Heartland Cycling: Belgium’s New Eddy Merckx & Sven Nys Routes
This June two new Flandrien cycling routes will open, each inspired the region’s two best-known riders – Eddy Merckx and Sven Nys.
The Eddy Merckx route has been extended to offer a more challenging ride, meeting the demand for a tougher experience. Merckx himself gives his blessing to the new route and shares the inspiration behind his love of cycling.
At the same time, another cycling legend, Sven Nys, former Belgian Cyclo-cross champion, explains the motivation for an adapted, more demanding route through his cherished former training area of Hageland.
The new route, which blends beautiful Flemish landscapes with cobbles, steep hills, and rich history, has been redesigned to offer a fresh perspective on what is already a popular cycling route.
New Eddy Merckx Cycling Route
Starting in June 2025, the legendary Eddy Merckx Cycling Route will be even more of a challenge. The route will be extended to 150 km, with over 1,000 metres of elevation, making it a must for every serious cycling enthusiast. This renewed route offers cyclists a more demanding yet rewarding experience through the beautiful landscapes that shaped Merckx’s early career.
The adventure begins at the statue of Eddy Merckx in Meensel-Kiezegem, located in front of his birthplace. Just a short distance away, visitors can admire a stunning mural dedicated to Merckx’s legendary career.
The artwork is full of references to his greatest achievements: the jersey he wore to win his first Tour de France, the cap from his last Tour victory, and iconic nicknames in the background. The number ‘525’ is featured prominently, signifying the total number of stage wins that earned him the title of the greatest cyclist of all time.
A Challenge for ‘Real Cannibals’
With the extension of the route, the Eddy Merckx Cycling Route is set to become an even more demanding experience. The 150 km course, with its challenging hills and undulating terrain, is perfect for the “real cannibals” of the cycling world—those who thrive on pushing their limits and conquering every climb.
Whether you’re a competitive cyclist or a passionate enthusiast, the renewed route promises to honour the legacy of Eddy Merckx while offering an unforgettable cycling experience through one of the most beautiful regions in Belgium.
Eddy Merckx’s love for cycling began in the hills of Flemish Brabant, the region where he was born and where he won his first village races. Today, the legacy of this cycling legend is celebrated with the Eddy Merckx Cycling Route, and starting in June 2025, this route will be taken to the next level, doubling in distance and offering an even greater challenge to cyclists.
A Special Bond with His Birthplace
Eddy’s earliest cycling memory was of being a toddler tearing through the farmyard on his tricycle at his grandmother’s house in Meensel-Kiezegem. Even as a young child, Merckx had a special connection to the region. Though his family moved to Woluwe-Saint-Pierre when he was just a year old, the hills of Hageland remained his favourite escape. Every school holiday, he would return to his grandmother’s farm, often on his bike, to cycle through the beautiful countryside and enjoy the undulating hills.
“I spent hours cycling around the region, conquering slope after slope, taking in the views at the top,” Eddy recalls. “The landscape hasn’t changed since then. It’s just as beautiful now as it was when I was a child. I felt there was something more I could do with that cycling talent.”
It was in this very region that Merckx began his competitive cycling journey. “During my first season as a cyclist, I took part in a two-day race in my hometown. I finished third on the first day and fourth on the second day, which was good enough to win the overall classification. It was one of my first victories, and it tasted like more,” he shares.
Merckx went on to win an astonishing 525 races throughout his career, including five Tour de France titles, five Giro d’Italia titles, and numerous one-day classics. He also set the world endurance record and became a three-time world champion. Reflecting on his early days, he chuckles, recalling one of his first races in Blanden: “I had to change my shoes, and by the time I caught up, I was so far behind that I couldn’t find my way. Despite this, I ended up catching the leaders and finishing ahead of them!”
• Start: Statue of Eddy Merckx, Meensel-Kiezegem
• Distance: 150 km
• Elevation: 1,000+ metres
• Route opens: June 2025 – Route & more details coming soon.
New Sven Nys Cycling Route
The Sven Nys Cycling Route, through the scenic Hageland region has been taken to anotherlevel by Nys himself, redesigning it to be even more challenging and rewarding. With a few extra kilometres and a few more hills, this updated route promises to keep riders engaged from start to finish. Despite retiring from professional cycling 18 years ago and nine years since his last world championship, Nys remains deeply connected to the region.
For Nys, the Hageland is more than just a cycling route—it’s a landscape that combines nature, history, and cycling culture. “The Hageland is a fantastic cycling region. You ride through nature, past fruit orchards, and over short but sharp slopes that come at you one after another. You turn a corner and there’s something new to see. It’s never monotonous,” he added.
After many years, he decided to redraw the route. Keeping it in the same region, the route routes via hills from another side,offering cyclists a fresh experience. With so many cyclists having ridden the Sven Nys Cycling Route in the past, he wanted to offer a different perspective and a new panorama.
The importance of the Hageland region has grown in recent years, becoming a focal point for cycling events. From the World Cycling Championship to the World Gravel Championship, and many more cycling events, Flemish Brabant has become synonymous with cycling culture. According to Nys, this exposure has only increased interest in the area. “It’s great to see more and more cycling enthusiasts and recreational cyclists discovering the region’s charm and assets. During my pro career, I was riding these hills every day,” he said.
There are several landmarks along the route worth stopping for, according to Nys.
“Be sure to stop and pay a visit to the statue of Eddy Merckx in Meensel-Kiezegem, right in front of his birthplace. The facade of the village pub, ‘t Klein Verlet features a beautiful street art tribute to the greatest cyclist of all time. Many young cyclists, including Merckx himself, began their careers here,” he added.
“The stunning Castle of Horst in the region looks like something straight out of the Middle Ages. As you continue, the hills start to undulate, with vines and fruit trees lining the slopes. As you approach Tienen, the open landscapes and winding roads await. Like I’ve said, this region never gets boring.”
Practical Information
• Full Route – https://www.strava.com/routes/10962774
• Distance: 107 km
• Cycling time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Altitude: 790 metres
