WALLONIA BY BIKE - From lush forests and glistening lakes to stunning architectural landmarks, Wallonia is a touring treat
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WALLONIA
BY BIKE
Legendary rides in French-speaking Belgium
From lush forests and glistening lakes
to stunning architectural landmarks,
Wallonia is a touring treat
02 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // WELCOME TO WALLONIA WELCOME TO WALLONIA // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 03.
B
elgium and cycling go rising star Remco Evenpoel. namely that Belgian cycling is all levels of cyclist but especially
together like hops And in the past, you have the about pancake-flat riding. Of families and casual cyclists due
and beer, cocoa and likes of Tom Boonen, Johan course, there are routes and to its level topography and lack
milk, spokes and Museeuw and, of course, rides where the gradient barely of motor vehicles.
rims. A huge five-time Tour de France winner tips over 0.5%, which is perfect So the RAVeL network is safe
proportion of the and the world’s greatest-ever for sightseeing and a chilled-out and will leave you feeling
country’s near 11.5m population cyclist Eddy Merckx. day in the saddle. But Wallonia revitalised, as will riding
cycle, whether it’s the daily Cycling is popular in all three also provides hilly terrain for around the Wallonia region. As
commute or a long Sunday regions of Belgium: the those of you looking to build soon as you get on your bike,
morning ride with clubmates. Brussels-Capital region, stamina and test your mettle. you’ll be immersed in the rich
Cycling’s ever-popular at the Flanders and Wallonia or the It’s your call. But as you’ll and diverse landscape, from
professional level, too, with Walloon region. But it’s discover by reading this meandering rivers that weave
Deceuninck-Quick-Step and Wallonia, the southern, exclusive insight into the cycle their way through the
Lotto-Soudal dominating the French-speaking part of routes of Wallonia, one of the thousands of kilometres of
men’s WorldTour, and Belgium, that’s filled with most family-friendly and tourist untouched countryside to
Lotto-Soudal Ladies racing a arguably the greatest variety and options is the RAVeL network. pretty villages and vibrant
high level on the women’s most wonderful cycling the This impressive 1,350km cities. It’s all here in Wallonia
circuit. Then there’s current country has to offer. This mixture of regenerated railway and there’s no better way to
Belgian stars like Philippe diversity stems from lines, and recovered and refined discover this beautiful, historic
Gilbert, Thomas de Gendt and overturning a misperception, towpaths, is popular with all land than by bike.
01.
Maastricht
Lush forests in Wallonia
© Coralie Cardon
Aachen
Dendre EUROVELO 5
Tubize EUROVELO 19
W1 Waterloo Wavre VENNBAHN
Leers-Nord EUROVELO 3
Ath LIÉGE
Home to the most
Tournai
WALLONIA
Leuze W3 Verviers
W4 Chaudfontaine Monschau
Soignies
diverse and interesting Huy
LA FLÈCHE
NAMUR WALLONE
cycle paths and routes Spa
MONS
in Europe… Charleroi Malmédy
WELCOME TO
Les Honnelles
W6
WHAT’S INSIDE? Erquelinnes
Anhée
Durbuy
04. B
reathtaking regional routes with RAVeL Dinant
Walloon’s RAVeL cycle network is a feat of engineering, Marche-en- LIÈGE-
Famene
linking the most beautiful areas of the region via some truly Philippeville La Roche en BASTOGNE
Ardenne
breathtaking routes.
Belgian brew with international flavour
08.
Four cosmopolitan routes whose heart is in the Walloon
Chimay
region but reaches out to other neighbouring countries…
Bastogne
Variety of the Vennbahn
10. TRANSARDENNAISE
The Vennbahn self-guided cycling holiday showcases the best
the Walloon region has to offer…
Neufchateau
12. eander on the Meuse
M Bouillon
The renowned International Meuse Route should be on your THE BEST CYCLING
cycling bucket list, whatever your experience or ability… ROUTES OF WALLONIA
Please reference the above
southern region of Belgium
14. e old lady
Th map for cycling routes around
Arguably, Liège-Bastogne-Liège made professional cycling Wallonia to suit all levels ARLON
•
An introduction to the
what it is today. Here’s what’s so captivating about the
Walloon Monument… Cycle at your leisure
Leisurely, family-friendly routes
•
Battle of The Huy
16.
La Flèche Wallonne is one of the toughest one-dayers on the Fancy more of a challenge?
calendar – and it’s heavily down to the 26% Mur de Huy… Routes for the more daring
Reach your goal - Sports Tours International
18. • For the cycling enthusiast
...have been making road cyclist’s dreams come true for 45 Race history, heritage, culture
years. Here’s what the market leaders can do for you…
04 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // CYCLE AT YOUR LEISURE CYCLE AT YOUR LEISURE // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 05.
T
01. 04.
