Fotoreporter Sirotti
The route for the 2012 Ronde van Vlaanderen, also known as the Tour of Flanders, was announced. Most notably, it excludes the storied Kapelmuur (the Muur van Geraardsbergen) in favor of varied repeats of a circuit that hit the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg three times.
Does excluding the Kapelmuur excise a part of the heart of the Ronde? Or will the three rounds of Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg provide not only enough excitement, but a better viewing experience in general?
Is the new route good? Bad? Weird? Exciting? Share your thoughts below the video of screaming fans on the Kapelmuur in 2010.
When I first read the description of the triple serving of de Oude Kwaremont and de Paterberg, even if the Muur is out of the pictures. But, the distance from the last ascent of the Paterberg to the finish is too far and if I recall correctly it is slightly downhill. I think the first year will see a complete non-favorite make a break for it, take advantage of hesitating favorites, and then win a minute ahead of the favorites' group.
Also, I should say that Belgian has the sense of putting this as frontpage news on de Standaard, a big newspaper. God Bless Belgium!