{"id":57186,"title":"Flanders cycling adventure June 2026","description":"A four-day cycling trip to the lovely area around Antwerpen for some exploring, kermis racing and spectating at the Belgian National Road Race Championships 2026 in Brassschaat.","content":"

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A four-day cycling trip to the lovely area around Antwerpen for some exploring, kermis racing and spectating at the Belgian Championships.<\/em><\/p>

Published in<\/strong>: <\/span>RIDES & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

We take a trip to the Flemish province of Antwerpen to explore the area by bike, sample Flemish-style racing for ourselves and spectate at the Belgian National Road Race Championships.<\/p>

Regular travelling companion Captain Bob and I packed our bags and bikes to leave behind a heatwave-struck UK for the delights of an even hotter Flanders. With the thermometer recording scorchio<\/em>, we embarked on our latest adventure with an element of trepidation, but was it worth it?<\/p>

\"ThibauWhy the Belgian Championship?<\/h2>

This would be my fourth time watching the elite Belgian National Road Race Championships. I\u2019m often asked why, especially by Belgians who seem surprised that we\u2019ve travelled over for the event.<\/p>

Belgium, and even more so Flanders, is a geographically small country. Flandrians are used to travelling one or maybe two hours maximum to participate in or watch bike races. Travelling further seems an anathema to them. Why, they wonder, would anyone travel across the sea to watch their national race?<\/p>

There are several reasons why. Firstly, it\u2019s an enjoyable event to watch. Although there are always pre-race favourites, it\u2019s often unpredictable how it will unfold, and the winner has often been a surprise.<\/p>

\"Subscribe<\/u><\/a><\/p>

The Championships have a very different feel to an event such as De Ronde van Vlaanderen. It\u2019s a lot less busy; it\u2019s easy to find a good spot to spectate and take pictures, and it\u2019s completely free. The atmosphere in the crowd is more relaxed, too.<\/p>

Many of the people watching De Ronde are there because it is De Ronde, not because they are regular cycling fans. It\u2019s like all the British suddenly becoming tennis fans for Wimbledon.<\/p>

\"SpectatingSpectating at the Belgian Championships is easy and free<\/em><\/p>

With fewer people, it\u2019s a more realistic option to move around the course by bike and watch from various vantage points. The roads are only closed for short periods of time. As soon as the car with the green flag passes, it\u2019s an open road again.<\/p>

Making friends<\/h3>

A more chilled crowd makes it easier to strike up a conversation with your fellow spectators. Many of whom you\u2019ll find have a close connection to someone in the race. We usually end up chatting to a relation or friend of one of the riders. This year we met the grandparents of Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 Ladies rider Annelies Nijssen.<\/p>

Not only did we find out all about her background and why she took up cycling, but we had an engaging and entertaining discussion about Brexit. All whilst enjoying coffee and croissants in a cafe as we awaited the arrival of the race.<\/p>

Annelies would finish 32nd, having worked for third-placed Sandrine Tas. Twenty-three-year-old Annelies has made an impressive transition to cycling. In 2025 she was riding for a club team. This season she\u2019s ridden the Vuelta Espa\u00f1a Femenina and won the mountains jersey at the Bretagne Ladies Tour.<\/p>

<\/p>

Logistics<\/h2>

Why we chose to stay in Bazel, Oost-Vlaanderen<\/p>

Since Eurotunnel hiked up their prices, the only choice we now have to make is which one of the three Ferry services from Dover to Calais is offering the best price. On this occasion it was DFDS. Captain Bob had found a great deal on the FerrySavers website, which wasn\u2019t being offered by DFDS themselves.<\/p>

Unlike airlines and Eurostar, the EES (European Entry System) has been suspended at Dover apart from coach and foot passengers. We didn\u2019t even get stopped for the almost obligatory swab of the car for traces of explosives and drugs. Before you could say \u201cbienvenue en France\u201d, we were powering Captain Bob\u2019s Mini up the E40, destination Flanders.<\/p>

Planning where to stay in Flanders is always a compromise. Stay somewhere very rural, and you\u2019ll find you\u2019re nowhere near a supermarket, restaurant or cash point machine. Stay in the heart of a city, and you might end up lodging somewhere noisy, having to park your car some distance away and having to negotiate traffic to get out on rides.<\/p>

