Behind the Lens: Filming at Tour of Flanders with a Fever
Tour of Flanders. One of the most iconic races in the world of cycling. This year, I was there on a mission—capturing content for ENVE and documenting the action surrounding Tadej Pogačar. It sounds like a dream gig, right? Well, it was minus the travel chaos, the zero sleep, and the part where I got sick as soon as I landed.
Day 1: A Sleepless Journey and Belgian Beer (Kind Of)
The adventure started at 2:00 AM with a drive to Venice for a 6:00 AM flight to Brussels. That meant no sleep and with my luck, no sleep usually means getting sick. Spoiler alert: that’s exactly what happened.
But the one upside of waking up way too early? From the plane, we had one of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen—soaring right above the majestic Italian Dolomites, glowing in the morning light. Absolutely surreal.
After landing in Brussels with Alen, we each took separate trains to our hotels me to Kortrijk, Alen to Wervik. I arrived around noon, but my room wasn’t ready yet, which meant no chance for a desperately needed nap. I wandered around Kortrijk for an hour (not much to see, wouldn’t recommend), and finally, at 2 PM, Alen and I caught a train to Bruges to pick up our race credentials an hour each way. Definitely not something we had planned. But thats bad planning on us.
On the way back, we headed to Waregem and met up with the Pogi Boys for drinks. Alex Carrera (Tadej’s manager) and Ben Leyman also joined us. The first beer was ordered at 6 PM… next thing we knew, it was 9 PM. I don’t drink, but when I’m in a new place, I always say I’ll try something local. So, I gave Belgian beer a shot… two sips in, I knew it wasn’t for me. That beer sat untouched for the rest of the evening while I stuck to Coca-Cola. Classic me.
Day 2: Race Day with a Fever
Race day started rough. I woke up with a sore throat and a slight fever. I forced down some food just so I could take Paracetamol and get moving. No time to waste the race start in Bruges was early.
The crew picked me up outside the hotel, and we made a quick stop for tea (a lifesaver for my throat) before heading to the UAE Team Emirates bus. I grabbed a few quick shots of the bikes before rushing to the main square. We didn’t want a repeat of Siena where we missed the team presentation.
When we got to the square, I ran into another problem my media pass didn’t grant me access to the presentation stage area. So, I improvised. I found a bar with a clear view and ordered tea just to hold my spot. I watched the crowd swell and tested out different shot compositions while waiting.
When UAE rolled in, you could hear the crowd triple in volume. The energy was unreal. I managed to capture some strong shots of Pogačar walking onto the stage and during the presentation. Then, the race started.
Foto: Alan Bučar Vukšić @alan.bucar
After the start, we hopped in the car and drove to a shuttle bus that took us to the iconic Kwaremont climb. The shuttle was press-only, which meant we’d get two chances to film the riders on the climb before heading straight to the finish.
The anticipation at Kwaremont was intense. I had no idea when the riders would show… five minutes? Twenty? The first time they passed, it was pure chaos. I didn’t even see Pogačar. But I did capture great crowd reactions and energy. By the second pass, I was ready and so was Pogačar, who attacked right in front of us. I had moved into a better position, no one blocking my view, and nailed the shot.
As soon as the last rider passed, we rushed back to the bus some people definitely missed it. We made it to the finish line just in time for… more problems.
Foto: Alan Bučar Vukšić @alan.bucar
The Finish Line Scramble
Once at the finish, I realized my pass wasn’t good enough to get into the photo zone. My options: stand 200 meters back and catch nothing or squeeze into the crowd and hope for the best. I picked the latter.
I managed to push my way forward with another photographer. We waited. When Pogačar arrived, I captured just enough to say, “I got something.” Meanwhile, Alen was up front with the pros, capturing incredible shots of Tadej crossing the line.
The podium ceremony wasn’t until an hour later, so we grabbed a truly terrible burger and waited. I didn’t think we’d get access for the podium either, but by some miracle, we made it right up front and got solid footage.
Back at the hotel, I still had a video to deliver for ENVE. But after a day of running around, working through a fever, and pushing through the chaos I crashed. Literally. Took a shower and passed out in bed. I ended up editing the video the next morning at breakfast.
Foto: Alen Milavec @alenmilavec
Final Thoughts
Belgium pushed me hard. Between the travel, the illness, and the constant fight for access, this trip was full of challenges. But in the end, everything worked out. I got the shots. The clients were happy. And somehow, despite everything, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Next year, though… I might pack some extra vitamin C.