Relive the UCI 2025 Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Ronse
Discover the highlights of the course of the UCI 2025 Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Ronse. Just like we did when we went out for a recon ride with triple para-cycling world champion Ewoud Vromant.
Ronse has a long cycling history, with two World Championships on the road in 1963 and 1988. In addition, also the Tour of Flanders and many other cycling races have been here for decades. The mural at the foot of the Kruisberg, the iconic windmill and cycling café on the Hotond, the panoramic views, the passage through the fields and the cycle highway are beautiful and will ensure a broad smile on the saddle of many a cyclist.
Allthough the route is accessible for all types of (para-) cyclists, the double climb of the famous Kruisstraat and Hotond makes it challenging. Feel like releasing your inner Flandrien? Ride the loop as many times as you want!
If you're looking for an accessible place to stay or info on things to see and do, please visit our accessibility pages.
Start
Our route starts at the Grote Markt (main square) in Ronse. The train station is less than 1 km away. You could also opt to start at the Hoge Mote experience centre, home of Visit Ronse, or CC De Ververij. Both have accessible toilets and are located along the route. You can park at CC De Ververij if you decide to come by car.
Not long after the start, you already arrive at the start of the Kruisstraat climb. Take a moment to look at the mural on your left. It refers to the 1988 World Championships in Ronse. Don't worry, we won't send you on the cobbles of the Oude Kruisberg, known from De Ronde van Vlaanderen.
Kruisstraat
The Hotond - Hoogberg ascent is 2.7 km long. Over this distance, you climb 107 heightmeters. One of the longer climbs in the area.
Do you often live in top gear, but you like to switch to a lower gear every now and then? Explore the Flemish Ardennes, the famous bergs & cobblestone roads of the spring classics, and afterwards just put your feet under the table. Stay at the Hotond Sporthotel and fully recharge your batteries.
This hotel is beautifully situated on the top of the highest hill in the region: the Hotond.
Feel, taste and experience the Flemish Ardennes at its best. Hotond Sporthotel. A mountain of possibilities.
After a long descent, you'll turn right into a quite country road. We leave the official course for a short while, to have a view on the hills that form the backdrop of races such as the Tour of Flanders and E3 Harelbeke.
Not long after our return to the official course, we leave it again. Instead of the busier roads leading into Ronse, we chose this partially car free cycling highway that will eventually bring us to the Ronse railway station. Shortly after that, we'll be back on the official course and already very close to the finish line.
Re-entering Ronse
You did it! Time for a well deserved drink or bite. You might consider popping in at Brasserie Harmonie at the Grote Markt square, or the nearby De Passage, a former church with some nice restaurants. Both have wheelchair access and adapted toilets.
Finish
