A journey between legends and iconic walls, the appointment is for Monday 7 October
Flanders, home of cycling, calls us to take part in a unique and unforgettable adventure: “The Flandrien Challenge”. Answering this call and taking up the challenge of a challenge that goes beyond simple pedaling, a journey through the most iconic segments of the Tour of Flanders and a land steeped in cycling history, will be Alessandro Ballan, Daniel Oss and Alan Marangoni. The three super runners, who have amassed plenty of northern classics, will battle from Monday 7 October to complete the challenge in the pre-established time and let us experience the first-person experience through their eyes and words! With 59 segments spread across a now legendary territory, by participating in the Flandrien Challenge, one has the opportunity to compete with the famous walls, such as the infamous Muur van Geraardsbergen or the Koppenberg, both with slopes exceeding 20% and which have marked the history of competitions. Each stretch represents a technical challenge, where strength, endurance and strategy will be tested. Everything must be completed in less than 72 hours, making this challenge not just a test of skill, but a true marathon of passion for two wheels and the northern classics. The Flandrien Challenge, however, is not just for professionals: it is dedicated to all amateur cyclists, to those “Mamils” (men in Lycra) and “Wilmas” (women in Lycra) who want to experience the thrill of tackling some of the toughest routes in world cycling. If you love challenges and adrenaline, if you are looking for that mix of effort and glory, this is the opportunity to leave your mark in the history of cycling.
experience for true cycling enthusiasts
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It doesn’t matter whether you’re an expert cyclist or an enthusiast who trains hard every week, the Flandrien Challenge was designed and created by Cycling in Flanders, a brand of Visitflanders (Flanders’ tourism board), for those who live for cycling. Integration with the Strava app allows you to be guided along the route and certify every meter travelled, every climb conquered, thus becoming a digital compass as you tackle the epic climbs and cobbled sections, the undisputed symbol of Flemish cycling. The cobblestone itself, so unique and uneven, represents a technical challenge where bike control, balance and endurance are pushed to the limit. But it’s not just a digital challenge: each segment is physically marked on the route with lines and white letters that indicate the beginning and end of the stretch. In this way, the experience becomes even more immersive and tangible, because every goal is visible, concrete. To complete the challenge, the absolute freedom to choose the order in which to tackle the segments, allowing maximum customization of the race strategy and experience.
Registration and participation methods
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Taking part in the Flandrien Challenge is simple and completely free. All you need to do is connect your Strava account to the Strava account portal via the official Flandrien Challenge website. Once logged in, you can start running the segments challenging yourself and the stopwatch. The thing about the Flandrien Challenge is that you can take it on at any time of the year, without the pressure and organizational difficulties of a scheduled race. You have the freedom to choose the days that work best for you and plan your personal strategy to complete the 59 segments within 72 hours. The challenge is open to all those who have a bike, or intend to rent one on site, and want to test themselves on the iconic routes of Flanders. Once you finish the challenge and complete all segments, your name will automatically be registered and you will be able to enter the Wall of Fame, where your success will be imprinted forever.
Enter the Wall of fame
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Completing the Flandrien Challenge in less than 72 hours will take you to an achievement that few cyclists can boast: your name will be engraved on a personalized stone, a symbol of the legendary Flemish pavé stones. This will be exhibited in the famous Wall of Fame of the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen in Oudenaarde, alongside those of the great champions who have made the history of cycling, such as Eddy Merckx and Fabian Cancellara. To crown an already incredible experience, not only will you be able to see your name next to that of the legends but you will once again be the creator by personally placing your stone on the wall, an intimate celebration of your success making you part of a true elite of the amateur cycling.
Flanders: A dream destination 365 days a year
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Flanders is not just a destination for the Tour of Flanders. This region, rich in cycling history and tradition, offers year-round cycling experiences. With its countless cycle paths and routes immersed in nature, it is a paradise for those who love cycling. From walls like the Paterberg, famous for its difficulty, to gentler routes through the Flemish countryside, every type of cyclist will find their ideal route. Beyond the challenge, Flanders offers authentic cycling culture. After a long day in the saddle, in fact, you can relax in one of the many local cycling cafés, enjoy a craft Belgian beer and savor traditional dishes such as Flemish stew. Cyclists are not only welcome here but are celebrated with dedicated facilities and services. In addition to the iconic roads, the region is dotted with bike-friendly accommodation where you can rest and prepare for the next stage.
Challenge your limits, share your passion
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The Flandrien Challenge is a celebration of the cycling spirit. It’s an opportunity to compete with yourself and friends in a challenge that combines competition, camaraderie and fun. Share your experience on social media, show your friends and the whole world what you have achieved, and be inspired by the great names of the past and present. The Flandrien Challenge is an opportunity to experience cycling to the fullest and to breathe in the unique atmosphere of Flanders, a land that pulsates to the rhythm of two wheels.
Ballan, Oss, Marangoni and an amateur ready to conquer the Flandrien Challenge
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On 7 October, the Flandrien Challenge will be enriched by the special participation of the three great names of Italian cycling, Alessandro Ballan, Daniel Oss and Alan Marangoni, who will compete on the legendary Flemish walls. Ballan, winner of the Tour of Flanders in 2007 and world road champion in 2008, a true specialist in the northern classics. Daniel Oss, known for his numerous participations in the classics and Grand Tours, will bring his experience and determination to these challenging climbs. Finally, Alan Marangoni, former professional cyclist and appreciated commentator, will complete the trio by bringing his technical knowledge and contagious enthusiasm. This year I will have the honor of joining this battle, I, Umberto Carfora, fresh from my experiences in the world of ultracycling, will bring the passion of amateurs to this epic challenge. Cycling alongside these great professionals represents for me an incredible opportunity and a way to demonstrate that we amateur cyclists can also tackle the same legendary climbs that have made Flanders famous. Being part of this adventure is a dream come true, ready to give your all to keep up with these legends, breathing the magic of competition and sharing the path with them. The three champions, together with me, will tackle the 59 segments of the Flandrien Challenge to tell live every moment of this epic adventure, sharing with their fans and all cycling enthusiasts the details, difficulties and beauty of the route and the challenge. It will be a unique opportunity for me, as for all amateurs, to be able to live this experience alongside the greats of cycling and challenge myself on one of the most representative terrains in world cycling.
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2024-10-04 17:01:17
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