A Dutch Delight
All early breakaways were caught as the 1981 Ronde Van Vlaanderen came into the closing kilometers. The race would be decided on the 11th and final climb, the Bosberg.
Roger De Vlaeminck attacked the climb with Michel Pollentier. An elite breakaway group formed with Sean Kelly and De Vlaeminck driving the pace.
A fresh De Vlaeminck attacked again into the closing kms. Almost single-handedly Dutchman Hennie Kuiper brought the group back together and attacked immediately upon the regrouping. Through the final corner the 32 year old Kuiper held his hard earned gap and soloed to an impressive 1’03” victory.
Frits Pirard (Ned) finished second ahead of Jan Raas (Ned).
| Flanders April 5, 1981 |
| 267 Km, St. Niklaas to Meerbeke/Ninove |
1.
Hennie KUIPER (Ned) 6h32'37" |
2. Frits Pirard (Ned) + 1'03" |
3. Jan Raas (Ned) + 1'06" |
| Starters: 184 |
| Finishers: 45 |
Average Speed: 40.650 km/h |
RVV 1980
RVV 1982
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65th Ronde van Vlaanderen 1981 / Tour of Flanders (Belgium) 
