Remco Evenepoel introduces you to his favorite training roads in the Pajottenland region, close to Brussels. Make no mistake, the ever winding roads, rolling hills and cobble sections make this a challenging ride. We love it, and so does Remco. Are you ready?
The route step by step
Start
Yet another one of those typical Flemish cobbled roads, winding through the fields and passing by the farm houses. Keep something left for the climb that comes right after it.
Bar Gidon is located on the market square in Geraardsbergen, next to the Vesten and close to the famous Muur, where cycling history is written. The cycling café bar is owned by ex-professional Frederic Penne who was active in cycling for 20 years, of which 5 years as a pro.
The bar breathes cycling and is meticulously decorated, with an eye for the smallest details. Logos of famous cycling teams are on the bar stools, bicycle wheels are incorporated into tables, the names of winners of the Tour of Flanders are on the chairs and the ceiling is covered with cycling jerseys of known and lesser-known riders, but each with their own story.
Since 2018, Bar Gidon also houses the official fan club of Remco Evenepoel.
The legendary 'Muur van Geraardsbergen' (Grammont Wall) takes you to the 110 meter high summit of the Oudenberg. The 910m long climb has an average and maximum incline of 9% and 20% respectively. For decades De Muur was both the penultimate and decisive climb of the Ronde. Also other races such as Omloop Nieuwsblad use the climb to separate the men from the boys. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the lovely neo-baroque church on the top of the Kapelmuur, which will be a welcome stop after a 20% steep climb.
This legendary climb (average 5.9% and 12% max) has become known as the ‘Edwig Van Hooydonck Hill’ since the famous Flemish cyclist made his race winning move in the Ronde van Vlaanderen there twice, next to the same lamp post, in both 1989 and 1991. The Bosberg is now the final climb in the redesigned Omloop het Nieuwsblad.
The Congoberg is 1.2 km long, with its highest point at 100 m and an average incline of 5.6%. Take a look left at the strange statue "the abduction of Europe" by Koenraad Tinel. In the distance you can see the city of Brussels emerge.
Just follow the signs
This mural on the R.EV 1703 cycling route pays tribute to local hero and former world champion Remco Evenepoel.
Short and nasty stretch of true farm-track cobbles between the fields.
Pretty cool unknown cobbled climb that continues in a flat cobbled road.
Liquid reward: local Geuze beer
Finish
Plan your stay
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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.
