525 km across Flanders in 48 hours: good idea or not?

What happens when two complete strangers team up for the ultimate cycling pilgrimage?

In this film, Brook (USA) and Emiel (Belgium) take on the Ultimate Flanders 525 route — a 525 km ride from Tongeren to Ypres, inspired by Eddy Merckx’s 525 victories.

The route is designed as a bikepacking-light adventure: a journey to explore and savour the heartland of cycling at your own pace. But Brook and Emiel had other plans. They attempted the entire 525 km – including almost 6000m of climbing – in just two days.

“What were we thinking?”

This film follows their journey: the rhythm of riding with a complete stranger, the mental and physical push, and what happens when you take on a challenge that’s bigger than expected.

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Featuring

Brookmire McIntyre (US). Big engine, big heart.
Emiel Van Wetter (BE). Average Belgian cyclist.

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Produced by RPM™ Souplesse
Producer: Anthony Aelbrecht
Videographer: Jules Stallaert
Editor: Seppe Vanden Broeck
Graphics: Focus Advertising
Art direction: Dries Verclyte, Lien Brusselmans
Commissioned by: VISITFLANDERS | Cycling in Flanders & Eddy Merckx Bikes

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00:41 Day 1: Tongeren – Brakel 293km | 2,770 altimeters
01:12 Tongeren (0km)
01:55 Hageland (73km)
02:25 Meensel-Kiezegem: hometown of the G.O.A.T. (104km)
02:52 Leuven (126km)
04:26 Brussels (192km)
05:05 Pajottenland (200km)
07:29 Brakel (Flandrien Hotel) (292km)
08:04 Day 2: Brakel – Ypres 235km | 2,460 altimeters
10:00 Oudenaarde (353km)
11:42 Kortrijk (436km)
12:32 Plugstreets (In Flanders Fields) (482km)
15:01 Menin Gate Ypres (525km)

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🔁 CHECK OUT THE ROUTE & FREE GPX: https://www.cyclinginflanders.cc/routes/ultimate-flanders-525

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Follow Cycling in Flanders, @visitflanders ‘ dedicated cycling brand, for more routes, challenges and all practical information to plan your cycling trip to Flanders, Belgium.
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