Cycling in Flanders

At 6:00 a.m., Transiberica rolled out from Oudenaarde.

The iconic finish line of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, one of the world’s most renowned cycling races, welcomed the start of the 9th edition of Transibérica this time around. Escorted out of town by the local police, riders tackled the opening parcourse. With the first sunlight hitting the roads, the clock started ticking at the base of the legendary Oude Kwaremont.

The 35 km opening loop took them to the top of the Kluiskberg, with passes over the already-mentioned Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, plus a small gravel section through the forest before Knokteberg.

175 riders will attempt to complete the 3,000 km journey from Oudenaarde to Bilbao, crossing all 10 mandatory checkpoints along the way. They looked ready to face the adventure ahead, with the determination, respect, passion, and preparation this challenge demands.

It promises to be an exciting race to Dotwatch.

Bilbao, here we come!

📸 bite of me | sport photography

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525km through Flanders’ greatest cycling hits? Hell yes! Swipe to see what you're signing up for.

Starting in Tongeren, Belgium’s oldest city. Fields and orchards set a relaxed pace. Enjoy while you can, because this is only the warm-up.

Sunken lanes, hidden cobbles, and at km 104: Meensel-Kiezegem. The birthplace of Eddy Merckx. Basically Belgium’s version of hallowed ground.

Fun fact: In 1996, King Albert II of Belgium made Eddy Merckx a real-life Baron: noble title and all. Turns out "the Cannibal" comes with a crown too.

Leuven’s Ramberg, the Sonian Forest smooth gravel, and a 17% ramp called Smeysberg. Beautiful but brutal.

Trade the climbs for geuze breweries and terrace beers minutes from the capital. Recovery never tasted this good.

Koppenberg. Paterberg. Oude Kwaremont. The Muur. Say the names out loud and your legs will already be shaking!

The Kemmelberg, war memorials, and a finish under the Menin Gate in Ypres. Here, cycling and history ride together.

Time to start planning your own bikepacking light trip to Flanders. An Indian summer getaway, or a trip for next year? 🚴

Well... let's just say our definition of a relaxing holiday looks a little different 😉

Summer hits different on Flemish roads ☀️. Save this cycling calendar for later!

Looking for the perfect excuse to extend your cycling trip to Flanders?

Visit Ghent Festivities from 17 to 26 July and experience ten unforgettable days of live music, street performances, culture, and celebration. 🥳