Flanders. Here everything breathes ‘Koers’. The closer you get to the cycling sky, the further you won’t get. The local municipalities will probably still argue with each other about where the epicentre of the race actually lies. For us, that doesn’t matter. Oudenaarde because of the Center of the Round. Geraardsbergen, because of the Wall, or Roeselare because of the race museum. It doesn't matter to us. If you want to cycle in Belgium Then Flanders is the number one destination. For a week-long cycling holiday or just a weekend, live like a pro. This is an ode to the hills of the Tour of Flanders. To the climbs with names like Taaienberg, Molenberg and Oude Kwaremont. But above all to the Flandriens.
Koppen
On the border of madness and genius. That must be a true Flemish. Someone who thinks it’s okay to ride up hills on a race bike. That 20% -degree incline is just enough to create spectacle, but also to cause pain. The Flemish thought of the Koppenberg, that’s what we need. That’s just what we need to bring the beauty of Flanders and cycling to the fore. Did he get it right? Yes, probably. In recent history, there is still a finish of the Koppenbergcross in memory. One ‘Mathieu’ rides up there full throttle and once he reaches the finish line, he can only fall off the bike. The Koppenberg has mythical status because it is climbed in competition only in the ‘Ronde’. Nice climbs, that is for sure.
Heavenly Wall
In many (faith) narratives, ‘a wall’ plays an important role. Often the wall is impassable or is used to protest. Search for the words ‘god’ and ‘wall’ and a world opens up before you. For the Flemish, there is only one god, VDB who unfortunately is already in heaven. Climbing the wall is a trial for many, a commitment to the faith called cycling. Would that be the reason it is called the Chapel Wall and a cross is placed on it by many in the chapel? Who will say? ‘The Wall’ is Flanders and it is a shame that The Wall is no longer included as standard in De Ronde.
Belgian Beer
Perhaps the most famous mountain in Belgium does not owe that title to its difficulty or the fact that it is a crucial stretch in the final of the race. Ask any Flemish person for the gradient of the Kwaremont and you will get a quick 6.6%. Not coincidentally, it is the percentage of the Belgian beer of the same name. Kwaremont, the village that gives its name to the climb, the Oude Kwaremont. It is a dot on the map, really it doesn’t mean anything. But the first weekend of April is this holy ground. The faithful descend in droves to this stretch of over 2 kilometers. Where the high is at hand and the hangover only comes later. Many will then forget that De Oude Kwaremont only rises 4.6% meters and that there is also a New Kwaremont.
Father
The references to the Catholic faith are everywhere in the region. The Paterberg, or simply ‘the Pater’, can still be seen from the Oude Kwaremont. Drinking from a glass of local beer, many would not notice that the Pater hurts quite a bit. Who would have thought? It was there that Peter (or was it the Pater?) showed his heels to Sep Vanmarcke. It was there that Kasper Asgreen showed that he had good legs, just as the Dutchman MvdP from Flanders.
Hills of the Tour of Flanders
The hills of the Ronde come in many shapes and sizes. Just as with any spiritual movement, there are multiple chants, prayers, or stories. Basically, there is something for everyone. Because if the big chants are not for you, then Paddestraat and Haaghoek are nice alternatives to profess the faith of the Flandrians. As a great thinker would also say: go out and multiply yourselves.
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Also read our other blogs about Biking in Flanders and the visit to the Flandrien Hotel.
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