Tour Of Flanders – Original Screenprint

Artist: Eliza Southwood
Price: £595
Publication date: Not stated but c.2015
Format: Original Screenprint
Condition: Fine condition, unframed
Size: 84cm x 113cm
Edition: 20 copies, signed by the artist

One of the ‘Spring Classics’. Originally commissioned by Rapha for a non-selling exhibition in Manchester. Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist. In very fine condition. Scarce.

Tour Of Flanders – Original Screenprint

The Tour of Flanders (in Dutch: Ronde van Vlaanderen) is one of the most famous and revered one-day cycling races in the world. It is one of cycling’s five Monuments, and, along with Paris-Roubaix, forms the heart of the cobbled classics season in the spring. The race takes place in the Flanders region of Belgium, famous for its punishing cobbled climbs and passionate cycling fans.

Key Features of the Race:

• Date and Timing: The race is traditionally held on the first Sunday of April, shortly before Paris-Roubaix, as part of the UCI World Tour.
• Route: The race starts in Antwerp (previously Bruges) and finishes in Oudenaarde, covering a distance of around 260 km.
• Terrain: The Tour of Flanders is best known for its short, steep climbs, often on cobblestones, known as “hellingen.” The combination of these hills, rough cobblestone sections, and narrow roads creates a chaotic and highly challenging race, where positioning is crucial.

Famous Climbs and Cobbles:

The race is defined by a series of iconic cobbled climbs, which usually feature in the latter half of the race and frequently decide the outcome:

1. Oude Kwaremont: One of the most famous and longest cobbled climbs, about 2.2 km long with sections of rough pavé. It appears multiple times in the race and is often a launching pad for key attacks.
2. Paterberg: A short but brutally steep cobbled climb, only 400 metres long but with gradients over 20%. Positioned near the end of the race, it is a decisive feature in the final kilometres.
3. Koppenberg: One of the most infamous climbs, it’s incredibly steep with gradients up to 22% and extremely uneven cobblestones, making it one of the toughest ascents in cycling. The narrow road and slippery surface often cause chaos as riders scramble to keep their balance.
4. Muur van Geraardsbergen (Kapelmuur): This legendary climb was a staple of the race for many years and often played a decisive role when it was included. The cobbled road leads to a chapel at the top and was reintroduced to the race after a few years of absence.
5. Taaienberg, Eikenberg, and Steenbeekdries are other notable climbs that challenge riders throughout the day.

Race Dynamics:

• Cobbles and Climbs: The Tour of Flanders is a race for hard men (and women), where power, stamina, and bike-handling skills over cobblestones are essential. The cobbled climbs are not just physically demanding, but they also make it difficult to maintain speed and balance, creating opportunities for attacks and mistakes.
• Tactical Racing: Positioning is crucial in the race, especially on the narrow roads leading up to the climbs. Riders must fight for position at the front of the peloton to avoid being caught behind crashes or gaps in the bunch. Strong teams often play a crucial role in helping their leaders stay in a good position for key moments.
• Selective Race: The race usually sees a thinning of the peloton as the kilometres progress, with only the strongest riders surviving the repeated efforts over the cobbled hills. The race typically ends in a small group sprint, a solo attack, or a tactical battle in the final kilometres.

Famous Winners:

The Tour of Flanders has produced some legendary champions, many of whom have gone on to multiple victories. Some of the most famous winners include:

• Tom Boonen: A three-time winner (2005, 2006, 2012) and one of the icons of Belgian cycling.
• Fabian Cancellara: Another three-time winner (2010, 2013, 2014), known for his powerful solo attacks on the climbs.
• Eddy Merckx: The legendary Belgian cyclist won the race twice (1969, 1975).
• Alberto Bettiol and Mathieu van der Poel are among the more recent victors, with van der Poel winning the race in 2020 and 2022.

Unique Aspects:

• Flanders and Belgian Cycling Culture: The race holds an almost mythical status in Belgium, particularly in the Flanders region, where cycling is a national obsession. Fans line the cobbled climbs, often in massive numbers, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Riders are celebrated as heroes, especially Belgian ones.
• Weather Conditions: The race is often contested in harsh weather conditions, with cold, wind, and sometimes rain adding to the difficulty of the cobbled climbs.
• Toughness of the Cobblestones: The cobbled sections in Flanders are notorious for being uneven and rough, making them difficult to navigate even on a good day. The ability to ride smoothly over the pavé, without losing momentum, is a skill that separates the winners from the pack.

Recent Developments:

In recent years, the Tour of Flanders has been dominated by modern classics specialists such as Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Tadej Pogačar, who won the 2023 edition in a thrilling race where he attacked on the Oude Kwaremont and rode solo to victory.

The Tour of Flanders remains one of the most exciting and iconic races in professional cycling, embodying the grit and toughness that defines the sport, particularly in the cobbled classics.

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