Stop for a leisurely lunch he RAVeL cycling network is
CYCLE AT YOUR LEISURE during the second half of the perfect way to discover
the W1 RAVeL route Wallonia in all its magnificence.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR EASY-TO- © Yuki Ghost Stretching more than 1,350km
TACKLE ROUTES OR SOMETHING and featuring 45 different routes,
SUITABLE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, 02. the network utilises disused
THESE TRAILS ARE PERFECT. The Hospital Notre-Dame railway track, byways and canal towpaths
à la Rose located in Lessines, that meander through unspoilt villages,
birthplace of artist René historic towns, flowing rivers and even
Magritte © Coralie Cardon world-renowned cities such as Liège. A
simple system of route numbers (W1, W2,
W3 etc) and clear signposts make each
Relax and let someone section easy to navigate. And some routes
else plan your route and are linked by intersections known locally
transport your luggage. as ‘Points-noeuds’ – so if the whole route
Discover more at is a bit challenging for you, it’s easy to put
freewheelholidays.co.uk/ together your own itinerary. Here are four W3:
wallonia of the RAVeL regional itineraries to give THE CARNIVAL ROUTE
you a taste of what’s on offer. They’re all TUBIZE TO CHIMAY
family-friendly, fun and unforgettable. 111KM
During the Industrial Revolution,
Wallonia was second only to the United
“THE RAVEL CYCLE NETWORK STRETCHES
REGIONAL ROUTES
Kingdom in industrialisation, profiting
from its extensive deposits of coal and
1,350KM AND FEATURES 45 ROUTES...” iron. Tubize was pivotal to this economic
evolution, becoming a hotbed for
locomotive engineering.
02. W1: This manufacturing backdrop soon
DENDRE AND HAUTS-PAYS dissolves as you head south along the
GRAMMONT TO LES HONNELLES Charleroi-Brussels canal, taking in rural
72KM
BREATHTAKING
landscape and the town of Binche, whose
This eclectic route passes the small town colourful past reaches back to the Middle
of Lessines, the birthplace of the famous Ages, the city being officially founded by
surrealist artist Rene Magritte. It’s also Yolande of Gelders, widow of Duke
worth stopping by the remarkable Hospital Baldwin III from Hainaut. Their son,
Notre-Dame à la Rose, one of the oldest in Baldwin IV, fortified the city, which served
Europe, which is now a museum. Within, as a frontline fortress against France.
you’ll witness the evolution of medicine, Binche prospered under Spanish rule but
surgery and pharmacy from the Middle suffered for centuries because of repeated
WITH RAVEL
Ages to the present day. military conflicts between France and
Your bike will also take you to Beloeil, Spain. It’s now a happy, colourful place
home to the magnificent Chateau de with a cheeky edge, its annual carnival
Beloeil, the moat-protected monument to welcoming street performers, dancers and
14th-century architecture. It’s remained the musicians, all clad in costumes and wax
01. residence of the Prince de Ligne, one of the masks, a must-see if you visit around
oldest noble families in all of Belgium, and Easter time.
features some of Europe’s finest furniture The woodland excursion ends in Thuin,
and art collections. Once the interior’s located in the Belgian province of Hainaut,
inspired, you can then head outdoors and where you can admire the unique and
enjoy the beautiful Baroque gardens, first awe-inspiring hanging gardens. Situated on
designed all the way back in 1664. the southern slope of the Biesmelle Valley,
Walloon’s RAVeL The second half of the W1 RAVeL route the suspended gardens not only serve an
focuses on nature as ponds born from aesthetic role, but in years gone by further
cycle network is a 03. the area’s mining past have been revived fortified the medieval city. This memorable
Leisurely, family-friendly routes
by fauna and flowers. That coal heritage area also features its own vineyard,
feat of engineering, also brought to life its dinosaur past decorated with stunning artwork.
with 29 complete iguanodons discovered Your journey proceeds to Beaumont and
linking the most
with Freewheel Holidays
in 1878. its 11th-century Salamander Tower, whose
The family-friendly route concludes in decorated history includes a ravaging
beautiful areas of the the Roisin area that’ll delight wine plague and damaging fire, before reaching
enthusiasts as this is vineyard country. its mouth-watering finish line in Chimay
region via some truly Although Belgium’s fermented a reputation where beer and cheese lovingly prepared
for producing world-class beers, it’s not by the local monks awaits.
breathtaking routes solely about the grain. Wallonia’s enjoying a
growing reputation for its wine thanks to its
Here’s what to look similar growing conditions to neighbouring 03. 04.
Champagne. Enjoy the ride and then taste The Chateau de Beloeil Chimay Trappist Beer
forward to… the delights of this pleasant land. © Coralie Cardon © Espace Chimay
06 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // CYCLE AT YOUR LEISURE CYCLE AT YOUR LEISURE // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 07.
