One of the world’s great cycle races happens every year on the first Sunday in April.
The Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) brings some of the world’s great cyclists to the Flemish Ardennes. Starting off in Antwerp, the cyclists follow a gruelling 250km route that takes in 17 steep hills, five small towns and five stretches of agonising cobbled roads.
The riders end the race by pedalling through the streets of Oudenaarde to cross the chalked finishing line under the tower of the Sint-Walburgakerk.
You can soak up the atmosphere in Cafe Peloton in the heart of Oudenaarde. This is where serious cyclists go to drink. The cafe is attached to the Centrum De Ronde van Vlaanderen, an exhibition centre and shop dedicated to the Tour of Flanders.
The centre welcomes cyclists from all over the world who are spending a few days in the hills around Oudenaarde. There is secure bike parking, showers and a shop where you can pick up souvenirs. You can also rent a racing bike for the day with breakdown assistance, a shower and a beer as part of the package.
The interior has racing bikes hanging from the walls, suspended lights made from bicycle wheels and cycle jerseys displayed in glass cases like precious religious relics.
Outside, the terrace at the back has a row of exercise bikes, some cycle-based games and a childrens’ playground with a range of miniature bikes. It’s never too young to get on a bike in Belgium.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
