{"id":2499,"date":"2025-09-03T14:24:40","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T14:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/?p=2499"},"modified":"2026-03-13T11:46:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T11:46:52","slug":"cycling-tour-flanders-flemish-ardennes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/en\/blog\/cycling-tour-flanders-flemish-ardennes","title":{"rendered":"Cycling the Tour of Flanders: Why UK Riders Love the Flemish Ardennes"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2499\" class=\"elementor elementor-2499\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2dc84d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d2dc84d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f86bb35 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f86bb35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Every spring, cycling fans in Britain tune in to watch the drama of the Tour of Flanders unfold, cobbled climbs, narrow lanes, and passionate fans. But did you know you can ride those same routes yourself?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-173d317 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"173d317\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8368ec6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8368ec6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Magic of the Tour of Flanders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9eece19 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9eece19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1298\">The Tour of Flanders (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/blog\/what-you-should-know-about-de-ronde-van-vlaanderen\">Ronde van Vlaanderen<\/a>) is one of cycling\u2019s legendary <em data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1147\">Monument Classics<\/em>. It\u2019s not just the length of the race that makes it famous, it\u2019s the relentless series of short, steep climbs, many paved with bone-rattling cobbles.<\/p><p data-start=\"1300\" data-end=\"1334\">Some of the most iconic include:<\/p><ul data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1576\"><li data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1411\"><p data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1411\"><strong data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1352\">Koppenberg<\/strong> \u2013 brutally steep, maxing out at 22% on slippery cobbles.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1498\"><p data-start=\"1414\" data-end=\"1498\"><strong data-start=\"1414\" data-end=\"1432\">Oude Kwaremont<\/strong> \u2013 long and punishing, the climb where champions are often made.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1576\"><p data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1576\"><strong data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1514\">Paterberg<\/strong> \u2013 short but savage, and always decisive in the race finale.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"1578\" data-end=\"1786\">For British riders, it\u2019s a chance to test yourself against the very same climbs tackled by the pros. Think of it as the Belgian version of climbing Alpe d\u2019Huez: steeped in history, atmosphere, and challenge.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-790403c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"790403c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e2acd13 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e2acd13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why UK Riders Flock to the Flemish Ardennes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84e1be3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"84e1be3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1915\">What makes the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/hotel-in-the-flemish-ardennes\">Flemish Ardennes<\/a> so appealing for cyclists from the UK?<\/p><ul data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"2548\"><li data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"2100\"><p data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"2100\"><strong data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1946\">Easy access from London<\/strong>: Hop on the Eurostar to Brussels, then take a direct train to Oudenaarde. Door to door, you can be in the heart of cycling country in around 3\u20134 hours.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"2101\" data-end=\"2220\"><p data-start=\"2103\" data-end=\"2220\"><strong data-start=\"2103\" data-end=\"2133\">Perfect for a long weekend<\/strong>: No need for a full week off\u2014three or four days is enough to soak up the experience.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2394\"><p data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2394\"><strong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2245\">Rolling landscapes<\/strong>: The Flemish Ardennes offer a patchwork of fields, forests, and villages\u2014gentle yet challenging terrain, very different from the Alps or Pyrenees.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"2395\" data-end=\"2548\"><p data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2548\"><strong data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2427\">Cycling culture everywhere<\/strong>: You\u2019ll find cycling caf\u00e9s, local riders on every climb, and even murals and statues celebrating the Tour of Flanders.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2679\">It feels like a pilgrimage for anyone who rides, whether you\u2019re a seasoned roadie or just love the thrill of cycling new routes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9a9f7c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d9a9f7c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e59d1e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e59d1e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Practical Tips for Your Cycling Trip<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0997b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f0997b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"2729\" data-end=\"2809\">Planning your first cycling holiday in Belgium? Here are a few things to know:<\/p><ul data-start=\"2811\" data-end=\"3475\"><li data-start=\"2811\" data-end=\"2973\"><p data-start=\"2813\" data-end=\"2973\"><strong data-start=\"2813\" data-end=\"2844\">Bring your own bike or rent<\/strong> \u2013 Many UK riders travel with their bikes, but there are also quality rental shops in Oudenaarde if you prefer to travel light.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"3134\"><p data-start=\"2976\" data-end=\"3134\"><strong data-start=\"2976\" data-end=\"2998\">Best time to visit<\/strong> \u2013 Spring and autumn are ideal, with cooler weather and the added buzz of cycling season. Summer offers longer days but can be busier.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3135\" data-end=\"3321\"><p data-start=\"3137\" data-end=\"3321\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/blog\/cycling-events-oudenaarde\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"3137\" data-end=\"3155\">Cycling events<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 You can even ride the official <strong data-start=\"3189\" data-end=\"3218\">Tour of Flanders Sportive<\/strong>, held the day before the pro race each April. Thousands of amateurs from around the world take part.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3322\" data-end=\"3475\"><p data-start=\"3324\" data-end=\"3475\"><strong data-start=\"3324\" data-end=\"3340\">Stay fuelled<\/strong> \u2013 Belgian caf\u00e9s are cyclist-friendly, with hearty sandwiches, pancakes, and, of course, world-class beer for post-ride celebrations.