In 1973 the finish of the Tour of Flanders moved from Ghent to Meerbeke near Ninove. 15 years later, Mayor Cosijns got Willy Verlé to join the organizing committee.
Verlé was not only a passionate cycling enthusiast, but also a celebrated businessman. Thanks to his connections, he ensured that the Tour of Flanders would gain in prestige year after year.
That came to an abrupt end in 2012, when Flanders Classics took over the organization of the Tour and moved the finish to Oudenaarde. A heavy blow for Willy Verlé, but after a short reflection it was decided to let Ninove (and the nearby Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg) keep its place on the cycling map.
They knocked on the door of the organization of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and they saw something in the old final of the Tour of Flanders. In 2018 the finish was laid in Meerbeke, since 2019 Ninove has been the arrival place.
Verlé could only see this for a few more years. Quite unexpectedly, the driving force behind the race died in Ninove at the age of 80.
Retro 1992: Sports weekend in the wake of Willy Verlé during the Tour of Flanders