\"TheThe Hippe Tinyhouse in Bazel<\/em><\/p>

We\u2019d decided to stay on the West bank of the River Schelde. This placed us close to where the race was taking place, on the Eastern side, north east of Antwerpen, but closer to where we planned to race ourselves and in a more rural location.<\/p>

Fortunately, there were no crusty, sandal-wearing beardies in residence<\/p><\/blockquote>

My four key criteria when deciding where to stay are location, quietness, cleanliness and price. We plumped for the Hippe Tinyhouse in Bazel. A small town in East Flanders. Fortunately, there were no crusty, sandal-wearing beardies in residence. Hippe is a Dutch word for trendy or cool.<\/p>

Tiny describes it perfectly. It\u2019s a one-up, one-down wooden construct with a shower, toilet and two single beds on the ground floor, with an upstairs sitting room\/kitchenette.<\/p>

It's just two kilometres across a nature conservation area to the River Schelde and a quiet spot, bar the church bells, the squawk of an occasional parakeet and chatter from evening cyclists as they ride by.<\/p>

Adjacent to the property is the Castle Wissekerke. An impressive neo-gothic fifteenth-century building, formerly home to the mayors of Bazel.<\/p>

<\/p>

Thursday - East to Brasschaat<\/h2>

A hot ride through Antwerpen into the countryside<\/p>

Our first ride commenced with a crossing of the Schelde by the free ferry service available to pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds up to 50cc.<\/p>

\"OneOne of the free pedestrian and cyclist ferries crossing the River Schelde<\/em><\/p>

The ferry runs throughout the day, normally every thirty minutes. It's a quick crossing, and it's a lovely way to start the day, especially when the sun\u2019s sparkling on the river\u2019s gentle ripples.<\/p>

We were quickly heading north along the eastern bank of the Schelde on one of the myriad cycle paths that criss-cross the city of Antwerpen.<\/p>

Havenhuis<\/h3>

I was keen to capture some pictures of the Havenhuis, headquarters of the Antwerpen Port Authority. It's a stunning sight as the sun glints off the top half of the building, modelled on the outline of a ship, which sits atop a formerly derelict fire station. It was opened in September 2016, five months after the death of its Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.<\/p>

Posing and pictures completed, we turned back towards Antwerpen\u2019s Grote Markt, which lies at the heart of the old quarter and is complete with the city\u2019s World Heritage Renaissance Town Hall (Stadhuis). We admired the City Hall and Brabo Fountain over a restorative coffee.<\/p>

\"TheThe Havenhuis - HQ of the Antwerpen Port Authority<\/em><\/p>

Recommencing our ride, we found Komoot was directing us back towards the Port Authority Building. An appropriate route, given the professional men would follow the same journey after they\u2019d been presented to the adoring crowds in the Grote Markt on Sunday.<\/p>

We followed the excellent cycle paths towards our destination of Brasschaat, although there was little to indicate a race would be passing this way in three days. We pushed on in a north-easterly direction across the flat and open landscape that is a feature of the rural areas of the Antwerpen province.<\/p>

No need for a duffel coat<\/h3>

We bumped into the Kempisch Kanaal where our progress was delayed by a raised bridge to allow one of the many commercial barges that frequent the canals to pass. After a few kilometres more, we linked up with the Albert Kanaal to strike out further east, towards Herentals.<\/p>

However, we gave up on the plan to call in at the former home of Rik \u201cEmperor of Herentals\u201d van Looy as, by now, it was exceedingly warm, and our bidons were running dry.<\/p>

A quick drink stop in a cafe by the Kanaal, and we decided to press on towards the ironically named Duffel, following the cycle path next to the Netekanaal. The temperature had risen rapidly through the day, and the last thing we would need was a Duffel Coat.<\/p>

\"Antwerpen\u2019sAntwerpen\u2019s impressive Grote Markt<\/em><\/p>

Google Maps assured us that a cafe would be open in Duffel. It lied. We circled a few times until we found an alternative on the opposite bank. The appropriately named Brasserie Meander was not only open, but welcoming, despite our sweaty state. Elderly patrons observed us with incredulous amusement. Perhaps they\u2019d heard Noel Coward\u2019s comedic ditty about mad dogs and Englishmen.<\/p>

