Eddy Merckx Cycling route
With 525 victories over the course of 12 years, Eddy Merckx is the most accomplished rider cycling has ever known. The Eddy Merckx Cycling Route in Flemish Brabant starts from Boerenhof cycling café near the church in Meensel, and takes you along the same roads where a young Eddy Merckx trained for the first time. If you feel like releasing your inner Merckx, go for the 149 km route which totals 1100 altimeters spread over the many short climbs in the region. If that is a bit too long for you, you can always go for the shorter loop of 75 km mapped out by our friends at Visit Vlaams-Brabant.
Pre-Ride
The route step by step
Start
"Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride" Eddy Merckx
Eddy Merckx statue
Don't forget to great Eddy when you ride by. The statue is located opposite his birthplace.
A tribute to Eddy Merckx, the greatest cyclist of all time. This mural can be viewed on the facade of Café 't Klein Verlet in his native village of Kiezegem and is located on the Eddy Merckx Cycling Route and the Sven Nys Cycling Route.
Horst Castle
Nice paved climb along the vineyards and woods. Enjoy the view!
Paved climb that is part of the Eddy Merckx Cycling Route in Flemish Brabant.
Marollenkapel, Hoegaarden
After climbing Lange Grachtstraat, you're rewarded with this view on the Marollenkapel (chapel) in Hoegaarden.
Pellenberg - Pinoutsstraat
The Pinoutsstraat in Pellenberg is not the most wellknown climb, but with a punchy start topping 12%, you might feel it in your legs after 123 km.
Typical popular cycling pub in the birth place of Eddy Merckx. It's also the start and finish of the Eddy Merckx cycling route. Don't hesitate to drink that post-ride beer here, with Eddy's approval.
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!
Epic Stories
Those who adore cycling are bound to collect some great stories. Here they are, or at least some of them.
