Wouter Vandenhaute, head of the tour’s organising committee, said the new route is designed to pass areas heavily surrounded by spectators. “The Oude Kwaremont could take over the role of the Wall,” Vandenhaute said, pointing out that there were far more fans in the Flemish Ardennes than in the flat, straight sections. “The decision was very difficult to take because the Wall is a tradition in the Ronde and we had to be careful changing that. The new course, including the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg three times, is meant to boost the sporting angle of the finale.”

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