Cycling in Flanders and beyond

In this first week of April, the whole of Flanders is getting ready for the cycling classics, such as the Tour of Flanders (also called “Flanders’ most beautiful”).  This is not just a yearly, extra-ordinary mobilisation of professionals. It really lives in the whole country, among supporters, amateur-cyclists and semi-professionals. In the first light of spring, you see hundreds of people on race bikes everywhere in the countryside and I am one of them.

Although Flanders no longer dominates this sports, it is still the epicentre of a lot of cycling activity. Actually Flanders managed to export its enthusiasm to other countries. The wonderful thing is: this is a sports that mobilises all classes in society. It is obviously good for the physical condition and it is a great way to explore and enjoy the various landscapes of a region. It is also a very ecological activity as it encourages the use of the bike for other purposes as well. The main drawback of this sports is the safety risk. It is not well compatible with car traffic and I regret to say the cycling infrastructure (cycling lanes) are still in a very poor condition in our country. We are saying this since decades now; we have not given up hope though.

Cycling really belongs to the soul of Flanders. But Flemish cycling fanatics are not only found in and around the Flemish Ardennes. You will also find them at the legendary challenges of the Tour de France, such as the Mont Ventoux. (We hope to write more about this later.)

I refer to my blogs: “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” and “Bij de fietsenmaker”.

Picture: Kuurne, shutterstock.com