5★
Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Women)
The 2026 Tour of Flanders Women covered 164.1km starting and finishing in Oudenaarde, taking in six flat cobblestone sections and nine climbs - seven of which are cobbled. The Wolvenberg (the only tarmac climb) opens the climbing at 82km into the race. The decisive Flemish Ardennes finale includes the Kerkgate cobbles and the Molenberg (70km from finish), where selections traditionally begin. The closing sequence follows the men's template with the Kwaremont-Paterberg combination as the final deciders - the race is usually won by a solo rider or a small group contesting the finish line in Oudenaarde after the final Paterberg. The route winds through the so-called Flemish Ardennes with its iconic cobbled bergs.
Where to watch
⚠️ Spoiler warning: live streams and broadcaster home pages may show current standings. Disable autoplay & avoid sidebar recommendations on YouTube.
Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Women)
The decisive pavé
Where the race is made
Who to watch
Narratives to watch
- Demi Vollering's arrival at FDJ-SUEZ shifted the tactical landscape - her rivalry with Lotte Kopecky has defined recent Ronde editions
- The race typically breaks open on the Molenberg at 70km to go - watch for the key selection there
- Weather in early April can transform Flanders - cold rain and crosswinds shape tactics dramatically
- Long-range solos have become the template for winning - expect moves from 40km or beyond
Form book & lore
The women's Tour of Flanders was first held in 2004 and joined the Women's WorldTour calendar in 2016. It is one of the most prestigious one-day races on the women's calendar and shares its iconic Flemish Ardennes finale with the men's race. Recent winners include Lotte Kopecky (multiple times), Demi Vollering, Elisa Longo Borghini, and others. The race typically produces aggressive, long-range racing given the short distance relative to the men's event - attackers must commit early to avoid the final sprint.
When to tune in
Tune in for the final 90 minutes - the race opens up on the Wolvenberg (82km to go) and the Molenberg (70km to go) is historically where the winning move is launched. The critical TV window is the final hour from Berg Ten Houte (40km to go) through the final Kwaremont/Paterberg. Spoiler caution: avoid YouTube sidebar and autoplay as highlights often reveal the finish.