 3rd April, 2023

Location

Belgium

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Contact us to go on our waiting list

2023 SPRING CLASSICS.

Join Ride International Tours for a VIP experience of the 2023 Tour of Flanders Spring Classic.

Our VIP 4 Day Tour of Flanders Spring Classics Tour includes both the Tour of Flanders sportif, as well as our VIP Tour of Flanders Race experience, we’ll based in the Flanders region of Belgium for the duration of the tour.

We’ll ride the Flanders region of Belgium and visit cyclings iconic landmarks including the Koppenberg, Kwaremont, Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Tour of Flanders Cycling Museum.

We have broken down our 11-day Ultimate Spring Classics Tour into 3 smaller modules so you can mix and match to create your own tour that best suits your needs and travel dates, we supply the transfers between tours. You may want to look at our 5 Day Best of Belgium – or our 4 Day Paris Roubaix weekend Tour.

BOOK NOW

2023 Spring Classics Tour

4 Day VIP Tour of Flanders Long Weekend

Tour Highlights:

WATCH
• Tour of Flanders Race, Belgium

VISIT
• Tour of Flanders Museum
• Belgium Beer Experience

RIDE
• Tour of Flanders Sportif – Granfondo

2023 Spring Classics Tour of Flanders VIP Tour. Join us in Belgium.

You’ll spend the famous race days of the Tour of Flanders on a VIP experience designed in co-operation with Phil Anderson, we intercept the race at strategic points in our vehicles. You’ll enjoy the day as a VIP.

Phil Anderson who co designed this tour was based in Belgium for much of his early pro cycling career, he was passionate about doing well in these early season Spring Classics races, including winning the Amstel Gold Race in 1983, 2nd at the Tour of Flanders and Liege, plus many podium places in the one day monument races.

Our combined experience allows us to plan our days to intercept the race ncluding being at the finish of the race

Additionally, We ride one of the world’s best amateur Gran Fondo’s, the Tour of Flanders Sportif the day prior to the big race [entry included]. The sortif can be achieved by anyone, and are likely one of the best days you’ll ever spend on a bike. There’s a distance to suit everyone and we’ll coach you in the art/technique of riding these famous courses. You’re guaranteed to love it, you’ll return home more relaxed on the bike and ready to take on new challenges.

When we’re not at the Tour of Flanders race or riding through the many towns, villages and cycling locations of the region, the Tour of Flanders Tour offers a unique insight/cultural immersion into Belgium life, and their unrivalled passion for cycling and it’s famous races.

inclusions

Spacious Cycling Friendly Four Star Accommodation.
Daily breakfasts (Evening Meals, Lunches, Drinks Etc As Per Detailed Itinerary Below).
Tour of Flanders – Race Day, European-Style Gourmet Picnic Lunch including local / international foods, French bubbly, Belgium beer, Wine, Cool Drinks
Complimentary entry into the Tour of Flanders Sportif
Local guides for cycling and non-cyclists including former Australian Pro Rider Phil Anderson
Minimum of three guided ride options per day, to suit your preferred distance and amount of climbing
Pro mechanical support on tour
Support vehicle each day to carry daypacks, spare parts, hydration and ride snacks

Separate Spectator Itinerary for Non-cyclists
Electronic itinerary, including daily ride maps
Free download of our GPS Ride Routes
Complimentary return airport – or trainstation transfers
Daily Bike Spa including Bike Wash, Mechanical check and tune, by a Pro Mechanic
Cyclists Receive Our Premium Quality European Rider Pack including: Jersey, Knicks, Socks, Cycling Cap and Musette Bag
Non-Cyclists Receive a Spectator Pack including Designer Ride International Tours Polo Shirt, Socks, Cap and Musette Bag

itinerary

DAY 1

DAY 1 – 31st March, 2023

ARRIVAL DAY + RIDE

Pick up time: 9am Brussels Airport – or 11am: Aalst Train Station
Arrival Day Ride Distance: 45km Climbing: 200m
Dinner: 7.30pm Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Flanders

About our day:

Welcome to the Belgium, The Spring Classics and The Tour of Flanders.

This morning is welcome day, we’ll meet you at the location of your choice: 9am Brussels Airport – or 11am: Aalst Train Station.

