Ambassador
Chris Hall

Everything You Need to Know Before Riding Flanders Sportive

Taking on the Tour of Flanders sportive is no ordinary ride. Known for its relentless cobbles, punchy climbs and electric roadside atmosphere, it’s a day that demands both physical preparation and smart pacing. Whether it’s your first time lining up in Flanders or you’re heading back for unfinished business, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

We caught up with ambassador Chris Hall to break down the course, highlight the key challenges, and share practical advice on how to prepare. From tackling iconic climbs like the Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg, to dialling in your fuelling and pacing strategy, this guide is designed to help you get the most out of one of cycling’s most iconic sportives.

The Course

What are the key climbs riders should prepare for?

For me personally it’s well worth understanding what it would be like to ride on all the major cobbled climbs. Kwaremont is a fantastic monster and totally rideable all the way. The Koppenberg is much tougher to ride during the sportive. It’s always really busy and if it’s wet it can be a challenge to ride. Fingers crossed it will be dry!

How challenging are the cobbled climbs like Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, and Koppenberg?

I believe that the Koppenberg is probably the hardest challenge on the route. It’s tree covered and can be slippy plus quite a monster. 11.4% average grade, with 18.5% for around 100 meters of it.

What makes the cobbles of Flanders so unique compared to other races?

The fact that the cobbles are often on a climb is what makes them so unique. Not all the segments are cobbled and not all the cobbles are on a climb. Around the Flandrien region there is such an amazing atmosphere, even on the sportive.

Are there sections of the course where pacing is especially important?

I think people often go way too hard at the start on this one. It’s a BIG day out so pace it. One thing to mention though is that the food stops will be FANTASTIC.

Preparation for Flanders

How should riders train in the weeks leading up to the event?

I believe one of the best things you can do is just get long hours on the bike. Make sure you fuel appropriately, aim for 1g of carbs per 1kg of bodyweight as a rough guide. It’s important to make sure you are getting your body used to taking on this amount of food so practice this with getting hours in on the bike.

What kind of riding experience is helpful before taking on Flanders?

Depending on what distance you are signed up for, it’s good to feel comfortable riding a distance close to the length of the sportive you are doing. I would say it’s worth also getting used to group rides as there's so many people taking part!

How important is climbing strength versus endurance for this event?

I believe endurance strength will help you get through this event better than climbing strength. Worse case you can always walk parts (which you may need to on some of the climbs based on all the traffic)

How do you stay fueled through the day? Do you wait for the ‘Feed station’ or take your own.

The food stations are incredible at this event. They will have waffles, sweets, sports nutrition, fizzy drinks, sweet and savoury so they are well worth visiting during the ride.

Equipment and setup

What bike setup works best for the cobbles of Flanders?

This year I will actually be riding an Argon 18 Nitrogen which is their aero road bike! Previously I have used the Krypton Pro, with 32mm tyres. Larger tyres will really help with comfort on this one.

Are there any tyre choices or pressures you’d recommend?

Last year I think I ran about 45psi on 32mm tyres set up tubeless on a hookless rim. I will be aiming for similar. Wolf Tooth Components have a fantastic tyre pressure calculator which will help you work out what would be best for you.

What kit choices help riders stay comfortable over a long day on rough roads?

I’d definitely recommend using things like Le Col’s HC range or ARC collection which will allow you to be comfortable all day on the bike. Make sure you take a jacket as it can also be cold in the morning! I took a Pro wind jacket as well (as it wasn’t raining) to keep me warm in the morning too.

What Le Col kit are you wearing and why?

I’ll be wearing some ARC cargo bib shorts and a special Le Col Custom jersey. I’ll definitely have a Pro Insulated Gilet or Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket to just to keep the cold off in the morning!

Race day strategy + advice

What pacing strategy works best for riders tackling long cobbled sections?

Take them steady. Don’t go too hard as some of the segments are quite long.

How should riders approach the cobbled climbs to avoid blowing up?

Make sure you keep fueling during your ride. Eat and drink. That’s always the best advice.

Are there common mistakes first-time riders make during the sportive?

I think one of the biggest mistakes is that people often go way too hard to start with. Like I mentioned before, it’s a long day out.

Flanders isn’t about perfection, it’s about resilience.

It’s the moments when the cobbles bite, the gradient kicks up, and the crowd noise carries you forward. It’s a challenge, but that’s exactly why it’s worth doing.

Prepare well, pace it right, and embrace the chaos, because there’s nothing quite like riding in Flanders.

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