With the formation of the UCI ProTour in 2005, the organisation briefly came under pressure, but in the meantime the Tour of Belgium has again become an annual fixture on the calendar of the UCI Europe Tour. Each year during the last week of May, Belgium is enthralled by its own tour, which generates massive public interest along the Belgian roads. With both flat and hilly stretches and a time trial, the Tour of Belgium offers excellent opportunities for every type of rider. The Tour of Belgium boasts a dazzling winners list, featuring such major names as Rik Van Looy, Freddy Maertens and Eddy Merckx. Each year the organisation can rely on a strong field of participants, with ProTour teams from Belgium and abroad. In addition, the Tour of Belgium also offers young Belgian talents a chance to measure themselves against top names from the cycling world.