Alternatively we always highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to a tour start, it’ll alleviate travel stress, you’ll recover from your travel better and it’ll build in some wiggle room in the event your travel and connections don’t flow as smoothly as you’d like.

Once at our Team Hotel, we’ll assist you to build up your bike, or do the final fitting, put your pedals onto your hire bike etc.

After a quick bite to each for lunch, we’ll ride from our hotel to the Tour of Flanders event area to collect our registrations for the following day.

Non-cycling options:

Discover our local town, it’s a lovely place with plenty of heritage.

1pm: Join the group as we head across to the Tour of Flanders event area, here you can explore the beautiful town, it’s vast town square shops and visit the Tour of Flanders Museum, botique, cycling restuarant and bar.

Late in the day return to our hotel and prepare for our Spring Classics Welcome Dinner.

Our Ride:

Ride Start: 1pm • Distance: 45km • Climbing: 200m

Welcome Day, warm up ride to get the legs and body moving, we include a pave riding skills session enroute from our Team Hotel to the Tour of Flanders Sportif event area. We’ll collect our entry packs, then visit the Tour of Flanders Cycling Museum.

Late in the day we return to our hotel to prepare for tonights welcome dinner and the following mornings Tour of Flanders Sportif.

Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: Hops helps recovery, Belgium is the spiritual home of beer, be sure to enjoy a lesser know local Pils beer, they are light and freshing, you may want to leave the more famed, stonger Belgium beers for another night.

Dinner:

Meet in the Hotel Lobby, tonight is our Tour of Flanders welcome dinner

Accommodation:

Our Four Star Team Hotel in Flanders, Belgium
1 of 3 Nights

DAY 2

DAY 2 – 1st APRIL 2023

Breakfast: From 7am
Vehicles Depart: 7.45am
Our Ride Start: 8.45am
Ride Distances: 75km / 145km / 174km.

About our day:

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for and dreaming about. Today is all about the Tour of Flanders Sportif.

Like many other European mass participation rides, this event can be started at anytime between 7am – 10am. This flexible start time helps to spread the 16,000 participants out over the course and helps reduces riders pre ride/race nerves.

We choose a generous start time to allow for our short morning vehicle transfer. Loop rides start and finish in the town of Oudenaarde, over a challenging hilly, cobbled course.

…

Non-cycling options:

Plenty of options today based on your personal interests, or preferences.
Visit Oudenaard with the group riding to see the Tour of Flanders sportif, it’s a fun day with huge crowds in the town and region to support the 16,000 riders.

Explore the town, it’s museums, bars, restaurants, additional options for active off bike activities include walks – hikes etc, ask us how.

Discover neighbouring Belgium towns – cities. Head out to discover Ghent, Brugge, Antwerp etc, ask us how.

Our Ride: Tour of Flanders Sportive

Ride Distances: 75km / 145km / 174km
Climbing: Plenty of small Belgie Bergs

Today is your chance to ride and experience the Tour of Flanders Sportif.

Various course lengths are available to suit riders of all fitness and abilities, the route is achievable by anyone with a passsion to participate, options of 74km, 139km & 174km Loop rides are available. Multiple feed and aid stations are set up on the course, support is plentiful.

The event routes start and finish in the town of Oudenaarde. Each course takes sections of the same iconic, hilly, challenging, cobbled roads as the pro’s will race on the following day.

The Tour of Flanders sportif is a beautiful day on the bike, it’s full of fantastic Belgium experiences, challenges and great people like yourself out on the roads of Belgium enjoying the day. The rewards of attending this event are great, we believe it’s one of the best sportifs in the world.

Après Bike:

Free program to explore our town, it’s restuarants, bars and eateries. We’ll be heading out for a social /informal dinner (non-inclusion).

We’ll make a plan for dinner – feel free to join us or Let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.

Accommodation:

Our Four Star Team Hotel, Flanders, Belgium
2 of 3 Nights

DAY 3

DAY 3 – 2nd APRIL, 2023

Breakfast: 7am
Vehicles Depart 7:30am. 1 hour transfer.
Race: Tour of Flanders Race Day, 270km
Race Start: 10.30am

About our day:

Today is our VIP Tour of Flanders experieince co-hosted by Australian former pro cyclist Phil Anderson and Pat Fitzpatrick. Phil and Pat have worked together for over 10 years, their combined skills, experience and passion for all things cycling create the best Spring Classics experiences available.

