From September 11 to 15, Belgian Limburg will host the battle for the European jerseys. Preparations are in full swing, and those not selected for a national team can explore the course on Sunday, September 8, during the Best of Limburg. The five distances range from 20 to 140 kilometers. CycloWorld has already explored the longest distance, which features over 800 meters of elevation gain.

The best of Belgian Limburg

While the pros will start in Heusden-Zolder, the tour stage begins in Hasselt. The first kilometers head north along the Albert Canal. Those looking to pick up speed will find ample room to pedal hard here. After about five kilometers, the route veers off, and the climbing legs are briefly put to the test. The ascent reaches 8 to 9%, but it’s a short climb. We then arrive at the Heusden-Zolder circuit, which also features an indoor cycling track, or “piste,” as it’s called in Belgium.

A little further on, we turn onto a mile-long former railroad track, now a well-paved bike path through the woods. Just as we start craving a change of scenery, we ride out of the forest, and an old mine shaft appears ahead. No longer in use for about thirty years, it has been beautifully preserved as part of the region's industrial heritage. Next, we head to Zonhoven, where the first rest stop for Best of Limburg is located. The route here still winds through built-up areas.

After Zonhoven, the landscape changes. We enter a stunning nature reserve and arrive at the famous “Cycling through the Water” path, where the water is at eye level on both sides. It’s a perfect spot to pause for photos and take in the surroundings. The same applies to the Old Town, situated in the forest near Bokrijk, where a row of medieval Antwerp houses has been repurposed. Clearly, this first part of the route is a sightseeing tour of various special locations, ideal for cycling tourists. The pros, however, won’t have much time to enjoy these sights. What stands out is that you’re never far from civilization, with several bike cafes along the way. The second rest stop is one of them: Café Coureur, just before Borgloon. Everything here exudes cycling culture, making it an excellent place to refill your water bottles and grab a bite to eat.

Time for some climbing

As you approach Borgloon, you’ll notice the landscape beginning to change. We are now entering the Haspengouw region, where the terrain becomes more hilly—perfect for gaining some elevation. And right away, there are some cobbled sections on the route. Two of them are particularly noteworthy. First, there's the 'Koppenberg of Limburg,' the Nommelenberg. If you find yourself on a gravel path and start to wonder if you're on the right track, you’ll see a narrow strip of cobblestones rising steeply on your left. The good news is that you're on the correct route, and those cobblestones are indeed your path.

More good news: your inner ring will get a bit of a workout, as you’re facing a gradient of up to 16% here. After a few hundred meters, you’ll reach the top. Be cautious when cycling in a group; it might be necessary to dismount and walk a bit. The second notable section is Dumontlaan, from Horpmaal to Oreye (Oerle). The road is wide, but the cobblestones are uneven across its entire width, making for a bumpy ride—especially with about five bars of pressure in our 28 mm tires.

Good road quality

What truly stands out about Haspengouw are the well-maintained estates, castles, and the endless fruit orchards. The harvest of apples, pears, and raspberries is in full swing, and the thought of pear ice cream or apple pie is very tempting. This part of the route offers most of the elevation gain, but almost all of it is perfectly manageable on the big ring. The asphalt here is excellent, which holds true for the entire route.

We gradually cycle back towards Borgloon, where the final supply station is located at the Stroopfabriek. The last thirty kilometers take us back to Hasselt for the finish. Spending a day touring here was a real pleasure. The surroundings and the route are particularly welcoming. Our tip: take your time to enjoy the scenery and soak it all in. For us, it truly felt like a day of vacation. Of course, the perfect cycling weather played a significant role. And for those looking for an athletic challenge: apart from some narrower stretches, the route is ideal for maintaining a good pace. In short, unless you're a pure mountain goat, it's a must to immerse yourself in the best of Limburg.

Registration can be done via the official website.