01. W4: W6:
The Molignee Rail CANALS, WATERWAYS AND RIVERS OVER THE WATER
Bikes and RAVeL LEERS-NORD TO ANHÉE CHAUDFONTAINE TO ERQUELINNES
© FTPN 188KM 164KM
This memorable section of the RAVeL There’ll be a bubbling atmosphere as you
02. network starts in Leers-Nord, which leave Chaudfontaine – it’s renowned
Restaurant borders the French city of Leers. It’s also for its hot baths and springs, the water
© FTLB - P. Willems very near Roubaix, known to cycling fans reaching the surface at a balmy 32°C.
throughout the worldwide for arguably the The warmth will ease cycling limbs, your
03. toughest one-day race in cycling: Paris- regeneration taken to the next gear by
Le Château des Thermes Roubaix. Thankfully, route W4 couldn’t a balance of calcium, magnesium and
in Chaudfontaine be more at contrast with the race known fluorine after its 60-year limestone-
© Eric Martin / as Hell of the North, the nerve-jangling soaking journey.
Figarophoto cobbles replaced by nerve-stimulating That relaxing aquatic theme will
canals and countryside. dominate your day as you ride alongside
04. In fact, tree-lined waterways and the three major rivers of Wallonia – the
Thieu’s Historic Canal numerous bell towers provide a warm Vesdre, Meuse and Sambre. Standout
du Centre Wallonia welcome as you cross the point towns and cities on the W6 route include
© Bruno D’Alimonte where two mighty rivers meet, Sambre and Huy, Thuin and Namur, the latter being
Meuse. Along the way you’ll experience of special significance as it is the capital
05. one of man’s greatest aquatic inventions city of the Wallonia region. The medieval
Dinant - Meuse - Citadel – the boat lifts at the Canal du Centre. city is also known as the Gateway to the
- Notre Dame Collegiate Here, four hydraulic lifts overcome a 66m Ardennes and was crowned by a vast
© Anibal Trejo difference where the river basins of the citadel that was once one of Europe’s
Meuse and Scheldt meet. So revolutionary mightiest fortresses.
were the 19th-century feats of engineering Namur features in Lonely Planet where
that they’ve been classified a World the author opines, “Namur’s gently
Heritage Site by UNESCO. picturesque old-town core has much to
Route W4 reaches a charming end in the discover, including architectural
Molignée Valley that flows into Anhée. The treasures from centuries past and small 03. 05.
Molignée Valley is lit up by the Montaigle but charming museums, covering
Castle that casts protective eyes over the everything from the medieval crafts of 04.
Molignée and Flavion rivers. Originally the Meuse Valley to 19th-century erotic
occupied by a Roman garrison at the end of paintings.” Its cobblestone lanes are also
the fifth century, it expanded over time dotted with cafes, book stores and
although much of it suffered at the hands vintage shops. There’s an 18th-century
of Henri II in 1554 when fire burnt many cathedral as well as a historic belfry
parts to the ground. It’s now in safe hands, that’s judged by UNESCO as a World
run by The Friends of Montaigle. Heritage Site.
01. “I TS COBBLESTONE LANES ARE
ALSO DOTTED WITH CAFES,
BOOK STORES AND VINTAGE
SHOPS. THERE’S AN 18TH-
CENTURY CATHEDRAL, TOO”
02.
08 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // CYCLE AT YOUR LEISURE CYCLE AT YOUR LEISURE // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 09.
03.
Two cosmopolitan Liège to Huy
Distance: 36km
itineraries with hearts Climb: 29m
Descend: 22m
in the Walloon region Expert
History and sport
that also reach out to unite as you pass
Standard de Liège’s
other countries... football stadium
en route to the
beautiful old town of
Huy, synonymous EUROVELO 5:
EUROVELO 3: 01. 06. THE VIA ROMEA FRANCIGENA
04.
WITH INTERNATIONAL with cyclists for the
BELGIAN BREW
THE PILGRIMS’ Aachen to Herve debilitating Mur de Charleroi to Thuin, While the pros do battle with the fearsome
ROUTE Distance: 30km Huy that annually Distance: 21km cobbles of Roubaix in murky April, you’ll
EuroVelo 3 is Climb: 60m taxes the world’s Climb: 58m enjoy a much more leisurely ride all year
otherwise known as Descend: 85m best at Flèche Descend: 42m round along the Roubaix canal before
The Pilgrims’ Route Intermediate Wallonne. Family entering Belgium. Water plays a pivotal
that remarkably Bucolic beauty As the Sambre role in the 314km-long route as you’re
weaves its way in the form of widens, the directed through Wallonia and Flanders by
from Trondheim in seemingly endless 04. wildness of the accompanying Espierre canal and then
Norway to Santiago meadows and Huy to Namur, manmade the Escaut River.
de Compostela orchards. Enjoy Distance: 35.6km industry soon If the sights and sound of running water
01.
in Spain. That’s local produce Climb: 10m gives way to the gives you a thirst, quench those yearnings
a stamina- including Herve Descend: 141m beauty of nature’s in Namur, that is renowned for its tasty
sapping 5,122km. cheese, Liège syrup Family wilderness. white beers and subtly picturesque
Unless you’re and meatballs, Namur is also These lush, fertile old-town core.
round-the-world ciders and beers known as the landscapes offer Leaving the city, you’ll continue past
record-holder brewed in abbeys Gateway to the an exceptional the unforgettable gardens of the Freyr
Mark Beaumont, and served up at Ardennes – it could variety of flora and Castle and the Citadelle of Dinant and
however, enjoy old farmhouses be seen as a gateway fauna, providing onto the glorious, quiet country roads of
the mainly and gourmet to another world, as a relaxing, scenic Condroz. There you’ll suck in the fresh air
Belgian section restaurants. a medieval fortress background to this to power you onto La-Roche-en-Ardenne
that starts in lies beneath 7km section of EuroVelo. where you’ll discover a rich mix of arable
Aachen, Germany, of underground land and dense forests, comprising a TRAVEL IN LUXURY WITH FREEWHEEL
and finishes in 02. passages. The near-equal split of deciduous and The Transardennaise route links La Roche-
Maubeuge, France, Herve to Liège 80 hectares of 07. 02. coniferous forests. en-Ardenne to Bouillon and plunges
taking in Herve Distance: 23km green spaces are Thuin to Maubege, you into the Belgian Ardennes. It’s a
Liège, Huy, Namur, Climb: 252m otherworldly, Distance: 19.5km magnificent 164km route that you can
Charleroi and Descend: 13m too, stimulating Climb: 6m “IF THE SIGHTS AND SOUND cover in up to five days without the hassle
lastly Thuin along Intermediate your synapses and Descend: 1m of carrying your gear thanks to Freewheel
the way… This is a diverse clearing the mind. Family OF RUNNING WATER GIVES Holidays. The trip includes half-board
section that guides The famous accommodation, road-book, your luggage
you from the Hanging Gardens of YOU A THIRST...” transported from one hotel to the next
‘green lung’ to 05. Thuin offer greater and the transfer between La Roche and
FLAVOUR
the Cité Ardente Namur to Charleroi climbing and Paliseul. It’s the perfect stress-free cycling
(Liège) via the Distance: 47.5km descending metres The near-traffic-free remainder holiday for families and friends.
unique backdrop of Climb: 24m than the very navigates its way through idyllic villages
myriad converted Descend: 5m flat final section, of the Ardennes, offering panoramic
railway stations Family making this perfect views that’ll live long in the memory. 01. 03.
transformed Old meets new for families of all Your mood will be stirred further by the La Roche-en-Ardenne Beer on the Grand-Place
into delectable as you pass one ages. A green and slight rise to Bastogne, the city renowned WW2 Museum in Tournai
restaurants and of Wallonia’s peaceful setting for a group of GIs resisting the German © Olivier Legardien © Denis Erroyaux
Leisurely, family-friendly routes
tempting tea Special Heritage sees you cross the offensive in the winter of 1944. You’ll
rooms. Sites at Floreffe French border to likely conclude your journey in a 02. 04.
Abbey and soon the route’s finish contemplative state as you journey Sherman Tank at La A panoramic view of
with Freewheel Holidays
see the landscape line at Maubege. 03. through picture-postcard villages before Roche en Ardenne Le Tombeau Du Géant
unfold into urban finishing in Martelange, Luxembourg. © Olivier Legardien © David Samyn
Charleroi. The city
straddles both banks
of the River Sambre,
which gave rise
to the area’s coal-
mining and steel-
making industries.
10 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // FANCY MORE OF A CHALLENGE? FANCY MORE OF A CHALLENGE? // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 11.
02.
The Vennbahn trail’s
suitable for all abilities FANCY MORE OF A CHALLENGE?
VARIETY
© Dominik Ketz
IF YOU WANT TO PUSH YOURSELF
THAT LITTLE BIT HARDER, CHECK
OUT ONE OF THESE TOTALLY
BREATHTAKING ROUTES
OF THE
Put Freewheel to the test
and let them plan your holiday
03 and transport your luggage
Way to Vennbahn Discover more at
freewheelholidays.co.uk/
VENNBAHN
© Dominik Ketz
wallonia
Routes for cyclists more daring
with Freewheel Holidays
The Vennbahn self-guided cycling
holiday showcases the best the
Walloon region has to offer… 04.
Castle of Reinhardstein
is a Vennbahn highlight
© S. Wittenbol
T
he Vennbahn rail trail is a 125km DAY 01. DAY 03. DAY 04. DAY 05. DAY 06.
cycle path that forms the heart Arrive in Maastricht / Eupen to Saint Vith Saint Vith to Clervaux Clervaus to Butgenbach Butgenbach to Monschau
of a memorable eight-day Gravenvoeren Distance: 59km Distance: 32 or 50km Distance: 65km Distance: 38km
adventure, which will transport The first day of your journey starts in this This will be one of your most memorable No cyclist’s trip to Saint Vith is complete You head off from the landmark known as Six days in, it’s time to take it really easy, but
you to beautiful stretches of lively and energetic city steeped in history. days in the saddle as nearly the entire without a visit to the Skihutte- ‘tri-point’, which is the geographical point that doesn’t mean there aren’t memorable
countryside, historic buildings Enjoy a good night’s sleep in one of the route is closed to motor vehicles. That Biermuseum. If you’re planning an early at which the borders of three countries landmarks as you ride toward Monschau in
and unforgettable eateries over eight three- and four-star hotels you’ll be staying means less pollution, more space and a start, make sure you visit the night before meet - Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. Germany. Firstly, you’ll cross the dam at the
memorable days. The adventure sees you in during your trip, before waking up and safer ride. you depart. Inside is an Aladdin’s Cave of (To impress your mates, China has the most scenic Robertville Reservoir before stopping
stop in seven different-but-fantastic hotels continuing this extraordinary ride. A gradual climb to around 660m Craft Ale with the best locally brewed beer, tri-points with 16!) The nearby village of for bite to eat and drink at the lively town
with our helpful team taking your luggage above sea level will be rewarded with as well as the finest beers from around the Ouren might have a small population – just of Robertville. Le Petit Mon Rigi is currently
from A to B, while you ride, relax and DAY 02. vast panoramic views of the High Fens. world. You can also eat at the museum. 129 inhabitants – but it possesses a big ranked number one in Robertville on
rejuvenate. Here’s what lies ahead... Maastricht / Gravenvoeren Highlights include the wild daffodil- On leaving Saint Vith, you stay on the wartime past, including the time rioters TripAdvisor. The route then U-turns back
to Eupen filled valleys of the Olef, Perlenbach and Vennbahn cycle path with the day’s barricaded themselves in the now ruined to the High Fens and to Kalterherberg.
Distance: 59 or 45km Fuhrtsbach rivers. destination of Luxembourg ahead of you. Ouren Castle during the Peasants’ War.
Your first port of call is the delightful After passing Kalterherberg, renowned There’s still plenty to see in Belgium Leaving Ouren, the route flows into DAY 07.
municipality of Raeren where fans of for the two-towered church of Saint before then; the Castle of Burg-Reuland, some of the most glorious environs of your Monschau to Maastricht/
porcelain, china and ceramics can wander Lambertus, you’ll roll onto the Vennbahn the largest in the Ardennes, is an entire trip, especially the Our Valley, an Gravenvoeren
around the pottery museum, located in the cycle path. From here, it’s a gentle ride to undoubted highlight. Its lush green unspoilt river valley deep in the south of Distance: 60 or 75km bike and 35km train
14th-century Raeren Castle. Once you’ve Waimes, home to the magnificent castle setting, provides East Belgium. The valley’s characterised by Time to leave the centre of Monschau and
enjoyed your sneak peek into life of Reinhardstein. By now, you’ll be feeling a serene backdrop for a stroll around this huge swathes of woodland, working farms return to the Vennbahn rail trail. After a long
in Renaissance Raeren, it’s time to hungry – which will reach epic levels soon renovated ninth-century fortress. and charming villages. Continue descent you’ll reach the town of Aachen,
remount and head to Eupen, a small, after as you pass the Montenauer artisanal Shortly after, you cross the border into northwards past Schönberg and ascend to once the centre of Charlemagne’s empire.
predominantly German-speaking region in ham smokehouse. The minimum six Luxembourg and reach Troisvierges. a height of 500m. No sooner will you have From Aachen, it’s only a few kilometres to the
01. eastern Belgium. Just ensure your brakes months ageing time guarantees some of At this point, you can choose to catch a recovered your breath than you’ll be border with the Netherlands and the Dutch
Bike hire is available are in good working order as the final 7km the finest gammons and sausages in all of relaxing train to Clervaux or head there via breathless again thanks to the wonderful town of Kerkrade, where you board a train
© Dominik Ketz into Eupen is all downhill before flattening Europe. Satiated or not, it’s then into the an exhilarating section featuring several views across the valley. It’s then onwards to Maastricht. For more information visit
out at Lake Eupen. day’s hotel stop at Saint Vith. stiff climbs and breath-taking descents. to your pitstop for the night: Butgenbach. freewheelholidays.co.uk/wallonia.
12 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // FANCY MORE OF A CHALLENGE? FANCY MORE OF A CHALLENGE? // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 13.
01. 03.
Cyclists on Swimming white and grey
MEANDER
Wallonia’s roads geese in Meuse river, Namur
© Erik Isakson © Vadim Nefedov
02. 04.
Refresh with a coffee or The Chateau Freyr,
tea and a hearty slice of dating all the way back
Limburg pie to the Middle Ages
ON THE
© Daniel Ingold © S. Wittenbol
MEUSE
02.
Routes for the more daring
with Freewheel Holidays
The renowned International Eurovelo
19 should be on your cycling bucketlist,
whatever your experience or ability…
03. 04.
DAY 01. DAY 03. DAY 04. DAY 05.