Phil may not need much of an introduction to many of you, but you’ll be pleased to know Phil is highly regarded and remembered well in Belgium due to his attacking style of racing. Phil focused the early part of each of his seasons to specialise in the Spring Classics, he had great success at the Classics, winning the Amstel Gold Race, placing 2nd twice at the Tour of Flanders, a long list of big results and podium places at nearly all of the Spring Classics Races.

You’re bound to hear plenty of exciting stories from the golden era of cycling, plus insights into the riders preperation and the way the race is playing out on the day. You are in great hands, It’ll be an exciting day from start to finish at the 2021 Tour of Flanders.

Phil will give us a truly unique VIP experience and expert commentary through the day as we navigate a very tricky course to see the race in this style. This style of see’ing the Tour of Flanders is only possible from our combined experience, plus as a young pro cyclist Phil was based in Belgium, he’s still recognised where ever he goes, he’s considered a local amongst people from Belgium, he knows the races, the culture and the country of Belgium like a local.

Non-cycling options:

Join the group on a unique VIP Tour of Flanders race day, including Gourmet, Champagne Picnic Lunch.

Our Ride: Active Recovery Day – VIP Spectating, Tour of Flanders Race Day

Our Race Experience: Tour of Flanders

7.30am: Depart in our vehicles, 1 hr vehicle transfer to Antwerp, the start location for the Tour of Flanders.
8.30am: Arrive in Antwerp, Discover the city, see the teams and riders prepare for the start of the Tour of Flanders.
10.30am: Tour of Flanders race starts.

We’ll experience the build up to the start, the local fans will flood in and we’ll be there to experience the incredible excitiment of the Tour of Flanders. The riders headout from Antwerp on flatter exposed roads to do battle on the cobbles of the Flanders region of Belgium.

After the race start, we’ll quickly head back to our waiting vehicles to jump ahead of the race, we’ll pick up the race again as it comes past our Team Hotel around 12pm. Back to our vehicles again as we transfer ahead of the race to position ourselves on the iconic Mur.

The Mur is often a critical point in the race where a selection of riders capable of winning the Tour of Flanders will go clear on the climb to the famous church. We’ll enjoy a gourmet European style picnic enroute, including local refreshments, champagne and cool drinks.

Once the race has passed over the Mur, we take our alternative route and jump ahead of the race to the race finish town of Oudenaard to see who wins the 2021 edition of the Tour of Flanders.

Après Bike:

Dinner:

We’ll be heading out for a social /informal dinner (non-inclusion) and refreshing cool drink.

We bid farewell to guests on our 4 Day Tour of Flanders Long weeekend. We’ll make a plan for dinner – feel free to join us or Let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.

Accommodation:

Our Four Star Team Hotel, Flanders, Belgium
3 of 3 Nights

DAY 4

DAY 4 – 3nd APRIL, 2023

Breakfast: From 7am – 8.15am
Vehicle Departs: 8.30am
Arrive Aalst Train Station: 8.35am

About our day: Departure Day – Morning Transfer To Aalst Train Station

This morning after the excitement of the 4 Day Tour of Flanders weekend, we’ll gather again over a hearty breakfast.

After breakfast we offer a transfer for you and your luggage to the Aalst Train Station for your onward travel. Aalst Train Station is very well connected with all of the major European centers and International airports.

Alternatively if you’d like to join our Belgie 5 Day Training Camp Tour, we provide the transfers between the tours to Brugge in the north west of Flanders, Belgium.

Until next time, Au revoir from the Team at Ride International Tours

Pricing

Payments

ADVANCED BOOKING DEPOSIT:
$750 reserves your spot on the 4 Day Tour of Flanders Long Weekend. Choose from the following tour options, payments below.

*Note, our Spring Classic Tours are new each year, we maximise your experience with race viewing, sportifs, great rides and cultural experiences*

$375.00 AUD – $3,350.00 AUD

TRIP DATE OPTIONS

Clear

Hotel Option

Bike Hire

Take the hassle out of traveling with your bike and hire a bike for our 4 Day Spring Classics Tour.

