The 81st running of the Tour of Flanders cycling race in Belgium was held on Sunday 6 April 1997.

Peter Van Petegem made the first significant move on Oude Kwaremont, but couldn't force a viable breakaway.

On Taaienberg, 50 km from the finish, French star Laurent Jalabert broke away, followed by Dane Rolf Sørensen.

Meanwhile, Jalabert was left behind on the Berendries, as Van Petegem and Italians Ballerini and Casarotto joined Sørensen in the front.

On the Muur van Geraardsbergen the four front riders were joined by seven others, including sprint specialist Frédéric Moncassin and Andrei Tchmil.