Dwars door het Hageland Gravel Route
This 76 km long gravel route northeast of Leuven is based on the Dwars door het Hageland race. You'll tackle well known segments like the gravel section along the river Demer and Diest's Citadel cobbled climb, just like the pros.
The route step by step
Start
There’s only one place to go for offroad cycling fans: the Sven Nys Cycling Center! The centre’s main attraction is its experience centre. Beneath the championship jerseys you walk from one historic cycling event to another victory. Check out the camper where the cyclo-cross racers prepare for a race. See how far you can get with your bicycle in the sand pit. Match the right tyre profile to the right road surface. And after all the hard work, you can relax with a drink or a snack on the terrace of Eetcafé Velo.
But the real work starts around the Experience Centre, on the flanks of the Balenberg. Try the famed cyclo-cross circuit of the GP Sven Nys or test the BMX freestyle or trial circuit.
Maagdentoren
While riding on the excellent gravel section along the river Demer, throw an eye on the 14th century Maagdentoren (maiden tower). It was believed to be named after the castle lord's daughter, who was locked up there after she refused to marry the man of her fathers choice.
This mural can be found in the Kluisbergstraat tunnel in Diest. It represents a gravel cyclist on the Dwars door het Hageland gravel route.
Climb Diest's cobbled Citadel
This cobbled climb to the Citadel in Diest is also the climb to the finish line in the Dwars door het Hageland race. It is 500 meters long and peaks at 9%, with an average of 5,1%.
Back into nature at Galgenberg
The gravel threesome Galgenberg - Prinsenbosstraat - Roeterstraat forms one of the nicest parts of the route.
Stairway to heaven?
Reach for the sky at the Vlooyberg tower. Enjoy the view while you catch your breath and prepare for the final 27 kms of this ride.
Time for a well deserved beer!
Hungry for more gravel rides in the region of Flemish Brabant? Check this website for inspiration.
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.