The cold drinks and Avocado on toast were just what we needed. I delighted in placing the ice cubes down my back and feeling the melting water trickle down my spine. Before we left, the owner kindly refreshed our bidons with cold water and ice.<\/p>

Within no time, the ice melted, and the water in the bottles had reached an unpleasant temperature<\/p><\/blockquote>

He needn\u2019t have bothered. Within no time, the ice melted, and the water in the bottles had reached an unpleasant temperature. Black bottles are a poor choice in a heatwave.<\/p>

Replenished, we continued to follow the Netekanaal until it became the River Nete and eventually merged with the larger River Rupel. The latter sweeps in an arc to the south of Antwerpen, and we were now heading west back towards the Schelde.<\/p>

Following the Rupel\u2019s course, we passed close to Tomorrowland and the setting of the former cyclocross at Boom. We also passed by the cafe to the Veldroom cycling museum<\/strong><\/a>, and before long we were in Niel and riding along the finishing straight of the Jaarmarktcross<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>

In no time we were at the ferry in Hemiksem to carry us back to Bazel. After a decidedly hot day's riding, the final two kilometres through the shade of the Fassaatpolder nature reserve were a relief.<\/p>

126 kilometres. 501 metres elevation gain. Maximum temperature 38C.<\/p>

<\/p>

Friday - Destination Netherlands<\/h2>

We discover the Dutch enclave of Zeelandic Flanders<\/p>

The experience of Saturday\u2019s heat led us to seek the coast and a hoped-for refreshing sea breeze. We set off north west into the Netherlands and up to the coast of the Western Schelde Estuary almost to where it opens out into the North Sea.<\/p>

\"AA small harbour on the banks of the River Schelde<\/em><\/p>

We crossed the border at Nieuw-Namen, although it was only apparent from the flags for the Football World Cup hanging from windows, changing from Belgian to Dutch. Soon we hit the coast at the tiny community of Paal.<\/p>

Zeelandic Flanders<\/h3>

We\u2019d entered the area of the Netherlands known as Zeelandic Flanders. It's entirely cut off from the rest of the Netherlands by the Schelde to the north and Belgian Flanders to the south.<\/p>

It's one of those absurdities of peace treaties that's never been resolved. The Belgian nation has tried to claim it back. Most notably, after the First World War, although that claim came to nothing.<\/p>

Our hopes of enjoying a sea breeze appeared dashed as a large dyke, separating us from the sea, blocked any breeze and our view of the river. It was some relief after a few kilometres that we discovered a cycle path over the dyke so that we could run adjacent to the sea wall. The climb over the embankment probably accounted for half our altitude gain for the day.<\/p>

\"StatueThe Captain races a statue in Teneuzen<\/em><\/p>

It was invigorating to feel a mildly cooling wind on our cheeks and be able to look across the two-kilometre width of the river to the Dutch province of Zuid-Beveland. As we traced the coastline, we were able to appreciate the importance of Antwerpen as Europe\u2019s second busiest port.<\/p>

The river was alive with marine traffic. From huge seagoing container ships to tiny tugs and canal boats. I felt inspired to quote John Masefield\u2019s famous poem Cargoes<\/em>, but sadly, having learned it at school by rote, I can only ever recall the opening lines.<\/p>

Despite our friendly breath of wind, it was still thirsty work, and we stopped at the Bar Goed for a deserved non-alcoholic draft. The bar sits on a promontory overlooking the river on this most northerly point of Zeelandic Flanders.<\/p>

the legendary ghost ship the Flying Dutchman<\/p><\/blockquote>

I gazed with envy at a small sliver of sand where a few bathers were enjoying the cooling brackish waters of the Schelde. We set our compass for the city of Terneuzen, supposedly the home port of the legendary ghost ship the Flying Dutchman.<\/p>

At Terneuzen we could have taken the 6.6km Westerscheldetunnel under the Schelde to Ellewoutsdijk. Unfortunately, cyclists are prohibited from using the tunnel and have to catch the bus and hope that the two bike spaces aren\u2019t already in use.<\/p>

\"AnotherAnother fantastic cycle path<\/em><\/p>

After another round of drinks at Terneuzen\u2019s Brasserie Westbeer, which sits at the entrance to the Gent\u2013Terneuzen Kanaal, we headed south past the famous cyclocross course of Hulst and right by the entrance to the Domain De Ster where the Sint-Niklaas cross is held.<\/p>

