De Brabantse Pijl
Ride your own classic cycle race on the roads of ‘De Brabantse Pijl’. Prepare yourself for a ride full of contrast only true cycling heroes will get a kick out. Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, Freddy Maertens, Eddy Planckaert, all took ‘De Brabantse Pijl’ first podium spot. Edwig Van Hooydonk even won ‘De Brabantse Pijl’ four times. Mind you, they didn’t have time to check out the many wonderful pubs en route, but you will! This route for cycling enthusiasts takes you to Zuid-Dijleland (Southern Dyle River Area), in the vicinity of Leuven and Brussels. Some 98 kilometres long with 1033 elevation gain and a fair share of cobbles for you to negotiate.
The route step by step
Start
Make your way to the starting point at the 'Zoet Water' site in Oud-Heverlee, close to Leuven. You can have your pre-ride coffee on one of the many terraces alongside the ponds.
Just follow the signs
'18%, dangerous climb' says a sign at the foot of Horenberg. It's what you make of this short but steep and narrow climb, we say.
Smooth rolling Gravel
Test your calves on this 600 meters long paved climb that peaks at 17%. Whilst it may not be able to claim any great racing pedigree, it was a feature of Eddy Merckx's training rides for many years.
Partially cobbled climb where, for once, the cobbles aren't the hardest part. So make sure you've got something left for the second part of this climb that plays an important role in the Brabantse Pijl race.
Only 300 meters long, but with a gradient of up to 16% on a narrow road through the woods, the Hagaard offers lots of climbing fun. It is also the opening climb of the local round in the race.
Hagaard
Spectacle guaranteed when the pros go full out on this final climb right before the finish of De Brabantse Pijl.
S-Bend Overijse
'Hert gaan' means to ride fast. You can certainly do so on this partially cobbled climb, where the final of the race really begins.
1300 M of Cobbled fun
We love this one. A narrow, steep and cobbled climb through the woods. What more do you want? The fun begins after a sharp right turn. Wait for it to make your move.
This authentic pub means a well earned rest after the brutal Moskesstraat climb. Enjoy the hospitality and the nice selection of Belgian beers. But bear in mind that you still have a while to go.
Nice climb through the woods that peaks at 12%. Just across the language border.
10 KM TO GO
You made it! Time for a well deserved beer. Why not head to Leuven, home of Stella Artois and the longest bar in Europe. At least that's what they call the Oude Markt with its many bars and terraces.
Finish
Plan your stay
Get the hottest tips and tricks to take on Flanders by bike! When should you visit? Where can you rent a bike? What's the perfect place to stay? Or drink the perfect Belgian beer? Check it out!
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Epic Stories
Those who adore cycling are bound to collect some great stories. Here they are, or at least some of them.
