Flanders 2021 Ride Antwerp: a cycling festival for young and old!
Saturday 25 September 2021
Today, on the occasion of the Flanders 2021 Ride Antwerp, the roads of the city centre were car-free. Large numbers of enthusiasts took to their bikes to explore the backdrop of the start of the road races in Antwerp. In the glorious sunshine they not only had a relaxing bike ride to look forward to, but entertainment too, organised throughout the city and attended by exuberant crowds.
The elite women set off from Antwerp in the direction of Leuven just after 12 noon, then it was turn of the amateurs. A 10-km circuit awaited families, couples and teenagers cycling their very own mini World Championships. The route took them along several squares decked out entirely in the spirit of the UCI Road World Championships, which has already reached its penultimate race.
Participants were able to enjoy various sports activities, performances and even more entertainment for free, spread across Antwerp city centre and a number of squares. For example, at the Port House in Antwerp you could cycle on adapted bicycles and learn about the fight against doping. At the MAS, participants enjoyed a performance by a bicycle virtuoso and there was a cycling skills circuit.
The city park provided the ideal location to take a break and shelter from the sun, enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing drink while soaking up the great atmosphere and entertainment. There was also music at the Scheldekaai to get your feet dancing. Another option was to race like lighting along Moskesstraat, virtually that is. And young and old alike were eager to have a go.
Today, Antwerp city centre was transformed, providing a 10-kilometre cycling route and an entire afternoon packed with fun. At the end of the afternoon, the elated crowds slowly made their way home. With only the Flanders 2021 VIP Ride and the elite men’s road race to go, we are now gradually approaching the end of a spectacular 100th anniversary of the UCI Road World Championships. A celebration that provided immense pleasure for young and old, the sporty and rather less sporty, but especially anyone with a passion for cycle racing.
