The 2024 Gravel World Championships were a real dream event for gravel bike fans. Both elite athletes and enthusiasts enjoyed the opportunity to discover the National Park Forests of Brabant by bike. And there is nothing to stop you from going on that adventure again.
Relive it yourself on a bike
The National Park Forests of Brabant boasts over 10,000 hectares of dense forests, meandering rivers and open fields. This unspoilt natural landscape was the setting for the Gravel World Championships. You can relive it even now on this 136-kilometre cycle route, taking you through a unique landscape of ancient dense woodland and spectacular vistas. A paradise for fans of gravel, cycling and nature alike. If all that sounds just a little too challenging, be sure to check out these shorter but equally breathtaking alternatives.
Leuven, splendour of a city
The finishing line of these spectacular world championships was in the centuries-old university city of Leuven, which is also keen to be discovered. Stow your bike safely and head off to explore in Leuven. Discover the university's incredible history, a wealth of heritage, art, culture, knowledge and youth scene. A visit is highly recommended, with or without a bicycle.
Leuven combines its centuries-old heritage and rich history with a vibrant youth scene. Our other art cities of Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent and Mechelen also have surprises in store for you. What is more, in compact Flanders, all major cities are within a stone's throw of each other. Even by train, it often takes less than an hour to travel from one art city to another. Handy, right?!
Culinary delights and Belgian beer
After all that effort, you deserve some relaxation, too. Your body and mind will be in need of some extra energy and here in Flanders, you're well taken care of. We are epicureans: proud of our fries, Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate, our chefs, who experiment with local ingredients, and our brewers, who combine centuries-old tradition with innovation. Did you know that Belgian beer culture has been recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO? We'll drink to that!
Experience nature in Flanders
As a participant or supporter of the World Championships for gravel bikes, you already enjoyed a beautiful setting in the National Park Forests of Brabant: the magical Hallerbos that covers itself every spring with a purple blanket of wild bluebells, the Sonian Forest of which five large areas are protected by UNESCO as a forest reserve, the Meerdalwoud Forest and the Dyle Valley. But Flanders also has other hidden nature gems. Want to become one with nature, enjoy outdoor art or search for stunning views? In our Flemish parks, micro-adventures mean maxi happiness!
Still got some energy left?
Flandrien Challenge
Do you have enough power in your legs to become a real Flandrien? We encourage you to take on our Flandrien Challenge: 59 iconic berg and cobblestone segments in less than 72 hours. If you succeed, we will make you a legend: with your own personalised stone on the wall of fame at the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen in Oudenaarde.
Unforgiving hills, cobblestones and gravel routes
Maybe you can have too much of a good thing in one got? Come and visit (or visit again) soon. In the meantime, you can explore Flanders with The Tour of Flanders route, Gent-Wevelgem - In Flanders Fields and Bergs, Cobbles & Beerwith Sir Bradley Wiggins. Or to stay on theme: 86 km “Bergs & Gravel” starting in Oudenaarde or 76 km “Dwars door het Hageland Gravel”. All our routes are well documented for and by cycling enthusiasts!
Flanders Divide: 564 km bikepacking
This route is a must see on your next visit to Flanders: the 564 km bikepacking route Flanders Divide is made up of more than 40% unpaved paths and takes you from Genk in Limburg to Ostend on the Flemish coast.