Though the full route is beyond the space of this column, this route gives at least a sample of the hills. If you want to get the real feeling of competition, just repeat this ride…17 times.

Beginning at the Ronse train station in East Flanders, turn left, up a slight hill away from the town centre, following signs for path 29. After the roundabout, turn left away from the busy road. The hills to the right are our goal here.

Turn left at the dead end, then head straight through a small commercial area following paths 29 and then 24. The road becomes a country lane, and if you have never been in the Flemish Ardennes before you might not know you are in Flanders: a dilapidated farm lounges alongside the road; a white brick windmill stands at a slight distance; at the foot of the approaching hills, a small village sits, the red brick spire of its church visible from afar.

At junction 24, take path 23 along a short residential section. Here, the climbing begins, following the narrow right-of-way between two farms, past a solar-panel-lined house built into the side of the hill.

At the T-intersection, pause for breath and take in the view. Turn left along the side of the hill past more farms. Another road breaks off to the left; turn right at the fork just beyond, climbing uphill through the woods past the small pond to the right. The climb here is even steeper, reaching a 25 % grade. The woods to the right are a nature preserve.

At the summit, there is a café if you need a break. Otherwise, turn right along the ridge towards path 28. Don’t be surprised if you’re passed here by groups of uniformed cyclists trailed by a support vehicle – training for the Tour takes place year round.

Head straight, through the intersection with the windmill. In a short distance, there will be another white windmill; just beyond that, turn downhill on path 34. The road winds along the open pastures of south-facing hillside farms.

Back in town, turn left at the roundabout, uphill once again, following 34 along a series of short turns, eventually through a small park. On the other side, turn right, following signs for LF6 and then 29, along the stream through downtown Ronse, past the canal-lined textile museum, the Grote Markt and the red brick Sint Martin’s Church, back to the train station.

Distance:

15 kilometres

Difficulty:

Difficult. You’ll definitely break a sweat

Time:

60 minutes