The Tour of Flanders is one of the great Spring Classics on the cycling calendar held in the Flemish Ardennes region of Belgium beginning in 1913. Since 2017, the route has started in Antwerp. Following a flat 100 km run through Flandrian villages, the race takes a decisive turn after the village of Berchem. There, the latter part consists of a series of loops in the Ardennes, which are punctuated by hills and cobbled roads that define the race outcome and are a signature of the race. Many of the climbs are in a small area, with frequent and abrupt turns.
The most defining of these climbs is the poorly paved cobbled and narrow 2.2 km Oude Kwaremont, with grades reaching 22% making it a challenge for the best in the sport. Choked with jubilant and boisterous spectators, there is barely room for riders and support vehicles to squeeze through. Another signature feature is the chapel at the top of the Muur van Geraardsbergen, which has become something of a cycling icon to the sport. It is held in high regard and is considered one of the hardest one-day bike races comparable only to the Paris-Roubaix.
The design of this poster was a departure from my usual style. I wanted to give it a more stylized, graphic appearance with muted colours reflecting the area and time of year. The iconic chapel and windmills that are scattered throughout the countryside are also featured.
This is a great addition to a cycling man-cave or serious cycling enthusiast.