No products found which match your selection.

Our Tour

Our Spring Classics Best of Belgium Tour provides the ideal mix of “ride more – transfer less”.

The proximity of our Team Hotel in the Belgium to the Netherlands border region allows us to cross the borders with ease. Our Best of Belgium Tour, is the ideal way to ride plenty each day, recover off the bike, combined with plenty of time available each afternoon to explore Belgium and the local area.

You’ll have your fill of riding, optional extra rides are available each day for those that are keen for more. Plus we visit many places of interest including a small local Belgium Brewery, Chocolatiers, Local Artisan Producers, Bike Stores, lovely cafe’s / coffee shops and take a scenic tour of Brugge. Let us know your passions, interests and things you’d like to see and do, we have plenty of great recommendations for Brugge and Belgium.

We’ll see different aspects of Belgium, the Netherlands, mixed with a cultural, historic, culinary and beverage experience. April is a beautiful time to visit and ride, there’s plenty of seasonal produce available, along with the bursts of Spring flowers.

The atmosphere, passion and knowledge of the fans in Belgium and the Netherlands is unrivalled, they create an electric atmosphere. We’ll show you the smaller roads, ride classic roads, see famous monuments, picture postcard villages, beautiful cities and stay in a lovely hotel.

There’s something endearing about riding a bike in Belgium, it’s a country practically born and raised on bike racing. The terrain is almost purpose-built for cyclists, cycle racing and cycling is still regarded as the nation’s number one sport in Spring.

Our Spring Classics tours are led by our experienced team who’ve been hosting tours to these races and areas for many years, we’ll get you up close and personal with the Pro riders to experience the excitement first hand. We know how to get the best out of your riding, Spring Classics experience, all in a safe, supported, team like environment.

This tour is perfect for passionate cyclists, cycling fans, non cyclist, non cycling partners or people who’d like to do a bit of riding and race watching. $750 (per person) reserves your spot for the 2024 Spring Classics Best of Belgium Tour. Come ride with us, we’re the Spring Classics experts.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Spring Classics in April.
Ciao Pat, Grace, Phil and the Team

Meet your hosts for our 2024 Spring Classics Tours

Pat and Grace worked tirelessly to make sure everyone’s needs and expectations were met

S. Charlton (2015)Queensland, Australia

A big thanks to you for making my trip, as a non-rider, very memorable

L. Green (2010) New Zealand

Grace and Pat go above and beyond to make sure you have a good time

Steph W. (2015, 2014 & 2013)NSW, Australia

Nothing was too much trouble, their demeanour was always cheery

Andrew S. (2014)Melbourne, Australia

Knowledgeable, multilingual, always helpful, a great team

Tommy. E (2016, 2014, 2013, 2012)USA

Grace is the most organised of guides, no request is too unusual or difficult

A. Saunders (2017)Victoria, Australia

You took care of my wife wonderfully… I am grateful and appreciative

David S. (2016)Canada

Thanks very much for a highly enjoyable and excellently run tour

Daren A. (2012)QLD, Australia

Grace and Pat are remarkable. Thank you so much!

Claudia H. (2104)Canada

Grace… you are warm, inclusive and infectious in your enthusiasm

John H. (2014)Australia

Pat and his team did an absolutely brilliant job

L. Hocking (2015)Victoria, Australia

Big thanks to Grace & Patrick… we had a Brilliant time

Andrew E (2016)Australia

The trip ran like clock work… all we had to worry about was enjoying ourselves

Ben K. (2013)NSW, Australia

Grace… you are still as efficient and organised as always

Richard B. (2016, 2012)Western Australia

Pat’s leadership gave everyone what they needed

Peter F. (2010)New Zealand

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Spacious Cycling Friendly Four Star Accommodation.
Daily breakfasts (Evening Meals, Lunches, Drinks Etc As Per Detailed Itinerary Below).
Local guides for cycling and non-cyclists including former Australian Pro Rider Phil Anderson
Minimum of three guided ride options per day, to suit your preferred distance and amount of climbing
Pro mechanical support on tour
Support vehicle to carry daypacks, spare parts, hydration and ride snacks
Separate Spectator Itinerary for Non-cyclists
Itinerary, including daily ride maps
Free download of our GPS Ride Routes
Complimentary return train station transfers
Daily Bike Spa including Bike Wash, Mechanical check and tune, by a Pro Mechanic
Cyclists Receive Our Premium Quality European Rider Pack including: Jersey, Knicks, Socks, Cycling Cap and Musette Bag
Non-Cyclists Receive a Spectator Pack including Designer Ride International Tours Polo Shirt, Socks, Cap and Musette Bag

