Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen

Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen is a museum entirely dedicated to the history of one of the world's oldest and most prestigious road cycling races, the Tour of Flanders. It stands right in the heart of Oudenaarde, on the town's lively market square at Markt 43, making it a natural stop for anyone spending time in this Flemish town.

What is the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen?

The center was established in 2003 on the initiative of the provincial government, which wanted to preserve and organize the heritage of a race that has been run for nearly a century. Rather than following a strict chronological exhibition, the museum tells the story of the race through the symbolic frame of a single day of the Tour of Flanders, from the start to the finish line. This narrative approach lets visitors sense the rhythm and emotions surrounding the riders, even without ever sitting on a racing bike themselves.

What can visitors see inside?

The exhibition combines classic memorabilia with multimedia and interactive elements. Among the displayed items are vintage racing bicycles and jerseys signed by well-known riders, documenting decades of competition. The exhibition is organized around several themes: the race route, the famous cobblestone sections, the legendary climbs, the riders themselves, the influence of weather on the race, the role of the media in popularizing the event, the difficult war years in the race's history, and a look toward the future of the Tour of Flanders.

Interactivity is a strong focus of the museum experience. One of its main attractions is a cobblestone simulator, which lets visitors feel what it is like to ride over the uneven, cobbled sections that define the race's toughest stretches. There are also cycling-themed quizzes testing knowledge of the Tour's history, along with attractions that let visitors "climb" the famous hills alongside virtual representations of renowned riders.

Who is this place for?

The center appeals above all to fans of road cycling, for whom it is close to a mandatory stop on any tour of Flanders — a region famous for hosting several of cycling's classic one-day races. At the same time, the multimedia and interactive format makes the museum approachable for visitors with no particular connection to the sport, including families with children. Its location in central Oudenaarde also makes it easy to combine a visit with exploring the old town and the market square.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen is located at Markt 43 in Oudenaarde, directly on the town's central market square.

When was the museum founded? It was opened in 2003 on the initiative of the provincial government, in order to preserve the heritage of the Tour of Flanders.

What are the opening hours? The museum is closed on Mondays and open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Is it interesting for people who are not cycling fans? Yes — thanks to interactive attractions such as the cobblestone simulator and themed quizzes, the exhibition is accessible even to visitors less familiar with the race's history.

What is the exhibition's main narrative device? It tells the story of the race through the metaphor of a single day of competition, from start to finish, weaving in themes such as the route, the climbs, the weather, the media, and the historical wartime background.