Our grandparents faced the elements in conquering the bergs and cobbles of Flanders, Roubaix and Bastogne. They all played a role in the birth of what is currently known as a ‘Flandrien’; a cyclist who dares to bike in harsh conditions when facing wind, rain or hail.
And so I was infected some 10 years ago by the same cycling virus as my ancestors. I started to bike the same roads as the pro’s did during their Flanders or Paris Roubaix tours or many other smaller Classic cycling races in which one can participate.
In my professional career I worked for 2 large European tour operators for which I organized cycling holidays and events to the south of Europe. Those trips were destined for cyclists who wanted to escape winter and were looking for sun and warm temperatures.
One of the most beautiful destinations I was able to discover was the island of Mallorca which, like Flanders, has a lot of ‘Classic’ potential thanks to its many iconic climbs, roads and excellent food and wine.