Attracting 16,000 riders to the famous punchy, cobbled route of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the Tour of Flanders Cyclo, this year held on Saturday April 4, is on the bucket list of many cyclists.

Three routes are available, with the full 254km option taking riders from Brugge to Oudenaarde over all of the short, steep, cobbled climbs of the route on which Fabian Cancellara will be hoping to claim a third consecutive title on the following day.

While tempting to tackle as much of the full pro route as possible – for bragging points, if anything – it’s well worth considering the alternative 134km and 75km options, as the first 90km of the full route doesn’t feature any climbs or cobbles. Save your legs for the stuff that really matters.

The 134km route starts instead in Oudenaarde, tackling the Wolvenberg almost immediately and including all the main climbs, including the Oude Kwaremont, Belgium’s longest cobbled ascent.

The rough cobbles of the Koppenberg, which ramps up to 20 per cent, has forced many an amateur – and even the odd professional, too – to dismount as the fierce gradient takes its toll.

This year’s event is sold out but mark your calendar for the 2016 event.

Routes: 75km, 134km, 254km
Entry fee: £20-£30 [SOLD OUT]
Website: Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo