5 iconic Belgian must-ride routes for road cyclists
Belgium breathes cycling. Chances are you’ve found yourself cheering on the peloton from the cobbles of Paddestraat or the Mur van Huy come spring. But what if... you could follow in your cycling heroes’ tracks yourself? We’ve selected 5 routes that take you over the country’s most legendary cobbles and climbs. So, fill your bottles, grease up those calves, and clip in.
Ready to chase that QOM? The reward: a delicious, refreshing beer to recharge the batteries!
1. Eddy Merckx route - Vlaams-Brabant
70 km : ± 500 m climbing
GPX & info: Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant
In Meensel-Kiezegem, the birthplace of cycling legend Eddy Merckx , a beautiful loop through the rolling Hageland begins. You’ll ride the same roads where a young Eddy pedalled his first kilometres – between orchards, vineyards, and sweeping views . Along the way, you’ll pass his birthplace on Tieltsestraat, where Merckx himself unveiled his statue in 2015, and the iconic Castle van Horst , a medieval gem that has overlooked the landscape for centuries.
Be prepared for short but sharp climbs that will set even a Flandrien’s legs on fire. Luckily, there are plenty of spots to catch your breath – whether with a glass of local wine or a visit to one of the many regional producers. A ride full of sporting nostalgia, natural beauty, and local character.
Stopover : Boerenhof in Meensel-Kiezegem, a cosy cycling pub with tributes to Merckx.
Photo: (Provincie Vlaams-Brabant, z.d.)
2. Ghent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields - West-Vlaanderen
84.4 km : ± 750 m climbing
GPX & info: Toerisme Heuvelland
This route follows the official course of the spring classic Gent–Wevelgem, a staple on the international cycling calendar. You’ll conquer the legendary Kemmelberg – a brutal calf-burner that has brought many a pro rider to a halt – and ride through the stunning Heuvelland region.
Along the way, you’ll pass over historic plugstreets – unpaved lanes that offer an extra challenge while quietly paying tribute to the fallen of World War I. The combination of sporting challenge, rich heritage , and the rolling West Flanders landscape makes this a truly unique and unforgettable ride.
Stopover : Café Boutique in Kemmel - a classic among cycling cafés. Here, you can enjoy homemade picon and a wide selection of local beers.
Photo: ( Visit West-Vlaanderen , z.d.)
3. Flandrien loop (World Cup 2021) - Oost-Vlaanderen
66 or 126 km : up to 1110 m climbing
GPX & info: Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant
Experience the course of the 100th UCI Road World Championship (2021) as if you were riding in the peloton yourself. This demanding loop, starting at Leuven station, will challenge even the most seasoned Flandrien. Expect no mercy – climb, dig deep, fight , and keep going. That’s the spirit here. You’ll follow in the tracks of world champions over legendary climbs like the Moskesstraat in Terlanen, the Smeysberg in Huldenberg, the Bekestraat in Eizer, and t he notorious S-bend in the heart of Overijse.
In 2021, Julian Alaphilippe claimed his second world title on this very course – now it’s your turn to see if you can cross the finish line in equally stylish fashion.
Stopover : Bar Stan in Leuven - trendy, cycling-minded, and perfect for a well-earned beer.
Photo: ( Visit Leuven , z.d.)
4. Tour of Limburg Route - Limburg
100 km : gently rolling ± 315 m climbing
GPX & info: RouteYou - Tour of Limburg
Welcome to Limburg: cycling paradise! This route follows parts of the official Tour of Limburg and leads you through the heart of Haspengouw , one of Belgium’s most beautiful fruit regions. You’ll ride winding roads lined with orchards, expansive fields, and charming villages . In spring, the blossoms paint the landscape white and pink – a breathtaking backdrop for your ride and a picture-perfect setting for your Instagram feed.
Along the way, you’ll pass idyllic castles , hilltop chapels, and old square farms, making this tour not only a physical challenge but also a visual delight. Thanks to the gently rolling terrain, this is the ideal route for cyclists who like to keep a steady pace while still tackling the occasional leg-burner. It’s the perfect blend of speed, nature, and character.
Stopover : Wilderen Brewery in Sint-Truiden - a local classic known for its delicious beers. Trendy creations, traditionally brewed: Belgian craftsmanship at its best.
Photo: (Ronde van Limburg , z.d.)
5. Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge - Liège (Wallonia)
80 to 250 km : up to 4000 m climbing
GPX & info: Liege-Bastogne-Liege Challenge
For the true climbers, there’s the Liège–Bastogne–Liège Challenge – the ride of rides through the heart of the Ardennes . This is where legends are made – with steep, relentless climbs and rugged landscapes that challenge both body and mind. You’ll conquer iconic ascents like La Redoute, the punishing Côte de Stockeu with its statue of Eddy Merckx, and the infamous Côte de Saint-Nicolas just before the finish in Liège.
The route is available in multiple distances – from accessible to extremely demanding – but each one takes you through the heroic terrain of one of cycling’s oldest and toughest classics. Expect narrow roads, dense forests, deep valleys , and that unique, almost mystical atmosphere only the Ardennes can offer. A true test for anyone who wants to measure themselves against the pro course.
Stopover : Café Coureur in Houffalize - the perfect cyclist’s stop. Along with a lovely terrace, you’ll find plenty of bike storage and a bike wash.
Photo: ( Visit Ardenne , z.d.)
Will a new race bike make you faster? We can’t promise that. After all, it’s mostly up to the legs. But what we can promise is this: with a new bike from Cyclobility, you’ll definitely steal the show at your cycling club!