Arrive in Maastricht Liège to Namur Namur to Dinant/Anhée Dinant/Anhée to Haybes
Your cycling holiday begins in earnest Distance: 74km Distance: 30km Distance: 51km
in Maastricht. To welcome you, you can The second day of riding will see you The RAVeL takes you into Dinant, from Any haze that descends from enjoying
refresh with a complementary coffee or crank things up with double the distance the Celtic ‘Divo-Nanto’, meaning ‘Divine the riverside cafes of Dinant the previous
tea and a hearty slice of Limburg pie. to conquer. That, of course, means twice Valley’. (The Celts weren’t wrong, as evening will soon lift on arrival at the
The fruit filling and deliciously crusty the opportunity to savour the very best limestone cliffs covered by deep green Chateau Freyr, dating all the way back
pastry encasing will tantalise your Belgium has to offer, starting with a forests that run down to the River Meuse to the Middle Ages. This Wallonia major
tastebuds, but marginal-gain cyclists can warm-up on the section known as the is a sight to behold.) Another highlight is heritage site has been destroyed, rebuilt
revel in the fact that the fruit gives you an John Cockerill railway. the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de and refined over the years and now features
antioxidant boost while the sugar base will Cokerill was a Lancashire-born Belgian Dinant that hails from 1227, though its a ceiling covered by Louis XV frescos and
fuel the next week’s riding! Bonus note entrepreneur, who in the 19th century original Romanesque form’s since been a chapel containing a Baroque altar. It’s a
for drivers: you can park your car free of founded an ironworks and mechanical rebuilt in Gothic style. En route, you’ll simply stunning sight. Returning to two
charge at the Novotel. engineering company. The blast furnaces pass Wépion, whose west-sloping hills wheels, you’ll soon cross the border to
of Seraing may now be long abandoned, and micro-climate means strawberries France and the town of Givet. Then you’ll
DAY 02. but the headquarters remain a constant have been cultivated here for over 150 eventually join the Voie Verte Trans-
Maastricht to Liège and awe-inspiring reminder of the making years. Craft-ale fans can also enjoy their Ardennes – aka Trans-Ardennes bike path –
Distance: 36km of modern day Liège. strawberry beer! The water gardens of that’ll deliver you safely to Haybes (F).
The first leg of your cycling holiday sees Your return to the saddle will then see Annevoie are also worth a visit.
you leave Maastricht and head to the city you cruise along the quiet back roads DAY 06.
of Liège. Along the way you’ll follow the past the charming Walloon villages that Transfer to Maastricht
River Jeker until reaching the picturesque are just within earshot of the river toward “YOU CAN ENJOY Distance: 150km
village of Kanne. Soon after you can the municipality of Huy. Here, we’d Though your time on two wheels has
enjoy the Lanaye locks in all their historic recommend a hearty lunchtime stop to THE LANAYE LOCKS IN come to an end, there’s still time to
splendour. This iconic site welcomes 11 refuel at The Grand Place. enjoy breakfast and the sights and
million tonnes of cargo each year – and all It’s then onwards to Namur where you’ll ALL THEIR HISTORIC sounds of Sedan before, if booked
via a feat of incredible engineering as the find all the industry is soon replaced by beforehand, you’ll return by touring car
01. locks rise and fall 14m, the most of any magnificent countryside and the beauty SPLENDOUR” to Maastricht. To find out more, visit
lock in Belgium. of the River Meuse. freewheelholidays.co.uk/wallonia.
14 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // FOR THE ENTHUSIAST FOR THE ENTHUSIAST // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 15.
L
iège is a major Walloon city
that nestles in the valley of the
FOR THE ENTHUSIAST Meuse, proudly standing astride
the Meuse River. Historians
IF YOU’RE AN ENERGETIC are captivated by its diverse
THRILL SEEKER, ONE OF THESE heritage – it used to be part of
CHALLENGING ROUTES WILL BE the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
RIGHT UP YOUR STREET. Industrialists look to its steel-making and
coal-mining past. Cyclists? It can only be
Liège-Bastogne-Liège, also known as La
Doyenne or The Old Lady due to it being
the oldest of the five Monuments. For those 02.
new to cycling, the Monuments are the five
classics that are considered the toughest
Focus on your ride and let and most prestigious one-day events on CASCADE OF CLIMBS
Sports Tours handle the the WorldTour, the other four being Milan- The exact 2020 route is yet to be announced
planning and transport San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders but it’ll broadly identical to the 2019 version.
your luggage. and Il Lombardia. Then, it measured 256km including a
Discover more at Only three riders have won all five ceaseless onslaught of 11 sharp climbs with
sportstoursinternational.co.uk Monuments and they’re all Belgian: Rik the most debilitating section unfolding
van Looy, Roger de Vlaeminck and, of with around 100km to go. Within 12km,
course, undoubtedly the greatest rider in the riders tackled Côte de Wanne (2.7km
history, Eddy Merckx. Merckx won a at 7.4%), Côte de Stockeu (1km at 12.5%)
staggering 525 times over an 18-year career and Côte de Haute-Levee (3.1km at 7%)
but regarded winning Liège as a badge of before continuing to the longest climb of
honour, telling writer Andy McGrath. “At the day, Col du Rosier (4.4km at 5.9%).
the Tour of Flanders, you have the bergs, But it’s the Col de la Redoute that’s steeped
the pavé, the wind, but there are more hills in Liège history and has destroyed many a
in Liège. They are longer and the race is a contender’s winning dreams. The 2km climb
bit irregular. Luck is less important in in the municipality of Aywaille averages
Liège-Bastogne-Liège than Paris-Roubaix 8.9% with its steepest ramps hitting 13%.
or the Tour of Flanders.” For a long time in the 1980s and 1990s, Col
de la Redoute proved the decisive point for
breakaways. A more tactically astute peloton
“KNOWN AS LA DOYENNE OR THE
THE OLD LADY
means this is less so nowadays but it still
possesses the ability to drain and destroy.
