Wonderful tribute to the Cannibal during an atmospheric gravel ride!
This past Sunday was a special day for the entire Eddy Merckx Bikes community. With a dedicated gravel ride starting from the factory, we paid a fitting tribute to the greatest of all time. Nearly 200 participants joined in. In the future, this route will also be fully signposted, becoming the country’s first permanent gravel route.
On June 17th, Eddy Merckx celebrates his 80th birthday. As a bike brand named after the Cannibal, we marked the occasion in a fitting way. Eddy’s Gravel Ride was both a tribute to our inspiration and a celebration of our love for cycling. Participants could choose between a full route of over 80 kilometers or a shorter 40-kilometer version, discovering the most beautiful gravel paths of the Hageland region.
On June 17th, Eddy Merckx celebrates his 80th birthday. As a bike brand named after the Cannibal, we marked the occasion in a fitting way. Eddy’s Gravel Ride was both a tribute to our inspiration and a celebration of our love for cycling. Participants could choose between a full route of over 80 kilometers or a shorter 40-kilometer version, discovering the most beautiful gravel paths of the Hageland region.
Stylish mural
The first surprise came even before the start: we unveiled a particularly stylish mural on the wall of the Bike Valley Experience Center. This way, Eddy also becomes part of the streetscape in Beringen, where his bikes are still made today. Next to the mural is an information board with all the practical tips for exploring Eddy’s Gravel Ride.
In four waves, participants took on the challenging gravel course. Along the way, they passed landmarks such as the Vlooyberg Tower and the beautiful mural of Eddy in his birthplace, Meensel-Kiezegem. Afterwards, everyone gathered to chat over food and drinks. Each participant also received a thematic buff – completely styled in the Eddy 80 theme – to take home. With the modest Belgian sun shining, everyone went home with a big smile.
In four waves, participants took on the challenging gravel course. Along the way, they passed landmarks such as the Vlooyberg Tower and the beautiful mural of Eddy in his birthplace, Meensel-Kiezegem. Afterwards, everyone gathered to chat over food and drinks. Each participant also received a thematic buff – completely styled in the Eddy 80 theme – to take home. With the modest Belgian sun shining, everyone went home with a big smile.
Cycle the Eddy Merckx Gravel Route
Eddy Merckx has left a lasting legacy on the Belgian cycling landscape. After previously receiving a dedicated cycling route in his birthplace, this gravel route now also bears his name. The route starts at the Belgian Cycling Factory in Paal, a symbolic location since the grandmaster’s bike brand is based here. Along the way, you can take a break at the Vlooyberg Tower, snap a selfie with the impressive mural of the Cannibal, or reflect by the Demer River and among the many fruit orchards and vineyards.
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