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-707b509 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"707b509\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6659c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c6659c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Where to Stay: Your Cycling Basecamp<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd58471 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cd58471\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"3526\" data-end=\"3686\">Choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference on a cycling holiday. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde<\/a> is a favourite among UK cyclists for good reason:<\/p><ul data-start=\"3688\" data-end=\"4138\"><li data-start=\"3688\" data-end=\"3765\"><p data-start=\"3690\" data-end=\"3765\"><strong data-start=\"3690\" data-end=\"3713\">Secure bike storage<\/strong> \u2013 Peace of mind that your bike is safe overnight.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3858\"><p data-start=\"3768\" data-end=\"3858\"><strong data-start=\"3768\" data-end=\"3807\">Bike repair and cleaning facilities<\/strong> \u2013 Keep your bike in top condition between rides.\u00a0<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3859\" data-end=\"3949\"><p data-start=\"3861\" data-end=\"3949\"><strong data-start=\"3861\" data-end=\"3892\">Spacious, comfortable rooms<\/strong> \u2013 Perfect for recovery after long hours in the saddle.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"4045\"><p data-start=\"3952\" data-end=\"4045\"><strong data-start=\"3952\" data-end=\"3973\">Brasserie on site<\/strong> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/betwisted\">Betwisted<\/a> is ideal for carb-loading with pasta, Belgian stews, and local dishes.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4046\" data-end=\"4138\"><p data-start=\"4048\" data-end=\"4138\"><strong data-start=\"4048\" data-end=\"4076\">Eco-friendly credentials<\/strong> \u2013 Stay with the reassurance of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/sustainability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Green Key certified<\/a> hotel.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"4140\" data-end=\"4446\">Plus, the hotel is right in the centre of Oudenaarde, a historic town that\u2019s considered the beating heart of the Tour of Flanders. The Tour of Flanders Centre (Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen) museum is just a short stroll away, where you can relive race history before heading out on your own ride.<\/p><p data-start=\"4448\" data-end=\"4605\">Discover more about staying at <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/hotel-in-the-flemish-ardennes?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4482\" data-end=\"4602\">Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde in the Flemish Ardennes<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8872d9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a8872d9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b2b47e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6b2b47e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Beyond The Bike<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc6a5ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cc6a5ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"4634\" data-end=\"4764\">Even the most dedicated cyclists need a rest day. Fortunately, Oudenaarde and the Flemish Ardennes offer plenty beyond the bike:<\/p><ul data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"5211\"><li data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"4862\"><p data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4862\"><strong data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4797\">Town Square of Oudenaarde<\/strong> \u2013 A beautiful setting lined with caf\u00e9s and historic buildings.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4863\" data-end=\"4961\"><p data-start=\"4865\" data-end=\"4961\"><strong data-start=\"4865\" data-end=\"4879\">MOU Museum<\/strong> \u2013 Learn about the town\u2019s history, from medieval tapestries to cycling heritage.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4962\" data-end=\"5101\"><p data-start=\"4964\" data-end=\"5101\"><strong data-start=\"4964\" data-end=\"4983\">Local breweries<\/strong> \u2013 Belgium is world-famous for its beer, and Oudenaarde is no exception. Try a refreshing local ale after your ride.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"5102\" data-end=\"5211\"><p data-start=\"5104\" data-end=\"5211\"><strong data-start=\"5104\" data-end=\"5122\">Walking routes<\/strong> \u2013 If you fancy stretching your legs off the bike, the region has lovely hiking trails.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"5213\" data-end=\"5341\">It makes the destination perfect for mixed groups too\u2014non-cyclists won\u2019t be short of things to do while you tackle the climbs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42f3183 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"42f3183\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36f6db5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"36f6db5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c61158 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3c61158\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"5365\" data-end=\"5689\">For UK riders, the Flemish Ardennes offer the ultimate cycling weekend. Just a short train journey from London, you\u2019ll find yourself on the same iconic cobbled climbs that define the Tour of Flanders. Add in stunning scenery, welcoming caf\u00e9s, and a town steeped in cycling history, and it\u2019s an experience you won\u2019t forget.<\/p><p data-start=\"5691\" data-end=\"5862\">And when it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/hotel-in-the-flemish-ardennes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">finding a hotel in the Flemish Ardennes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde<\/a> is the ideal basecamp, combining cyclist-friendly facilities with comfort, style, and a central location.<\/p><p data-start=\"5864\" data-end=\"6032\">So why just watch the race when you can ride it yourself? Plan your cycling break in the Flemish Ardennes and discover why UK riders keep coming back year after year.<\/p><p data-start=\"5864\" data-end=\"6032\">Book your stay at <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/hotel-in-the-flemish-ardennes?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6055\" data-end=\"6151\">Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde<\/a> and start your adventure today.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every spring, cycling fans in Britain tune in to watch the drama of the Tour of Flanders unfold, cobbled climbs, narrow lanes, and passionate fans. But did you know you can ride those same routes yourself? The Magic of the Tour of Flanders The Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) is one of cycling\u2019s legendary [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":2141,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[75,76,25,40,77],"class_list":["post-2499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-area","tag-blog","tag-cyclingroutes","tag-leopold-hotel-oudenaarde","tag-mountain-bike-routes-in-flanders","tag-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cycling the Tour of Flanders: Why UK Riders Love the Flemish Ardennes &#8211; Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ride the iconic cobbled climbs of the Tour of Flanders with a weekend cycling break in the Flemish Ardennes, staying at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldhoteloudenaarde.com\/en\/blog\/cycling-tour-flanders-flemish-ardennes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cycling the Tour of Flanders: Why UK Riders Love the Flemish Ardennes &#8211; 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