Vlaamse Druivenkoers will be a race for juniors as from 2025

In 2025, the Vlaamse Druivenkoers will undergo a change. The organizers - Flanders Classics, Sportvrienden Overijse, and the municipality of Overijse - will focus on youth starting in 2025. Both Men and Women Junior will ride their first Vlaamse Druivenkoers on Wednesday, August 27. There will no longer be an elite race organized in August.

In August last year, Jelte Krijnsen added his name to the honorary list in Overijse. He won’t have a successor among the elite in 2025. The decision to shift from an elite race to a race for both Men and Women Junior was a well-considered choice by organizers Flanders Classics and Sportvrienden Overijse.

Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics, says: “The Vlaamse Druivenkoers has been tied to the Druivenfeesten in Overijse for many years, but that also meant the date changed quite often in recent years. As a result, it wasn’t always easy for teams to fit the race into their calendar, which increasingly impacted the start list. On the other hand, it’s an open secret that there is a huge need for youth races. Our Tour of Flanders and Gent-Wevelgem Youth Days have already been a big success in recent seasons. After weighing all the factors, we proposed this change to the municipality of Overijse.”

Inge Lenseclaes, mayor of Overijse, adds: “In 2024, our municipality earned the label 'Child-Friendly Municipality'. Organizing junior races presents a unique opportunity for us to give Jong Laweit a place here in Overijse, in addition to the existing Youth Days of the Tour of Flanders and Gent-Wevelgem. We want to give juniors the chance to conquer our steep little hills in the races and get to know the course of races like De Brabantse Pijl.”

The Vlaamse Druivenkoers, which will keep its name, remains linked to the Druivenfeesten. Tomas Van Den Spiegel continues: “We think it’s incredibly brave that Overijse understands this vision, and we’re grateful they are enthusiastically joining forces with us again, just like in the past. The Vlaamse Druivenkoers will continue to exist. We look forward to seeing the talents of tomorrow in action, just as we do at our other youth races, and contributing to the future of our sport. Connected to the Druivenfeesten, the future champions are sure to enjoy a high-level and festive day.”

More practical information about these new youth races will soon be available on the website of De Sportvrienden Overijse.