Region Antwerp

Tour de France comes to Flanders

The third stage of the 2015 Tour de France will pass through the Flemish provinces of Antwerp and Flemish Brabant en route between Antwerp and the Walloon town of Huy (Liège) province. Around half a million spectators are expected to line the streets of Antwerp when the stage gets under way at around 1:30pm. The latter part of the stage will follow the route of the spring classic race “Flèche Wallonne” through Liège province to Huy.

Before the race, there will be a presentation of the riders that are competing on Antwerp’s central market square. The race its self will start from the Scheldt Quays at Het Steen.

The Tour will pass through the Antwerp districts of Berchem, Borgerhout and Deurne. A Fan park has been set up on the Groenplaats where cycling fans can follow the race on a giant screen.

The Tour de France brings with it dozens of road closures. Those planning to visit Antwerp (or any of the other towns and municipalities along the route) are advised to do so on foot, by bike or by using public transport. In Antwerp extra trams have been laid on from the city’s park and ride car parks.

Tour passes through Eddy Merckx’s birth place

After leaving Antwerp the Tour de France will pass through Beechnut, Lier, Heist-op-den-Berg and Earshot.

In honour of the great Belgian cyclist of all time, the tour will pass through Eddy Merckx’s birth place Meensel-Kiezegem. Then its due south to Glabbeek, Tienen and Bost. The 159km stage ends on the infamous Mur de Huy.

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