By now, the heat and humidity were taking their toll, and it was a pleasure to spot the sign for Bazel as we doubled our day\u2019s climbing with a rise over the E17 motorway.<\/p>

117 kilometres. 441 metres altitude gain. Maximum temperature 39C.<\/p>

<\/p>

Saturday - OVWF Stalhille<\/h2>

We ride the OVWF\u2019s European Championship<\/p>

On Friday evening, Captain Bob enquired if I was still keen to race the next day. We\u2019d originally planned to race at Nevele to participate in the Oost-Vlaams Kampioenschap (East Flanders Championships) of the LWU (Landelijke Wieler Unie) federation.<\/p>

Frazzled and cancelled<\/h3>

I was feeling quite frazzled by the day\u2019s high temperatures, which had barely dropped despite the going down of the sun. I\u2019d also discovered that due to the heat emergency, the City Council of Deinze had withdrawn permission for the event at Nevele.<\/p>

\"ANewly crowned OVWF European Champion Rudy van de Velde<\/em><\/p>

It seemed unlikely the alternative OVWF (Onafhankelijke Vlaamse Wieler Federatie) in West Vlaanderen would take place either. We decided to make no decision until the morning. Fortunately, a night\u2019s sleep, a slight cooling in temperatures and the news that the OVWF race at Stalhille was on stirred our enthusiasm.<\/p>

cracks of lightning pierced the sky\u2019s gloom<\/p><\/blockquote>

We chucked our race kit into the car and headed the one hour west towards the coast. \u201cIt looks a bit dark over there\u201d, mentioned Captain Bob, and as we drew closer to our destination, cracks of lightning pierced the sky\u2019s gloom. Before long, we were engulfed in torrential rain, and we slowed to a crawl as visibility disappeared.<\/p>

No sooner had we arrived in Stalhille, however, than the rain stopped, and slowly the sun made its embarrassed appearance, peeking out behind the dissipating clouds. We sought out the Caf\u00e9 De Scheve Hoek, conveniently located just beyond the finish, and the race\u2019s HQ.<\/p>

Europees Kampioenschap<\/h3>

Having paid our \u20ac18, including a \u20ac5 deposit for race numbers, we were entered into the OVWF\u2019s Europees Kampioenschap (European Championship). If you are confused by all these championships, I\u2019ll pause and explain.<\/p>

The two independent road racing federations, LWU and OVWF, that operate in West and Oost Vlaanderen both organise championship races. The LWU promotes a National, West and East Flanders championship, whilst the OVWF promote a National, West Flanders, European and Flanders championship. I trust you\u2019re keeping up.<\/p>

READ MORE: <\/strong>If you fancy the idea of racing in Flanders, read our guide to <\/em>Masters\u2019 Road Racing in Belgium<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>

\"Read<\/u><\/a><\/p>

Obviously, the Belgian championships are limited to Belgian nationals, but to be eligible for any of the championships, you have to be a member of the relevant federation and to have ridden a minimum number of previous events - usually about half.<\/p>

This drastically limits the number of riders eligible for each championship. In our race, only half of the field were eligible. This is further reduced by an OVWF rule that prevents a person from winning two championships in the same season. This ensures that most races have a mixture of championship jerseys on display.<\/p>

Quality not quantity<\/h3>

Our race consisted of three groups all starting together: Vrouwen (all women), C (men aged 60 to 65) and C+ (men aged 66+). Only three women were on the start line, which seems typical for OVWF events. The rival LWU women\u2019s races appear to attract many more women.<\/p>

The rest of the twenty-five entrants were split equally between the C and C+ riders. Whilst the quantity might not have been high, the quality and experience were. Lined up in the C+ category was Martin Durant, whose palmares as a professional had included third at Binche-Tournai-Binche, eighteenth at the Amstel Gold Race, and thirtieth at Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>

In the C category race we had to contend with Peter Huyghe, who in 1991 had finished fourth at Omloop Het Volk, outsprinting Johan Museeuw in the process. Even the tiny women\u2019s field, where each rider was resplendent in one of the Belgian, West Flandrian and Flandrian jerseys, featured former elite Belgian road and cyclocross Champion Anja Nobus.<\/p>

