Ronde van Vlaanderen goes with "traditional" route in 2008

By Susan Westemeyer

The Ronde van Vlaanderen will be run on a "traditional" course in 2008, but without the world-famous De Koppenberg climb again (the climb was not featured this year due to problems with the cobblestones).

The route is 259 kilometers and runs from Brugge to Meerbeke. The peloton will face 17 slopes and 20 km worth of cobbles.

"First there is an excursion through West Flanders, then the long cobblestone and climbing section in the Flemish Ardennes, followed by the usual finale," organizer Wim Van Herreweghe said, according to Sporza.be. The race is scheduled for April 6.

The 17 climbs, or "hellingen" are: Kluisberg, Nokereberg, Molenberg, Wolvenberg, Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, Kortekeer, Steenbeekdries, Taaienberg, Berg Ter Stene, Leberg, Berendries, Valkenberg, Tenbosse, Eikenmolen, Muur-Kapelmuur, Bosberg.

See also: 2007 Ronde van Vlaanderen.