43rd edition of De Gordel kicks off

The annual walking and cycling event "De Vlaamse Gordel" (the Flemish belt) kicked off on Sunday. Tens of thousands of participants are expected. 

In Dilbeek on Sunday morning, Ben Weyts kicked off the 43rd edition of the Vlaamse Gordel (Flemish Belt). The minister of the “Vlaamse Rand” (or “Brussels Periphery”, referring to 19 Flemish municipalities encircling Brussels) set off along with the cycling pack, which will complete a 125-km journey through the Brussels periphery.

Participants in De Gordel this year can choose from the traditional 5, 10 or 15-kilometre hikes, and 20, 40, 60 or 100-kilometre bike rides, as well as gravel rides. But there are also a lot of novelties.

For example, people with disabilities can participate in a cyclo-cross race, which has been set up in cooperation with the Special Olympics organisers. In addition, participants in this edition can also try out urban sports such as BMX, a nutmeg competition and skateboarding. There will also be a ‘slackline’ suspended 20 metres in the air. 

In Dilbeek itself, participants will be able to enjoy plenty of entertainment. Musical performances by Four, Francisco and Aaron Blommaert, among others, are planned, and chef Loïc Van Impe will prepare dishes using local produce.

Participating contributes to the greening of the region. As in previous editions, a tree or shrub will be planted for each registered participant.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Minister Ben Weyts at 2017’s ‘Gordelfestival’ © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}