OLD LADY DUE TO IT BEING THE Liège’s brutality isn’t all about distance
and climbs – the unpredictable April
OLDEST OF THE FIVE MONUMENTS” weather plays a part, too. In 1919, 1957,
1980 and 2016 there was severe snowfall.
In fact, when Bernard Hinault won that
There was certainly nothing lucky 1980 edition, he was one of just 21 riders
about Jakob Fuglsang’s 2019 victory. The out of over 170 starters to finish the race.
Astana rider took the biggest one-day His notorious stoicism came at a cost, mind
01. victory of his career, dropping his rivals you – he suffered frostbite in two of his
with 13km remaining and soloing into the fingers that troubles him to this day.
record books, despite a wobble on a wet The snow-swept 1957 race also saw two
descent 5km before the finish line. “That riders declared the winner for the first and
slide was a scary moment,” the only time. Belgium’s Germain Derycke was
TRY OUT RIDING THIS 34-year-old said at the time. “But it gave first over the finish line, but he’d crossed a
Arguably, Liège- MONUMENT YOURSELF? me adrenaline for the final part. It’s an closed level crossing. His lead over
Download the GPX file here: amazing feeling to win.” second-placed rider Frans Schoubben was
Bastogne-Liège made tinyurl.com/lblroute Fuglsang wasn’t the only winner as, around three minutes, but the judges felt
since 2017, Liège has hosted a women’s Derycke hadn’t gained a significant enough
professional cycling event, albeit half the distance and rolling advantage to disqualify him so
LIÈGE-BASTOGNE-LIÈGE out from Bastogne to Liège. The first two compromised with joint honours!
with Sports Tours International
what it is today. A
Race history, heritage, culture
Most victories editions saw The Netherlands’ Anna van More recently, the main test of
5. Eddy Merckx (BEL) der Breggen reign victorious with attrition’s did not come from the weather,
race that always 1969, 1971-1973, 1975 Britain’s Lizzie Deignan second at the or bending the rules, but Alejandro
inaugural race. In 2019, however, fellow Valverde. The Movistar rider’s won here
promises a war of Most victories by nation Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten four times – 2006, 2008, 2015 and 2017 –
59 Belgium grabbed the honours. and has two chances to match or better
attrition, here’s Merckx and co’s five victories as the
First winner 39-year-old plans to retire in 2021.
what’s so captivating Léon Hou, Belgium, 1892 01. 02. If you want to watch, Liège-Bastogne-
A white-nuckle finish Liège is the oldest Liège 2020 takes place on Sunday 26th
about the Walloon Victories by GB & Ireland riders © Sports Tours classic on the calendar April - and you can even ride the route as
Sean Kelly (IRE), 84 and 89; International © Sports Tours part of the sportive on Saturday. For more
Monument… Dan Martin (IRE), 2013 International info, visit sportstoursinternational.co.uk.
16 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // FOR THE ENTHUSIAST FOR THE ENTHUSIAST // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 17.
L
a Flèche Wallonne is the second of of the Côte de Tancremont and Côte des 01.
three Ardennes Classics in April, Forges, the majority of ascents come in the La Flèche is organised
sandwiched between Amstel Gold final third of the race including the by the Tour de France team
Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. notorious Mur de Huy. In 2019, it featured © Sports Tours International
In times gone by, Wallonne and three times as it kickstarted the 29km
Liège were held on successive finishing circuit that the riders faced twice, 02.
days – understandably it was called ‘Le including the finish atop the Mur de Huy. La Flèche hosts both
Weekend Ardennais’ – but organisers ASO Why the Huy legend? Simply put, the 1.3km men’s and women’s racesР
(Amaury Sport Organisation, the team ascent averages over 9% and reaches a © Sports Tours International
behind the Tour de France) suppressed the maximum of 26%.
sadism slightly and gave riders a few extra Ireland’s Dan Martin loves the Ardennes 03.
days recovery. classics, his wiry frame and ability to fly up The route passes local farmland
That’s not to say La Flèche Wallonne’s a short, sharp hills ideally suited to the © Sports Tours International
ride in the park. Take the 2019 parcours that one-day classic. He won Liège in 2013 and
the world’s best faced beneath blue skies but has twice finished runner-up at Wallonne. 04.
battling a stiff wind. It reached out to He’s well aware the impact Mur de Huy has Julian Alaphilippe
195.5km, featuring a series of punchy on the event’s outcome. “It’s a climb for won the 2019 edition
01. 02. 03. Ardennes climbs that are perfect for the strong men,” he says, “but it’s one I almost © Sports Tours International
strongest ascenders who also possess the look forward to. I even have a photo of me
absolute power for a sprint finish. climbing it from back in 2008. Mind you, it 05.