The fifty-two-year-old might not be as fast as she once was, but she\u2019s still occasionally competing at the elite level in cyclocross, and was determined to light the race up in the first lap.<\/p>

raised our hands like naughty schoolchildren<\/p><\/blockquote>

Prior to the start, the race organiser held up a picture of the circuit and, through my limited Dutch, I understood that the first part of the eleven-kilometre circuit would be neutralised. She then called out \u201cEnglish?\u201d, and after we\u2019d raised our hands like naughty schoolchildren, she waded through the bunch to repeat the instructions in English.<\/p>

We set off at an ambling pace behind the lead car, running for about a third of the course on a cycle path adjacent to the Gent-Brugge-Oostende Kanaal. From there the race was de-neutralised, and the attacks began. Like almost all of these races, it was pan-flat, but more unusually there were few bends where you had to brake or sprint out of.<\/p>

\"Gifts<\/u><\/a><\/p>

Belgian tactics<\/h3>

The modest breeze was unhelpful to the attacking rider, and there was a good chance it would end in a bunch gallop on the narrow finish. Captain Bob was clearly feeling sprightly as he took advantage of a lull in pace to launch himself forward. A few intrepid souls pinged their way across.<\/p>

None, however, had any intention of assisting his pace-making. Tactics for the novice racing in Flanders can be confusing. Riders will only work if they feel a group consists of the right mix and they will certainly never waste an effort, even if it seems counterproductive.<\/p>

Captain Bob was reeled in, and inconclusive efforts to split the race came and went. With a few laps left, I used the crosswind section alongside the canal to jump clear. A few joined and over the next lap more lept onto our party with differing levels of commitment and fitness.<\/p>

cohesion, if ever it existed, waned<\/p><\/blockquote>

Once we\u2019d reached ten in the front group, cohesion, if ever it existed, waned and riders grumbled and took shorter turns at the front. As in almost every race, there was one rider who rarely showed his nose on the front, but felt entitled to chastise the rest for lack of application.<\/p>

We were well clear and unlikely to be caught, so I launched a pre-emptive strike on the last lap along the canal section. I was recaptured after about two kilometres of freedom. Most people seemed settled for the sprint, so I repeated the move with about five kilometres to go. I was pulled back again, and now I tried to spot the landmarks counting down the start to the sprint.<\/p>

I was a bit too slow when everyone jumped and had run out of room and road by the time the line came up. Fourth behind Peter Huyghe was a pleasing result, whilst Captain Bob, despite suffering cramp, was seventh behind Martin Durant in the C+ category.<\/p>

\"AndAnd the band began to play<\/em><\/p>

After receiving our \u20ac5 deposit back, plus \u20ac5 for fourth place, it was time to hit the bar, enjoy the band and watch the next race.<\/p>

56 kilometres. 112 metres altitude gain. Maximum temperature 30C. Average 38.7 kmh. Max. 55.3 kmh.<\/p>

<\/p>

Sunday - Belgische Kampioenschappen 2026<\/h2>

We enjoy the spectacle of the top Belgian riders in action<\/p>

After a spectacular night's son et lumi\u00e8re<\/em>, provided by an intense electrical storm, we embarked on our final ride along roads strewn with debris from fallen branches and rainwater runoff.<\/p>

We set our sail direct for Brasschaat and avoided the delights of Antwerpen\u2019s Grote Markt where the men would start. Instead we intended to watch the start of the women\u2019s race, which would feature Lotte Kopecky, Justine Ghekerie and all of the top Belgian riders.<\/p>

For reasons best known to the organisers and the Belgian Cycling federation, they'd decided to hold the two events at different locations and at times that made it almost logistically impossible to attend both.<\/p>

\"TheThe start of the elite women\u2019s race in Brasschaat<\/em><\/p>

The men were starting in the prestigious heart of one of Belgium\u2019s most important cities, and the women were relegated to a park in a small provincial town. To me, it says much about the inequality that still exists in how women's racing is treated by some in cycling\u2019s heartland.<\/p>

Elite women\u2019s Belgian Championship<\/h3>

If we\u2019d watched the men start, we would have missed most of the women's race by the time we arrived in Brasschaat. Plus, we felt we should express our solidarity with the women. We joked that the crowd would consist entirely of the female riders\u2019 mums and dads.<\/p>

