The most challenging cycling routes

The most challenging cycling routes

Do you need cycling route inspiration? Come to the Flemish Ardennes for some challenging cycling

There’s no better region for a challenging ride than the Flemish Ardennes. Here, the iconic inclines and cobbled sections appear in rapid succession. Is that something you’re interested in? Then follow along...

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Cobblestones Haaghoek, Horebeke

Taming hills in your own classic cycle race with the Strava Flandrien Challenge

So, do you like challenging cycling? Preferably along scenic roads? And, if possible, along a cycling route with a story? You’ll find challenging cycling routes that match your ambition and fitness level in the Flemish Ardennes. Cycling routes of iconic proportions, where cycling legends have groaned, puffed and sweated their way to eternal fame and god-like status.

Tame those same cobblestone lanes and leg killers while trying out these challenging cycling routes. Inspiration is easy to find here, motivation no doubt as well. The routes are not only well signposted, but they are also neatly divided into segments for true cycling enthusiasts!

With the Flandrien Challenges, you now know to the very second how fast you’re riding the legendary inclines of the Flemish Classics. Measure yourself against professional cyclists or compare times with your friends. The Strava app enables you to (automatically) register your time between the marked start and finish line of the Challenge segment on well-known inclines and cobblestone sections.

 

1 Bidon cycling route: the best choice for sports-loving cycling families!

A day out for the whole family featuring a challenging cycling route? The Bidon cycling route is made for you, or – in this case – for the whole family.

This 42 km route starts and ends in mattentaart Valhalla: Geraardsbergen. The trip offers a nice combination of sports challenges, green landscapes and legendary cycling cafés. Because all that cycling is bound to make one thirsty! This route includes the Muur van Geraardsbergen, the Valkenberg and the Berendries. Enjoy!

A day out for the whole family featuring a challenging cycling route? The Bidon cycling route is made for you, or – in this case – for the whole family.

This 42 km route starts and ends in mattentaart Valhalla: Geraardsbergen. The trip offers a nice combination of sports challenges, green landscapes and legendary cycling cafés. Because all that cycling is bound to make one thirsty! This route includes the Muur van Geraardsbergen, the Valkenberg and the Berendries. Enjoy!

2 Tour of Flanders: Blue loop, short but powerful!

Because riding the entire Tour of Flanders in one go might be too much, you can choose between three formidable Tour of Flanders cycling loops. The Blue Loop is the shortest of the three.

But don’t be mistaken. You’ll not only encounter the Oude Kwaremont, the Koppenberg and the Taaienberg on this 78 km cycling route, you might even encounter your own limits. Nonetheless, the Blue Tour of Flanders Loop guarantees an unforgettable day of racing fun!

2 Tour of Flanders: Blue loop, short but powerful!

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Because riding the entire Tour of Flanders in one go might be too much, you can choose between three formidable Tour of Flanders cycling loops. The Blue Loop is the shortest of the three.

But don’t be mistaken. You’ll not only encounter the Oude Kwaremont, the Koppenberg and the Taaienberg on this 78 km cycling route, you might even encounter your own limits. Nonetheless, the Blue Tour of Flanders Loop guarantees an unforgettable day of racing fun!

3 Tour of Flanders: Red loop, 114 km in the footsteps of Merckx and Boonen!

Do you want to cycle a challenging route and rack up the kilometres? Then the Red Tour of Flanders Loop is perfect!  

This cycling route is not for wimps. When you stand in front of the door of the Tour of Flanders Centre after those 114 km, you’ll not only have conquered a few steep inclines like the Wall of Geraardsbergen or the Berendries. You’ll undoubtedly also be in need of a refreshing shower. No worries, you can shower here before marvelling at the exhibition that honours your cycling heroes and their achievements.

3 Tour of Flanders: Red loop, 114 km in the footsteps of Merckx and Boonen!

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Do you want to cycle a challenging route and rack up the kilometres? Then the Red Tour of Flanders Loop is perfect!  

This cycling route is not for wimps. When you stand in front of the door of the Tour of Flanders Centre after those 114 km, you’ll not only have conquered a few steep inclines like the Wall of Geraardsbergen or the Berendries. You’ll undoubtedly also be in need of a refreshing shower. No worries, you can shower here before marvelling at the exhibition that honours your cycling heroes and their achievements.

4 Tour of Flanders: Yellow Loop, conquering cobblestones like a pro!

Do you want your challenging cycling route to include quite a few kilometres, but preferably on mainly flat terrain? If you are not afraid of the occasional steep incline as a change from all that flat terrain, then the Yellow Tour of Flanders Loop is for you.

This 103 km cycling route lets you enjoy the beautiful Zwalm region as well as several renowned Tour of Flanders climbs, which you can boast about afterwards. Oh, and don’t forget to visit a nearby cycling café afterwards. After all, one cannot support the local merchants enough.

Do you want your challenging cycling route to include quite a few kilometres, but preferably on mainly flat terrain? If you are not afraid of the occasional steep incline as a change from all that flat terrain, then the Yellow Tour of Flanders Loop is for you.

This 103 km cycling route lets you enjoy the beautiful Zwalm region as well as several renowned Tour of Flanders climbs, which you can boast about afterwards. Oh, and don’t forget to visit a nearby cycling café afterwards. After all, one cannot support the local merchants enough.