Relive the 2021 World Championships in Leuven
Pre-Ride
The route step by step
Start
GO GO GO!
The Keizersberg, also known locally as "den Boelenberg", is the best known hill in Leuven. The winding climb is 400 meters long and has an average gradient of 6.2%, with peaks above 10%. Along the Keizerberg lies the characteristic enclosure wall of the Keizersberg Abbey. At the top, you turn right into the Albert Woutersstraat and another 150 meters of slope will follow.
From Wilsele, the Decouxlaan climbs 32m over 1km at an average of 3%. No steepness to be found here. Your choice: take it easy or go for it on the big ring.
Wijnpers is a short but steep climb in the center of Leuven. It peaks at 14%. The 90° turn at the foot makes it impossible to gain a lot of speed before you hit it. Bring it on!
Poledor bicycle cafe and workshop is located in the yard of a historic square farm. The Velocafé serves authentic, regional and cycling-related delicacies: steaming drinks, cool liquids and sometimes even spicy snacks. In the Fietsatelier workshop, you will find a quirky selection of racing bikes, mountain bikes, urban bikes and electric bikes.
They're waiting for you
The Veeweidestraat in Tervuren isn't the hardest climb of the pack. With an average of 3.5% over 660m, it's a steady climb that shouldn't bring you into trouble.
This mural on the Nijvelsebaan in Overijse refers to the many supporters who encouraged the riders in their battle for the world title during the 2021 road World Championships. Now the public at the Fluvius cabin encourages the many cycling tourists who ride the Flandrien loop here.
Brewery, beer lab, museum and eatery – you’ll find it all at De Kroon. The father-son duo, Freddy and Filip Delvaux are both professors who specialised in beer. With those two behind the brew kettle, you know it can’t be bad!
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.
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.
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.
The S-bend + Taymansstraat in Overijse takes you from 56m to 101m altitude over 1km, averaging 4.8%. You can almost imagine yourself to be on a col in the Alps when you ride through the beautiful curves around the Sint-Martinus church. After a sharp turn to the right, the cobbles welcome you to the steepest part of the climb in the Taymansstraat.
The Bekestraat is a rather unknown but pretty cool cobbled climb in Eizer. It peaks at 15%, with an average gradient of 7,6% over a distance of 430 meters. The stones are rather far apart, so you might find yourself bumping from one cobble to another. Real Flandriens ride on the cobblestones but you can also swerve to the gutter.
Last Effort
You made it!
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.