We weren't far wrong. Almost everyone in the small crowd of spectators to see the women on their way appeared to have a personal connection with a rider. Riders\u2019 parents, siblings, friends, partners, lovers, team helpers and more were all there. It was less the ambience of an international bike race and more a local fete.<\/p>

Established World Tour stars mingled with club riders who knew they'd be lucky to last a lap or more of the twenty-kilometre circuit. After a few nervous minutes of shouted encouragement and managers urging their charges to stay in the shade, they were off.<\/p>

\"AA resident of Brasschaat prepares for a tiring day of spectating<\/em><\/p>

Following a recharge of our coffee levels and a chat with the grandparents of Annelies Nijssen, we set off in the opposite direction of the race to watch it at various points.<\/p>

The first attacker was a rider from the Citymesh team, but a duo of experienced cyclocross riders soon replaced her: Loes Soels, cousin of Sanne Cant<\/strong><\/a>, and former elite zonder contract cyclocross champion Jana Dobbelaere<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>

Their advantage grew to ninety seconds before an acceleration rapidly reeled them in and shed many of the weaker riders. The disparity in the field between the World Tour professionals and those riding for clubs or as individuals became pronounced as the day progressed.<\/p>

Only five of the non-finishers were riding for UCI-registered teams, and none were World Tour riders. That\u2019s not to say that club riders didn\u2019t try to impose themselves. The Carbonbike Giordana by Gen Z team, managed by former Tarteletto-Isorex rider Julien van den Brande<\/strong><\/a> and his partner Fien de Paepe, were instrumental in chasing down dangerous moves.<\/p>

\"TheThe first passage of the elite women\u2019s race<\/em><\/p>

The reality is that part-timers holding down jobs will always struggle against the likes of Justine Ghekerie, who\u2019d recently been riding twenty-five hours a week in training.<\/p>

The next split was more serious and featured three Fenix-Premier Tech riders and, despite having a presence in this front group, the Lotto Intermarche Ladies team set up a ferocious pace in pursuit. More riders drifted out the back.<\/p>

they rattled across the final section of cobbles<\/p><\/blockquote>

Into the final lap, the speed was high as riders tried to disrupt the inevitability of a bunch sprint. As they rattled across the final section of cobbles and passed under the one kilometre banner, there were still around thirty riders in contention.<\/p>

All eyes were on Lotte Kopecky and Shari Bossuyt. It was the AG Insurance - Soudal rider who opened up first, and Kopecky was unable to come past her. Sandrine Tas repaid the work of her Lotto Intermarche teammates by clinching the bronze medal.<\/p>

\"TheThe Lotto Intermarche team were rewarded with third place<\/em><\/p>

The remarkable Kelly Druyts, riding for club team Cycling Team Van Eyck\/ Belco, was fifth to clinch the elite 2 (elite zonder contract) title for club riders. The thirty-six-year-old mother of five, who gave birth to twins last year, used her impressive sprint to great effect.<\/p>

Druyts, who lives at Schoten, close to Brasschaat, won a gold medal in the scratch race at the 2014 Track World Championships and was second at the Belgian Championships in 2010.<\/p>

Elite men\u2019s Belgian Championship<\/h3>

If the women\u2019s race was fast, the men\u2019s was lightning. Two hundred and forty kilometres at an average speed of 49.7 kmh - over 31 mph. It was as if everyone was in a desperate hurry to get it all over and done with.<\/p>

The men, having set off from Antwerpen, rode a big loop of 140 km, up to Essen in the northern tip of Flanders, almost into the Netherlands, before circling back via Merksplas and Herentals to complete five laps of the finishing circuit.<\/p>

\"TheThe race passes the Motor Flying Club Brasschaat<\/em><\/p>

We\u2019d settled down at De Motorvliegclub Brasschaat. It was established as a military airfield in 1910, but since 2006 it's been home to the Motor Flying Club Brasschaat. They had laid on a giant TV screen and reasonably priced drinks. It was extremely convivial sitting under the shade of an umbrella, watching on the big screen, then ambling to the roadside to observe the race past.<\/p>

Even before TV coverage started and the men hit the finishing circuit for the first time, the men\u2019s peloton of one hundred and thirty riders had split into three almost equal parts. Pre-race favourites Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen were trapped in the back half.<\/p>

