Cobblestones, mud, trails, roads typical of spring classics and, of course, beautiful forests. We have had the opportunity to recognize the route the UCI Gravel World Cup and, once again, Flanders does not disappoint. Although the region is famous for its road cycling, switching to gravel is a totally different experience and it's certainly worth exploring the tracks and trails that criss-cross its stunning landscape.
The same route ridden by big names in cycling such as Marianne Vos, Lotte Kopecky or Alison Jackson in Saturday's women's race, and Mathieu Van der Poel, Matej Mohoric or Connor Swift in Sunday's men's race, started from the charming town of Halle. Situated southwest of Brussels, Halle is known for its impressive St. Martin's Basilica perfect reference point to start this gravel route. Before leaving, it is almost obligatory to stop at Falco Coffee & Cycling coffee shop where, in addition to a good coffee, you can find some Gobik clothing and prepare yourself mentally for the challenge ahead.
Hallerbos forest (km 26)
After leaving the city and pedaling along the canal, you will quickly find yourself in the characteristic rolling fields of the region. When you reach the Hallerbos Forest, known for its impressive bluebells in spring, the real action begins. This is where the main climbs of the route begin. The atmosphere is simply magical, and not being in the race, we had the luxury of stopping and watching a couple of fawns strolling by. This section is also the prelude to the Flemish pavé, which begins to challenge your legs.
Forest of Soignes (km 46)
Cycling through the Forest of Soignes also known as the "green lung" of Brussels, is an experience in itself. This forest is an expanse of huge trees and fast trails, some 15km that take you up to the impressive Tervuren Park. This park, with its vast gardens and the Museum of Africa offers one of the best views of the tour. Tervuren is a little gem in the region, where history and nature blend in perfect harmony.
Leuven (km 88)
After leaving Tervuren, the route takes us to Leuven, a vibrant city, known for its university and youthful atmosphere. It is also famous for its brewing tradition and its hustle and bustle. Before continuing, we recommend a stop in one of its most popular coffee shops, such as MOK Coffee o Madmum Coffee, perfect to get some energy before facing the second part of the tour.
From here, both races crossed the finish line before heading into a final loop of about 50 km. This section runs through the forests of Heverleebos and Meerdaalwoud (km 95) and passes through the iconic cobbled climb of Monarkenwerg (km 116). On this part of the course, riders face a mix of short climbs, fast tracks and road sections between villages, adding a decisive and strategic component to the race.
The final outcome
In the women's category, Lotte Kopecky and Marianne Vos reached the finish line together and after a thrilling final sprint, Vos managed to snatch victory from the reigning world road cycling champion, thus proclaiming herself world gravel champion. On Sunday, the men's race was just as exciting, with two laps of the final 50 km loop. In this case, Mathieu Van der Poel came out on top in the decisive part, attacking Florian Vermeersch to be crowned gravel world champion.
Flanders proved once again that its terrain and cycling history are not only reserved for the spring classics, but also offer a fantastic stage for new generations of gravel riders - a true paradise for any cycling lover!
If you're up for visiting Flanders and living this gravel experience for yourself, you can find out more about the World Cup route. here.
