Cycling in Valkenburg in 2024

Anyone who thinks of cycling in the Netherlands thinks of Zuid-Limburg. And anyone who thinks of Zuid-Limburg thinks of the Cauberg in Valkenburg. This almost mythical climb has seen it all. World Championships, the Tour de France, and of course every year the Amstel Gold Race. Despite the fact that the climb is not the steepest (that is the Keutenberg) and certainly not the longest (Camerig – Epenerbaan) in the region, the Cauberg is the symbol. And Valkenburg is the beating heart of the cycling culture in Zuid-Limburg. In 2024, Valkenburg will be all about cycling. When are you going to cycle in Valkenburg?

Text and photos: Sander Kolsloot

Cycling in Valkenburg = the square.

I remember it well. I was a young boy, 14 or so. And there we were, at the bottom of the Cauberg. It was the 1998 World Championships and we were there. Many times before I had been ‘nearby’, on holiday with my parents. Actually, we always went to Valkenburg. It was too busy, too touristy. But for this race we had to be here. On TV, we had seen the ‘pleintje’ the days beforehand. When the pros go down the Daalhemmerweg and turn left onto the Cauberg, you always see that ‘pleintje’ on TV. Iconic.

When I ride up my race bike for the first time years later, it feels different. There’s no crowd of people around, and I don’t seem to have the time to look to the right. Is it because of the traffic? Or is it because that Cauberg looks really steep from below?.

Pure coffee

If you're in Valkenburg, there are two things you absolutely have to do. The first is stopping by Fixed Gear Coffee. This coffee/bicycle shop, at the bottom of the mountain, is run by Brian & Shivani. It is truly a great starting point for your trip. Additionally, there is the opportunity to have your bike repaired and possibly purchase some new items. The love for bicycles is truly evident in this shop.

In addition to good coffee, there are also several rides and events. Not only do you have the classic ride from Fixed Gear to Le Coffee Ride, but there is also a bike tour with a guide. The Ardennes (another insanely cool tent), Fixed Gear is a regular at many events. On the Fixed Gear page on Komoot you’ll find a lot of inspiration for cool routes. We were there ourselves, together with SheWielrent for International Women's Day, in 2024.

Shimano Experience Center

Previously, there was the Amstel Gold Experience at the Cauberg. Of course, it was linked to the Amstel Gold Race. However, for the last few years, Shimano has built a real Experience Center at the bottom of the famous mountain. The Amstel Gold Experience is now part of this unique location.

This is truly an ‘experience’. You can not only try the latest bikes (also for rent), you can ride a course with a VR headset, have your bike fixed, have a cup of coffee, or just take a look around. Perhaps you’ll find a new outfit from the in-house brand Pearl Izumi. There’s also the option to have a bike fitting. This is also where all the Celebrate the loops of the AGR365

And as if that weren’t enough, you can also meet former professional cyclist and cycling analyst Danny Nelissen. He runs the center on a daily basis.

Check in anyway site from the SEC for the latest news, events and any arrangements.

Recognition

What’s also worth mentioning: the Shimano Experience Center has been certified as an innovation partner since August 2021. Thanks to its status as a certified Sport Innovation Partner, the Shimano Experience Center can join other centers such as the TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute, the Sailing Innovation Centre in The Hague, the KNVB Campus in Zeist, and the Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science.

Perfect starting point

Above the Cauberg you will probably find the perfect base for your weekend getaway. Not only professional teams, but also many amateur teams, groups of friends, and many others choose to stay here. Landal Castle Estate de Cauberg. The big advantage is the location, right on top of the mountain. From here you can easily go in many directions and if you want, you can end every day with a climb of the iconic Cauberg. You finish at Philippe Gilbert Allée, in reference to the Belgian champion who shone many times on the Cauberg. Or the Annemiek van Vleuten Allée.

The location is relatively new; the cabins are well-appointed and offer enough space for the number of people they are designated for. If you bring your bike or rent one, you can rinse, adjust, and lubricate it after your ride at the maintenance area in the park. Ideal. The park offers more options specifically for cyclists. You can find all the information about this region and the park in the link to our article. Again, please note: Cycling in Limburg starts on the Cauberg

Cycling in Valkenburg is also relaxing

If you’re completely exhausted after a long ride and experience painful muscles, a visit to Thermae 2000 You can also get a refresher. This wellness complex, which has been located right by the mountain for years, offers plenty of opportunities for a day of relaxation, including a sauna, massage, and thermal baths. Don’t feel like going all the way, but just want a massage? If you’re staying at the bungalow park, you can also book a masseur.

Tour de France Femmes in 2024

In 2024, Valkenburg will also be the host of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Stage 3 will start from Valkenburg on August 14, 2024. Throughout July and August, there will be activities, and of course, on August 14, you can cheer on the women as they start their journey! You can find more information on the website Sport Summer Valkenburg 2024 Find all the info about the activities. At the Shimano Experience Center you’ll find new activities every week and they’re also open 7/7. Are you going to cheer on the ladies on August 14th as well?

Cycling routes from Valkenburg

Below you can find the routes of the four AGR 365 loops. There are even more routes available via our Komoot channel! Do you know of another great route? Let us know!