Between their two teams of Soudal Quick Step and Alpecin - Premier Tech, they had twenty-five per cent of the field as teammates. Despite this numerical advantage, they were unable to control the race. The gap grew to seven minutes, and with half their teammates in the front two groups, they lacked the firepower to make a sufficient impression.<\/p>

At the front, the action was frantic as riders tried to splinter the large groups. The race was being ridden like a professional kermis of 240 kilometres. The constant pressure drew a select group of ten clear.<\/p>

\"TimTim Merlier was the big favourite, but Soudal - Quick Step could only claim second<\/em><\/p>

It was no surprise to see the purple \u201cBond\u201d was there. Dries de Bondt, known as De Bond after the famous spy, always rides aggressively and was true to his inclination on this occasion. Thibau Nys, not long back from an operation, had made the Kop van de Wedstrijd<\/strong><\/a>, as had Gianni Vermeersch. The Red Bull - Bora Hansgrohe legend was riding with a fractured rib, sustained in a crash earlier in the day.<\/p>

Scrabbling across the gap was the sole UCI Continental-level rider, Michiel Coppens, amongst this illustrious galaxy of professional stars. The Beat Cycling Club<\/strong><\/a> p\/b Saxo rider would finish tenth, just ahead of announcing he\u2019d signed for Team Cofidis.<\/p>

Nobody wanted to take Thibau Nys to the finish<\/p><\/blockquote>

Nobody wanted to take Thibau Nys to the finish. Despite his lack of racing, in a small group sprint he\u2019d be the favourite. Only the Soudal Quick Step team had two riders in the leading group, and it was their Fabio van den Bossche who escaped on the final lap with Alpencin - Premier Tech\u2019s Jonas Rickaert and, man in form, Rune Herregodts of UAE Team Emirates XRG.<\/p>

The seven behind squabbled over who would chase. The strongest, however, were up the road and the gap only extended. The mood at the Flying Club changed as they drew closer to the finish. Quiet contentment at watching a live bike race on a balmy afternoon turned to vocal animation.<\/p>

Rickaert and Van den Bossche appeared to be the crowd\u2019s favourites, but it was Herregodts who proved the canniest and fastest in the last 200 metres. Another BK was complete, and what a glorious day it had been. We set off back to Antwerpen, the ferry and a cold beer to celebrate another fine weekend in Flanders.<\/p>

<\/p>

Overall experience<\/h2>

Was it a great weekend?<\/p>

This was quite a different experience from previous visits to watch the Belgische Kampioenschappen. Pre-race publicity and information was lacking compared to previous editions. The decision by the organisers to hold the male and female starts in two different locations was a disappointment.<\/p>

There was lots to enjoy, however. Travelling by ferry for free with my bike was a new experience. Imagine that happening in the UK. Just observing how many people use these ferries and their bikes to go about their daily lives was uplifting.<\/p>

\"CastleCastle Wissekerke, Bazel<\/em><\/p>

Riding along the coast in the Netherlands and feeling an incredible sense of freedom on the dedicated cycle paths was a joy, as was the attitude of Belgian motorists that never ceases to surprise. Frequently we\u2019d hesitate at crossings, only to find the car driver urging us to go first. It\u2019s a different mindset from the one we\u2019re used to in the UK.<\/p>

I\u2019d loved racing at Stalhille. Every event in Flanders, no matter how small, has commentary, beer and spectators. Of course, racing on closed roads against a high-quality field is a bonus too.<\/p>

Bazel was a good place to stay. Quiet, but with two supermarkets only a short distance away, and easy access to the E17 motorway and countryside. It\u2019s also handily placed for cyclocross fans to the courses of the World Cup Antwerpen, Hulst (although not on the calendar in 2026-27), Sint-Niklaas, the Jaarmarktcross at Niel and the Velodroom museum at Boom.<\/p>

The Hippe Tinyhouse was perfectly adequate for our needs. Bijou, but the price reflected that. Its only disadvantage was the lack of secure bike parking. We just kept the bikes locked on the bike rack overnight.<\/p>

Next year's Belgian Championships are at Putte, again in Antwerpen province. It's 30 kilometres south-east of Antwerpen and 15 kilometres north-west of Baal, home to the Sven Nys Centre.<\/p>

13 July 2026, Tim Costello.<\/em><\/p>

All images and text are the copyright of Rijden unless stated otherwise.<\/em><\/p>

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