Leuven made a name for itself as a cycling destination with the organization of the World Championships in cycling in 2021. Bruges and Leuven were the main places where the races were held. In Bruges, the time trial champions were welcomed, and in Leuven, the fantastic apotheosis with the victory of Julien Alaphilippe. But in 2024, Leuven proved once again to be a worthy cycling city: the Gravel World Championships were held here, with participants from all over the world and a course that showcased the best of Flemish off-road terrain. With this, Leuven is not only a city of gravel roads, but also of gravel paths, country roads, and adventurous gravel routes. Cycling in Leuven has become even more interesting as a result.
Flemish Hills
Anyone who thinks of Flanders thinks of hills and gravel roads. Of course, there are also Wall of Geraardsbergen, However, the organization of the 2021 World Championships has chosen to include some, somewhat lesser-known slopes in the course around Leuven.
The Flemish-Brabantian hilly landscape is a region worth exploring. For the average cyclist, it’s a treat. Beautiful country roads where you won’t encounter a single chicken, climbs on the left and right, because there are no flat meters here. And you can also find plenty of gravel roads. After all, it’s also a piece of rural landscape, where the gravel takes its origin.
The Parcours
The Parcours
Now back to the course for a moment. Because it’s mostly uphill, up and down hills. There’s a loop in and around Leuven, but for now we’re focusing on the ‘Flandrien loop’ as it’s so aptly named. Here are the most important climbs in order:
- Smeysberg (600m – 8.1%)
- Veeweidestraat (484m – 5%)
- Bekestraat (440m – 7.6%)
- Taymanstraat – Overijse (800m – 4.4%)
- Moskesstraat (500m – 9.1%)
Many of these climbs are (sometimes) included in the Brabantse Pijl, but that is actually a race that is often less well-known. It is therefore great that these climbs received attention at the World Championships level.
Flattening
As soon as we leave Leuven, one thing becomes clear: this is typical of the Flemish hilly landscape because there are no flat meters. For the average amateur, that’s like switching gears, especially if you’re used to the straight, tight polder roads.
Asphalt
The first disappointment we have to swallow immediately when we see the Smeysberg. Asfalt. Black, slippery asphalt. It was decided to call the local BAM at several places to install some new black slippery surface. That is a shame because this climb would have been even more painful with the original road surface. In the city of Leuven, too, they chose to install a lot of new slippery asphalt on the streets. In itself that is pleasant in the city, but on the climbs it is a shame. The Smeysberg is now a straight line up. With a maximum of 17%. Which is fine.
Smeysberg, Huldenberg, Belgium
• Distance: 553 m, Elevation difference: 48 m, Average gradient: 8.5 %
Above the Smeysberg we turn off towards the next steep climb, the Moskesstraat. This cobblestone climb is one of the real steep climbs of this course, and despite the 500 meters in length (short), the 9.1% average is really going to hurt. Fortunately, the Moskesstraat is still the cobblestone climb that it should be, but here too they have asked the streetmaker to fix everything a bit more straight.
After the Moskesstraat you reach Overijsse quite quickly, known for the cross country. The Taymanstraat and the winding section there are a nice challenge and here too many people will feel pain in their legs. This section is the least steep, but still 800m over 4% kilometers have to be climbed. In the final it will take its toll.
Pain suffers, cobblestones bite
After Overijse it goes downhill, but as mentioned, the climbs follow one after another at a rapid pace. Bekestraat is the next challenge and here again it’s uphill. This gravel climb seems to have been skipped in the municipality’s entire refresh campaign, and it’s really a matter of finding the right cadence. Only 440 meters, but you could just lose the connection with the front group here.
Around Leuven
If you think the Flemish loop hurts, then consider that the riders also had to ride a local round around Leuven several times. That includes the Keizersberg and the Wijnpers. Those are also going to be seriously painful, as they are 400m at 6% and 300m at 7.6% respectively. Note that you have to pedal at a speed of 25km/h in the loop. Keizersberg they have to turn around seven times and Wine glasses Eight times. Not funny. Especially the Keizersberg is bumpy, because there’s a whole lot of 10–12%s there. That does flatten out again, but we can confirm: it really hurts. Also the straight line up the Wijnpers, which doesn’t fluctuate much in average, doesn’t really give our legs much happiness.
Keizersberg, Leuven, Belgium
• Distance: 318 m, Elevation difference: 21 m, Average gradient: 6.3 %
All in all, in just over 60 kilometers you can easily get up to about 600 meters of elevation gain. That’s not bad.
New gravel reputation: World Gravel Championships 2024
In October 2024, Leuven once again made a name for itself as an international cycling city by hosting the Gravel World Championships. With the start in Halle and the finish on the Leuvense Bondgenotenlaan, the riders had a mix of country roads, forest paths, gravel roads, and gravel tracks for their wheels. The course was technically challenging, physically demanding, and above all a showcase of what Flemish gravel has to offer. By doing so, Leuven is not only a cycling capital but also a hotspot for gravel enthusiasts. Several routes from the World Championships are now available on Komoot and local route sites.
Alternative: Cool down in Hoegaarden
Do you want to cycle the World Championships course one day and then still take in something different afterwards? You can also visit the village of Hoegaarden nearby (20 kilometers away). The route to get there is just as hilly as the rest of the area. However, the reward in the village is very sweet: Hoegaarden is known for its brewery. The local beer will therefore taste extra delicious.
Cycling in Leuven – race bike routes
Cycling in Leuven It's about giving up, enjoying, climbing and exploring at the same time. Check out the sites of Cycling Flanders and Flanders Gravel for up-to-date routes and events.
Questions & tips
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