This was the first Tour of Flanders in five years that I’ve watched on TV, and it was a treat – I just wish more people had access

The Tour of Flanders once again proved its status as a highlight of the cycling calendar, delivering thrilling races in both the men’s and women’s events. While the outcomes saw favourites Demi Vollering and Tadej Pogačar emerge victorious, the contests were far from straightforward, featuring intense tactical battles and dramatic moments. Watching the race unfold on television offered a comprehensive view of the action, from the early stages in Antwerp to the punishing finale on the Koppenberg, providing a vivid sense of the race’s ebb and flow that is often difficult to capture in person. This year marked a departure for many fans and journalists alike, including Cycling Weekly’s news editor Adam Becket, who experienced the race solely through broadcast coverage rather than on-site attendance for the first time since 2021. While the atmosphere at the event is famously electric—comparable to major music festivals or football finals—Becket found value in the television experience, which allowed for a fuller appreciation of key moments such as Pogačar’s decisive attacks and Vollering’s powerful climb. The innovative camera work, including drone footage and spider cams, enhanced the spectacle and brought a new artistic dimension to the race coverage. However, the enjoyment of watching the Tour of Flanders was tempered by concerns over the sport’s accessibility. Becket lamented the increasing difficulty for UK viewers to watch major cycling events without paying for expensive subscriptions, a stark contrast to just a few years ago when Eurosport provided more open access. This shift in broadcast rights and paywalls risks alienating potential new fans and shrinking the sport’s audience, despite the growing excitement and quality of racing on display. Looking ahead, the article reflects a renewed enthusiasm for upcoming classics, particularly Paris-Roubaix, while underscoring the importance of broadening cycling’s reach. Becket’s reflections serve as both a celebration of the sport’s enduring appeal and a call to action for better accessibility, ensuring that the drama and spectacle of races like the Tour of Flanders can be enjoyed by a wider public in the future.