Is the Mountain Bike of Flanders a race?
Yes. The Mountain Bike of Flanders is a three-day stage race affiliated with Cycling Vlaanderen as a category Open XCO event. After every stage there will be a published stage result and a general classification. Even though this event is a race, you are completely free to ride at your own pace – as fast or as slow as you like.
How does the team-system work?
Racers in duo teams ride Friday’s time trial together. On Saturday, like a relay race, each team member rides one of the two laps, on Sunday they do two each (of which the last one together). In the stage results as well as the general classification, all the times of the teammates will be combined for a total time. More info on our relay system can be found in the course description of the stages.
How does the time trial on Friday work?
You ride a total of 35 kilometers that includes three timed sections (‘specials’). Riders start every half minute. This also applies to the timed sections where riders start every half minute. Your result is based on the sum of the times in the three timed sections. The kilometers linking these sections are also marked but not manned by police or course marshals. You ride these non-timed distances at any pace you choose. Completing the entire 35 km route is mandatory though. Duos ride the time trial together. The totaled times of the 2 teammates during the 3 timed sections are added together for your team’s result. It is obligatory for duos to stay together during the timed sections.
Can I register without a racing license?
Yes, you can. If you have no racing license, you must purchase (in addition to your registration fee) three one-day licenses of five euros per day during the online registration. Attention: If you only have a recreation or cyclotourist license, you will also have to purchase three one-day licenses. This covers your insurance during the stage race. Racers with licenses as youth, elite without contract, masters, etc. do not have to purchase day licenses.
How old must I be to enter the race?
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Mountain Bike of Flanders. Exception: licensed U19 and U17 racers are allowed to participate (U17 only in duo teams).
What if I cannot participate due to illness or injury?
Your registration can be transferred to another person through to July 31. As of August 1, we will charge 25€ for administrative costs. For transfers, send an email to info@mountainbikevanvlaanderen.be
Is there camping in the area?
All participants are granted access to free camping that is walking distance from our main event area where the start/finish is located. You’ll need to contact us in advance to reserve your spot. Please send an email to peter@mountainbikevanvlaanderen.be indicating if you come with tent, camper or caravan and include the license plate number of your vehicle. No advance reservation = no access to the campgrounds. Electricity and water connections are not provided on the campgrounds.
Am I free to choose my start time?
This is only possible for the time trial on Friday, where you can specify your desired start time during the online registration process. We’ll do our best to assign you a slot that’s closest to your request. The start times will be communicated to the participants by mail before the event. The general classification will determine your start position in Saturday’s and Sunday’s stages (group start at 10:00 AM).
Is there a time limit? What if I am lapped?
Yes, for practical reasons, there is an (ample) time limit. If you finish outside the time limit, you will not be included in the results and the general classification, but are still allowed to start in the other stage(s).
Can I participate with an E-bike, gravel or cyclocross bike?
For those competing on E-bikes, we have created a separate duo-category and a local race. Gravel and cyclocross bikes are not allowed in the stage race.
