The Renewi Tour will search for Tim Wellens’ successor from 28 August to 1 September. In 2024, the only WorldTour stage race on Belgian and Dutch soil is again tailored to the classics riders and aims for maximum sustainability.
The Renewi Tour is in its 19th edition this summer. The WorldTour race on Belgian and Dutch soil was first organised in 2005 to give the spring classics specialists the chance to compete for overall victory in a stage race. That concept has been left untouched almost 20 years later.
In 2024, the classics riders will be presented again with a course that they can ride to their heart’s content: the rolling roads between Riemst and Bilzen, sprint opportunities in Ardooie and Aalter, an individual time trial in Tessenderlo and, of course, a stretch through the Flemish Ardennes with finish in Geraardsbergen. The final stage has made a name for itself in recent years and provided much spectacle, with the Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg as the most famous executioners and the gruelling but beautiful finish on the Vesten.
In a blistering final stage, Matej Mohoric raced to stage victory a year ago. Tim Wellens secured the overall victory on the Geraardsbergen cobbles, with Florian Vermeersch and Yves Lampaert completing the Belgian podium. Wellens is the record holder with three overall wins, ahead of Edvald Boasson Hagen (2) and José Ivan Gutierrez (2).
Sustainability and Inclusion
Along with the race’s sporting character, the Renewi Tour stays true to the sustainability principle and the slogan ‘Together we strive for the cleanest & most sustainable cycling event’. Last year already included the introduction of waste zones for the teams’ waste in the riders’ village, the maximum deployment of local suppliers and existing buildings and the maximum use of digital communication. Renewi also ensured that as much waste as possible, in and on the sidelines of the race, was given a new life.
This year, the Renewi Tour goes one step further with a series of additional sustainability initiatives:
• Exclusive use of electric cars by the organisation, courtesy of our partner Volvo
• Exclusive use of solid or green energy
• Maximum use of LED screens
• Asphalt stickers at the finish will be made from sustainable materials
• Use of glass & china in the VIP areas and balanced offer of healthy and vegetarian options
• Reusable drinks bottles and water taps for the crew
“With this second edition of the Renewi Tour, we want to continue making professional cycling more sustainable by reducing the ecological footprint of the race. Efficient and green transport, as well as recycling of collected waste streams play an important role in this,” explained Mark Thys, Managing Director Renewi Belgium. “Together with Golazo and all our partners, we are putting the Renewi Tour on the map as the event that unites sport and sustainability.”
The Renewi Tour also wants to do its bit in terms of inclusion and equality. For example, we will integrate the Special Olympics again by putting the spotlight on these athletes. The Special Olympics athletes will ride their own (shortened) time trial in Tessenderlo on Thursday. The programme also features a closer collaboration with Safe Cycling to further improve the safety of the riders.
PRACTICAL INFO RENEWI TOUR 2024:
Stage Schedule:
• Tuesday 27 August: Team presentation Riemst
• Wednesday 28 August: Riemst – Bilzen
• Thursday 29 August: Tessenderlo (time trial)
• Friday 30 August: Blankenberge – Ardooie
• Saturday 31 August: Oostburg – Aalter
• Sunday 1 September: Menen – Geraardsbergen
Live on TV:
You can watch the 2024 Renewi Tour live on Sporza, Tipik and Eurosport.
