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
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