Cycling the Tour of Flanders: Yellow loop

The Yellow Tour of Flanders Loop is waiting for you like a snake in the grass. Everything goes smoothly; here and there, you break away from your opponents, real or imaginary...

You cheered too soon...

...but then you arrive in Wannegem-Lede. You come across the Paddestraat. The Volkegemberg suddenly appears on your path. And in no time, that reasonable ride turns into an ordeal that shows you every corner of the Flemish Ardennes.

Experience for yourself one of the greatest challenges the Tour has to offer: imposing and vast cobbled sections that will have you rattling like a jackhammer. Give your all on the cobblestones that explode under your tyres like landmines. Conquer them, keep going and cross the finish line like the mythical winners of the Tour of Flanders’ 76-year history.

Are you ready? Go on then, put your bike in the highest gear and get pedalling!

Start at the Tour of Flanders Centre

The Tour of Flanders Centre is the starting point for this 103 km bike ride. The rich history of the Tour of Flanders is bundled in a permanent and temporary exhibitions in the Centre. The do-activities take you on a journey through the world of this irresistible race. You undergo the experiences of the victors and the losers, the quitters and the injured, the teams and their heroes.

But then again, you are too focused on achieving a great result yourself. Luckily, you’ll arrive back here at the end of the Yellow Loop. Then you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Centre, take a shower and pop into the brasserie for a pick-me-up.

The opposition is fierce

The Yellow Loop has fairly flat terrain, but it’s not flat everywhere. Just when you least expect it, a vicious incline emerges and shatters your accumulated reserves.

Another fearsome opponent on your journey is the wind. It blows freely over the fields and seems to have it in for you every time. The smell of sand from the fields hits your face as you conquer iconic cobbled sections with nothing more than muscle and perseverance. You don’t just battle the road surface; you also battle the elements.

Have some fun, too, if you can

Well, we don’t want to scare you; when you can recharge your batteries, you do so in the most beautiful setting that Flanders has to offer, after all. The Zwalm region that you cycle through is a succession of tender grass landscapes, beautiful forests and charming views. Flanders at its most beautiful, as they so aptly say here.

If you need a short break, you can pop into Archeocentrum Velzeke. This tourist information point and archaeological museum stimulates your ‘Flandrien’ feeling until it reaches its peak. A little further on, you’ll also find the Provincial Heritage Site in Ename. Perhaps that makes you think of Ename Trippel – and with good reason. On the spot where the abbey used to stand, there’s now a heritage site that takes you through the history of the region.

Rest! Rest! Rest!

Perhaps you don’t feel like driving home after struggling through the Yellow Loop. We can’t blame you, this region is a magnet for those who enjoy life. It’s good to know that there are plenty of nice lodgings in the vicinity where you can unwind for the night – or a few nights.

Are you visiting with friends or family? Then the d’Eenaemsche Vierschaere holiday home is an excellent choice. It’s a spacious holiday home, equipped with every modern convenience, in the middle of the Flemish Ardennes and run by friendly people who care about their guests.

Do you prefer an intimate B&B? You have plenty of choice in this region. Book your stay at excellent B&Bs such as De Notelaar, Het Blauwe Huis, or ‘t Huys van Enaeme. Before crawling into bed, try one of the local cafés or restaurants. You’ll be welcomed with open arms in Ter Biestmolen (temporarily closed), the Ijzerkotmolen and Den Obus. And you’ll find tasty regional beers on the menu.

With the Flandrien Challenges, you now know how fast you’re riding to the very second on 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.