WHAT IT MEANS TO BE flandrien
The nickname “Flandrien” was first used to describe the Flemish track cyclists who competed at 6-day races in the USA in the early decades of the twentieth century. The term was later adopted for the gutsy riders from Flanders who dominated the Spring Classics.
From the late 1960s the first “International Flandrien” from countries such as Australia, Ireland, Denmark, the United Kingdom and the USA came to live, train and race in Flanders. Today the term Flandrien is not so much about a nationality but a mentality of grit, determination and perseverance.
By battling the elements and riding the fabled cobbles and climbs of the region, you too can call yourself Flandrien! Embark on the Flandrien Challenge, a 72-hour quest to conquer 59 iconic berg and cobble segments.
Your triumph earns you a place in cycling history, marked by a personalized stone on the esteemed wall of fame at the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen in Oudenaarde. After after completing the Challenge, what a better way to reward yourself than with some Flandrien Chocolate!
Briek schotte
Alberic “Briek” Schotte was a Belgian professional road racing cyclist, one of the champions of the 1940s and 1950s. Schotte was World Champion in 1948 and 1950 and his stamina earned him the nickname “Iron Briek” (IJzeren Briek). Since passing away in 2004 Schotte has been widely recognised as the last of the true “Flandriens” those gutsy riders from Flanders who dominated the Ronde van Vlaanderen and other Spring Classics in the first half of the twentieth century. Briek was famous for his quotes, our personal favorite being: "Je moe zere rien, aje zere moe rien" which means "You must ride fast, if you must ride fast."
"Je moe zere rien, a je zere moe rien"
-Briek Schotte
Johan Museeuw, affectionately called "The Lion of Flanders," is a Belgian cycling icon. His tenacity and versatility were evident as he conquered one-day classics and stage races in the 1990s. Museeuw's legendary determination shone brightest on the treacherous cobbled roads of Paris-Roubaix, where he triumphed thrice. His words, "The hell of the North is my heaven," capture the spirit of a man who became a symbol of Belgian cycling excellence, celebrated for his numerous prestigious victories and unwavering resolve on the toughest of terrains.
johan Museeuw
"As long as I breathe, I attack."
-Johan Museeuw
