The first Tour de France was held in 1903. The earliest riders, known as the ‘Convicts of the Road’, were famous for their courage and athleticism. They were all from the working classes and rode extremely heavy and basic bicycles compared to today's riders. They covered over 400 kilometres (250 mi) a day across mountain passes and along gravel roads, with no technical assistance.

La ‘Grande Boucle(the ‘Great Loop’) has changed a great deal since then. But its pioneering spirit is now enjoying an unexpected revival, with events distancing themselves from fame and money, and instead focusing on personal accomplishment and happiness. Created in 2013, the Transcontinental Race, or TCR, is an amateur ultra-cycling event covering 4,000 kilometres ( 2,500 mi) across Europe. Other shorter but equally challenging events have also emerged. Belgium is a great cycling nation, and it was only natural that it should have its very own ultra race. A cycling enthusiast created the Conquête des Ardennes a few years ago.

This Collection offers you the chance to follow this fantastic route in five accessible stages. The route ventures into the depths of the Ardennes, explores the Famenne and the Condroz, skirts the border of Luxembourg, and crosses the Deux Ourthes Nature Park, finishing in the foothills of the Meuse. This 450-kilometre (250 mi) loop starts in the town of Huy and has a very high elevation gain for the distance. If you thought that Belgium was flat, the number of passes, climbs, and ramps will change your opinion – it’s anything but! In fact, it's the relentless succession of hills that make up the very essence of this adventure.

You'll also be following the wheels of Belgian champions such as Eddy Merckx and Mathieu Van der Poel across sections of the Flèche Wallonne and the famous Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

As the days go by, you'll see some unmissable sites, such as the town of Namur and La Roche-en Ardenne, better known as the pearl of Wallonia.

The route starts and finishes at Huy railway station. The town is served by regional trains that accept bicycles. A small but important detail: in Belgium, when you take the train, you have to pay for one ticket for yourself and another for your bike.

This Collection is for experienced cyclists who are in good shape. Accommodation and food are readily available at the end of every stage. A racing bike equipped for bikepacking will be a good lightweight setup. Don't forget your rain gear. It’s best to visit the Belgian Ardennes between May and October.

If you want to make your adventure official, visit the following website (in French):
conquetedesardennes.be

Enjoy your trip!