They also need endurance as, despite a looks a little stone age, what with the Blue skies greet the peloton
BATTLE OF THE HUY
couple of testing climbs early on in the form slightly baggy jersey and archaic bike.” © Sports Tours International
“U NDERSTANDABLY IT WAS CALLED ‘LE WEEKEND
ARDENNAIS’ – BUT ORGANISERS SUPPRESSED THE SADISM
SLIGHTLY & GAVE RIDERS A FEW EXTRA DAYS RECOVERY.”
04.
05. IN THE NEWS
While technology’s moved on, La Flèche Wallonne also hosts
Wallonne remains as tough as it’s a women’s race; in fact, it’s one
ever been. Similar to many races, of the most progressive one-day
including the Tour de France, events on the calendar with the
the race arose from a local media debut Féminine event taking
mogul looking to boost sales of place back in 1998, making it the
their publication, in this case the third-oldest women’s one-dayer
La Flèche Wallonne’s Belgian newspaper Les Sports. after Trofeo Alfredo Binda in
This was during the 1930s with Italy and Emakumeen Euskal
one of the toughest the first staging in 1936. Belgian Bira in the Basque Country.
Philemon De Meersman took Italy’s Fabiana Luperni won
one-dayers on the that maiden victory; in fact, that first event but The
Belgium dominated proceedings Netherlands has made the race
calendar – and it’s until Italy’s Fermo Camellini won its own in recent times with
in 1948. Marianne Vos winning five
heavily down to the After Belgium, Italy enjoys times between 2007 and 2013,
the most victories. This race while Anna van der Breggen’s
26% Mur de Huy… enjoying a special place in the matched her compatriot’s
hearts of the tifosi after quintet of titles, winning every
thousands of Italians emigrated year since 2015. Britain and
FANCY RIDING THIS ICONIC to this area in the 1920s and 30s. Ireland enjoys a much more
ROUTE YOURSELF? They had extra reason to cheer successful record in the
Download the GPX file here: in 1950 when Fausto Coppi, the women’s event than the
with Sports Tours International
Race history, heritage, culture
tinyurl.com/Flèchewallone five-time Giro d’Italia and men’s, which they’ve never
two-time Tour de France won. Nicole Cooke won three
winner, won here. times – 2003, 2005 and 2006
LA FLÈCHE WALLONNE’S In recent times, Spain’s – while Emma Pooley tasted
Most victories Alejandro Valverde has dominated glory in 2010.
5, Alejandro Valverde (ESP), Wallonne, winning five times If you’re looking to watch La
2006, 2014-2017 between 2006 and 2017. But the Flèche Wallonne 2020, it takes
last two editions have welcomed place on Wednesday 22nd April.
Most victories by nation the arrival of a new star with Sports Tours International
38, Belgium Quick-Step’s Julian Alaphilippe has official VIP hospitality so
racking up two victories, you can watch in style. Visit
First winner capitalising on his extraordinary sportstoursinternational.co.uk
Philemon De Meersman, Belgium, 1936 ability to kick and kick again. for more information.
18 . // WALLONIA BY BIKE // SPORTS TOURS INTERNATIONAL SPORTS TOURS INTERNATIONAL // WALLONIA BY BIKE // 19.
REACH YOUR
2020 GOALS Sports Tours’ experience will make yours S
ports Tours International takes
your road-cycling itinerary
seriously. Very seriously. Take
the Etape du Tour, the sportive
that gives recreational cyclists
the chance to ride a stage of
the Tour de France. Many months before
a pedal is even turned, its experienced
Sports Tours International has been making operations team shifts into action, using
relationships built over many years to
road cyclists’ dreams come true for 45 years. secure the best hotel accommodation for
our clients. What does Sports Tours look
Here’s what the market leaders can do for you… for? Two things: a place that is nestling at
the heart of the action and one that also
has excellent bike storage.
01. Often, its experts will have ridden the
climbs that pepper your parcours. If they
haven’t, they’ll plan a special recce so
they’re genned up on the route. You can
then tap into this local knowledge when
you take to two wheels.
As your cycling event approaches, its
operations team sets in place plenty of
support for its customers: from coach
transfers for you and your bike, to
dedicated feed stops along the route and
experienced mechanics to help with any
technical issues you may have. It’s all
designed to keep your cycling tour on track
and on the road.
At the start of each event, there are
organised briefing sessions complete with
maps, photos and altitude guides. Reps
will also be available for any last-minute
support and guidance, and you’re even
given your own branded cycling jersey,
produced by our partners Castelli. All in
all, everything Sports Tours International
does is geared around giving you the best
possible experience, so that all you need to
do is turn up and ride.
Visit sportstoursinternational.co.uk for
more information.
01.
Achieve your cycling goals
with the experts
© Sports Tours InternationalIN ASSOCIATION WITH
Plan your visit
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