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Charleroi to host once again la Flèche Wallonne
After nine long years, the City of Charleroi is delighted to host La Flèche Wallonne cycling race on its territory. On April 21, 2021, Charleroi will host the start of the Ardennes classics for the 29th time in its history.
Since 2012, Charleroi no longer hosted a cycling event of this magnitude, apart from the brief tour of the Tour de France in 2019.
Departure of the Tour de France, passage of the Giro, many departures of the Flèche Wallonne: Charleroi indeed loves cycling and is full of real enthusiasts of this sport, but also of those who, every weekend, walk the streets, handlebars in hand.
The champions have also made the history of cycling in Charleroi. Think of Pino Cerami, stage winner in the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix and maybe, the Flèche Wallonne. This passion is therefore rewarded with the return of one of the most beautiful spring cycling races on the UCI World Tour calendar, at the initiative of mayor of Charleroi Paul Magnette and the alderman for sports, Karim Chaïbaï.
The health conditions linked to the covid-19 pandemic mean that at this stage, the race will probably take place behind closed doors. “Cycling being a big popular festival, it would obviously be better to experience it all together at the starting village and along our roads. But it’s already a good thing that international cycling is back in our city. I hope this is the first stage and that the Flèche Wallonne will take place more often from Charleroi”, hopes Karim Chaïbaï.
At this stage the modalities and routes of the race are under discussion, in particular with the police. More information will follow soon.
