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 choice, as the cycling legend's brand is based here. Along the way, you can take a break at the Vlooybergtoren, snap a selfie at the impressive mural of the Cannibal, and reflect by the Demer River and among the numerous fruit and vineyards.
Features
Distance: 83.20 km
Elevation gain: 592 m
Road type: 60% gravel, 40% road
Start point: Belgian Cycling Factory, Tervantstraat 2B, 3583 Beringen
Elevation gain: 592 m
Road type: 60% gravel, 40% road
Start point: Belgian Cycling Factory, Tervantstraat 2B, 3583 Beringen
Start and Finish Location
The starting and finishing point of the cycling route is the Belgian Cycling Factory in Beringen. This is where Eddy Merckx bikes are still produced every day. An information board gives you a brief overview of what to expect along the way, and a QR code allows you to download the GPX file. Be sure to look around too: as a birthday gift to Eddy, our Art Director designed a stunning mural entirely in the spirit of Eddy 80.
Shortcut
For those who find 80 km a bit too much, there's a shorter route available. Near Diest, you can take a shortcut, resulting in a total distance of 41.6 km and 268 meters of elevation gain. The start and finish location remains the same.
Points of Interest
Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel
The dome of the Basilica in Scherpenheuvel is a prominent landmark in the region. Since the 16th century, Scherpenheuvel has been a pilgrimage site for Catholics and remains the most visited place of reflection in the country. The dome is adorned with 298 golden seven-pointed stars, and cyclists come from far and wide to light a candle here for good luck in the upcoming cycling season.
Vlooybergtoren
Built in 2013 in Tielt-Winge, the Vlooybergtoren gained national fame thanks to its appearance in the television series 'Callboys'. From the top, on a clear day, you can enjoy a panorama stretching from the cooling towers of Vilvoorde to the mining headframes in Beringen.
Eddy Merckx Mural
Since 2024, a gigantic mural of Eddy Merckx has adorned the wall of a house in Kiezegem. This house stands barely 50 meters from the Cannibal’s childhood home. He spent part of his youth here and used to spend weekends visiting his grandparents in Kiezegem. He even raced his very first competition in the village. According to legend, he was lapped in that race. It wouldn’t take long, however, before Eddy started crushing his rivals. The mural was created by the artist collective Threepack and has since become a popular selfie spot.
Langs de druivenranken
The Hageland region is rightly called the Tuscany of Belgium. This is evident in our gravel route, where you cycle among the vineyards. As early as Roman times, vines were planted here, and today, you'll find a rich variety of wines. In 1997, the Hageland wines were the first in the country to receive a protected designation of origin.