It was L'Eroica what started it, this craze for retro-themed sportives and their nostalgic homage to cycling's sepia-tinged past. Italy's annual vintage bike rally is something of a classic in its own right these days, a retrogrouch's paradise of lugged steel and leather toestraps - and earlier this year, we heard the exciting news that a UK edition of L'Eroica is to be launched in 2014.

But it turns out we're late to the party. Over in Belgium, they've been doing this for years at the Retro Ronde van Vlaanderen: a weekend-long celebration of vintage cycling that includes a sportive along the route of the Tour of Flanders, cobbles and all.

(c) Retroronde.be - Marc Demoor
(c) Retroronde.be - Marc Demoor

I'd like to say the Retro Ronde isn't just any old sportive, but in fact that's exactly what it is - 'old' is the order of the day, with the organisers enforcing a strict policy of vintage bikes and kit to maintain the authentic atmosphere of the event. Lycra is not allowed, clipless pedals are outlawed, and carbon fibre may as well be kryptonite. A 'Protocol' page on the event website is clear about does and does not qualify as retro, replete with dire warnings for those who fail to comply, including denial of access to the food stops.

If that sounds a little draconian, don't worry. "It's all supposed to be fun," the organisers assured us: "The RetroRonde is a vintage ride which is different from others as we keep the easygoing Belgian (or Flemish) cycling spirit alive through a broad programmation during the weekend."

(c) Retroronde.be - Jesse Willems
(c) Retroronde.be - Jesse Willems

The sportive itself is just one part of that programme, with three courses available of 100km, 70km and 40km. Each option offers a chance to sample some of the local cobblestones and, more tempting still, some of the local produce. Compared to most sportives, where the best you can hope for is a fig roll and some gel, the organisers on the Retro Ronde promise a refreshing change of tack:

"Every foodstop has different products to offer, from strawberries to rice cake and from soup to flemish gin, and there's always live music playing. At the finish line a beer and a Retro-sandwich with local bacon is waiting while the most extraordinary riders get their prizes."

And that's not all: a Retro Criterium - 10 laps of a 600m circuit through the town - will be open to all comers, while the party continues with a retro dance, a "beer cycling contest" and market stalls laden with retro bikes and kit.

Full details of the 2014 Retro Ronde are yet to be announced, but the date has been set for the weekend of 13-15 June in the town of Oudenaarde. Entries will open in early December, priced this year at a very reasonable €10 - a fee that seems as quaintly retro as the woolly jerseys, 10-speed racers and epic moustaches on show.

With prizes on offer for the "most charming rider" and best home-made jersey, the Retro Ronde sounds well worth the trip; for our money, it's a strong contender for the "most charming sportive" prize.

For more information, visit the Retro Ronde website: www.retroronde.be

(c) Retroronde.be - Marc Demoor
(c) Retroronde.be - Marc Demoor
  

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