Whoever thinks of cycling in the Netherlands thinks of South Limburg. And whoever thinks of South Limburg thinks of the Cauberg in Valkenburg. This almost mythical climb has seen it all. World championships, Tour de France and, of course, the Amstel Gold Race every year. Although the climb is not the steepest (that's Keutenberg) and certainly not the longest (Camerig - Epenerbaan) in the region, the Cauberg is the symbol. And Valkenburg is the beating heart of South Limburg cycling culture. In 2024, Valkenburg will be all about cycling. When will you go cycling in Valkenburg?
Text and photos: Sander Kolsloot
Cycling in Valkenburg = the little square.
I remember it well. I was a young kid, 14 and a bit. And there we were, at the bottom of the Cauberg. It was the 1998 World Cup and we were there. Many times before that I was 'in the neighbourhood', on holiday with parents. Actually, we always avoided Valkenburg. Too busy, too touristy. But for this race we had to be here anyway. We had seen 'the little square' on TV days beforehand. When the pros descend the Daalhemmerweg and turn right onto the Cauberg, you always see that little square on TV. Iconic.
Years later, when I ride uphill on my road bike for the first time, it still feels different. The crowds are not there and somehow I don't take the time to look to the right. Is it because of the traffic? Or surely because that Cauberg looks quite steep, so from below.
Pure coffee
If you are in Valkenburg, there are two things you absolutely must do. The first is stopping at Fixed Gear Coffee. This coffee/wheel shop, at the bottom of the mountain, is run by Brian & Shivani. It really is a great starting point for your ride. There is also the opportunity to repair your bike and possibly buy some new gear. The love for cycling is totally reflected in this business.
Besides good coffee, there are also several rides and events. Not only do you have the classic ride from Fixed Gear to Le Coffee Ride in the Ardennes (another insanely cool joint), Fixed Gear is a regular at many events. On Fixed Gear's Komoot page you will find lots of inspiration for cool routes. We were there ourselves with ZijWielrent for International Women's Day, in 2024.
Shimano Experience Centre
Previously, at the Cauberg, there was the Amstel Gold Experience. Obviously affiliated to the Amstel Gold Race. For some years now, however, Shimano has erected a genuine Experience Centre at the bottom of the famous mountain. The Amstel Gold Experience is now part of this unique location.
This can rightly be called an 'experience'. Not only can you try the very latest bikes there (also hire them), you can ride a track with VR glasses, get your bike fixed, have a cup of coffee or just look around. You might even find a new outfit from their own brand Pearl Izumi. There is also the possibility of doing a bikefitting. This is also where all four loops of the AGR365
Oh and to top it all off, you can also bump into former pro and cycling analyst Danny Nelissen. He runs the centre on a day-to-day basis.
In any case, check the site of the SEC for the latest news, events and any packages.
Acknowledgement
What is cool to mention: the Shimano Experience Centre has been a certified innovation partner since August 2021. Thanks to the status of certified Sport Innovation Partner, the Shimano Experience Centre may join other centres 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 base
On top of the Cauberg you may find the perfect base for your weekend away. Not only professional teams but also many amateur teams, groups of friends and many others opt for Landal castle estate Cauberg. The big plus is the location, on top of the mountain. From here you can easily go in many directions and if you want, you can end each day with a climb of the iconic Cauberg. Finish on the Philippe Gilbert allee, referring to the Belgian top rider, who shone many times on the Cauberg. Or the Annemiek van Vleuten Allée.
The location is relatively new, the cottages are well furnished and offer enough space for the number of people they are designated for. If you bring your bike, or rent one, you can give it a good rinse, adjustment and lubrication at the park's maintenance area after your ride. Ideal.The park offers more opportunities especially for cyclists. You can find all the info about this region and the park in the link to our article. Herewith once again: Cycling in Limburg starts on the Cauberg
Cycling in Valkenburg is also relaxing
Should you be completely exhausted after a long drive and suffer from aching muscles, a visit to Thermae 2000 you do freshen up. This wellness complex, which has long been nestled against the mountain, offers plenty of options for a day(s) of relaxation, including sauna, massage and thermal baths. Not in the mood for the whole experience, but just a massage? If you're in the bungalow park, you can also book a masseur.
Tour de France Femmes in 2024
In 2024, Valkenburg will be part of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Stage 3 will depart from Valkenburg on 14 August 2024. There will be activities throughout July and August, and of course you can go and cheer on the ladies at the start on 14 August! You can visit the site of Sports summer Valkenburg 2024 you will find all the information about the activities. At the Shimano Experience Center, you will find new activities every week and they are open 7/7. Will you also cheer on the ladies on 14 August?
Cycling routes from Valkenburg
Below are the routes of the four AGR 365 loops. More routes can be found via our Komoot channel! Do you know another cool route? Let us know!