Our Tour

Our Tour of Flanders Spring Classics Tour provides the ideal mix of “ride more – transfer less”.

The proximity of the Flanders region to everything in Belgium allows us to participate in the “must do” Tour of Flanders sportif, experience a VIP Tour of Flanders race day, plus enjoy plenty of recover time off the bike each day to explore.

You’ll have your fill of riding, plus we’ll see different aspects of the Tour of Flanders race including stage start, midpoint and finish. All the Tour of Flanders action mixed in with a cultural, historic, culinary and beverage experience of Belgium.

April is a beautiful time to visit Belgium and ride the Tour of Flanders Sportif. The atmosphere, passion and knowledge of the fans at the race is unrivalled, the Belgium fans create an electric atmosphere. We’ll show you the smaller roads, ride the iconic Spring Classic climbs, see famous monuments, picture postcard villages, beautiful cities and stay in a lovely hotel.

There’s something endearing about riding a bike in Belgium, it’s a countrie practically born and raised on two wheels and cycle racing. The terrain is almost purpose-built for cyclists and cycling is still regarded as the nations number one sport in Spring.

Each of our Spring Classics Itinerary’s provides a unique experience as the race routes change a little each year, you can count on riding many of the legendary routes made famous by the Spring Classics including: The Koppenberg, Kwaremont, Muur van Geraardsbergen just to name a few.

Our Spring Classics tour is led by our experienced team who’ve been hosting tours to these races for many years, we’ll get you up close and personal with the Pro riders, to experience the excitement of the incredible Spring Classics. We know how to get the best out of your riding, Spring Classics experience, all in a safe, supported, team like environment.

This tour is perfect for passionate cyclists, cycling fans, non cyclist, non cycling partners or people who’d like to do a bit of riding and race watching. $750 (per person) reserves your spot for the 2022 Spring Classics. Come ride with us, we’re the Spring Classics experts.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Spring Classics in April.
Ciao Pat, Grace, Phil and the Team

Pat and Grace worked tirelessly to make sure everyone’s needs and expectations were met

S. Charlton (2015)Queensland, Australia

A big thanks to you for making my trip, as a non-rider, very memorable

L. Green (2010) New Zealand

Grace and Pat go above and beyond to make sure you have a good time

Steph W. (2015, 2014 & 2013)NSW, Australia

Nothing was too much trouble, their demeanour was always cheery

Andrew S. (2014)Melbourne, Australia

Knowledgeable, multilingual, always helpful, a great team

Tommy. E (2016, 2014, 2013, 2012)USA

Grace is the most organised of guides, no request is too unusual or difficult

A. Saunders (2017)Victoria, Australia

You took care of my wife wonderfully… I am grateful and appreciative

David S. (2016)Canada

Thanks very much for a highly enjoyable and excellently run tour

Daren A. (2012)QLD, Australia

Grace and Pat are remarkable. Thank you so much!

Claudia H. (2104)Canada

Grace… you are warm, inclusive and infectious in your enthusiasm

John H. (2014)Australia

Pat and his team did an absolutely brilliant job

L. Hocking (2015)Victoria, Australia

Big thanks to Grace & Patrick… we had a Brilliant time

Andrew E (2016)Australia

The trip ran like clock work… all we had to worry about was enjoying ourselves

Ben K. (2013)NSW, Australia

Grace… you are still as efficient and organised as always

Richard B. (2016, 2012)Western Australia

Pat’s leadership gave everyone what they needed

Peter F. (2010)New Zealand

4 DAY ITINERARY

2021 Spring Classics Tour With Phil Anderson

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4