Page 8 - DLNjune2018-1031

Shape of things to come?
by Nigel Scales

Apparently 22 people were arrested for fighting on the Oude Kwaremont
during this year's Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders). I can't say I'm
surprised - you have to get there early to secure a space, especially as the
Women's race goes through first before the men make a few visits so plenty
of time on hand for some frites washed down with Belgian beer... time that
doesn't go to waste.... For those unfamiliar with the Kwaremont logistics,
there's a big field lower down the climb (towards the village - all following
references assume you're looking that way) where it's possible to amble to
the left and watch the riders pass on their way towards the village then run
to the right and watch them pass as they ascend the cobbles. Then stroll
back and sit on the grass facing the direction of the village to watch the
race on the big screen until it comes past again (from memory the women
climb Kwaremont once and the men either 2 or 3 times).

There are fast food vans/tents and a restaurant tent in the field and, as i
mentioned, if you didn't bring your own anyway/ran out, options to buy drinks
on site. Also, as I discovered to my horror as I took my daughter in search
of fast food, temporary urinals in the traditional open-air style.. (There were
also portaloo cubicles.) When I visited a few years back, I found my parking
recce the evening before was a bit wasted as the Police were enforcing
temporary no-entry and no-parking areas. and my chosen location was
off-limits. The Policewoman who denied me access suggested parking in a
town 8kms away and walking back as I'd have time! However, as an EU citizen
I instead took the lead of my local co-citizens and instead pulled up on a
verge in a line of "illegally" parked cars and took the risk my GB plates would
single me out for special attention - didn't happen. If you can keep out of the
crowd trouble, I can heartily recommend a day on the Kwaremont! - I just
hope it doesn't go the way of football in the 70's...

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