Brussels Periphery expects tens of thousands of cyclists and walkers on September 1

On Sunday 1 September, the 43rd edition of the De Gordel walking and cycling event will take place in the Brussels Periphery. The region expects tens of thousands of participants, Flemish minister for Sport and the Brussels Periphery Ben Weyts announced on Wednesday.

Although this will be the 43rd edition of the De Gordel, the event still has a few surprises in store. For example, participants will be able to try out urban sports such as bmx, panna football and skateboarding. There will also be a slackline suspended 20 metres above the ground between the tower of the Castle of Viron in Dilbeek and the tall trees on the other side of the road.

There will also be new activities for people with disabilities: they can take part in a cyclo-cross race, in collaboration with the organisers of the Special Olympics. The event also offers traditional walks of 5, 10 or 15 kilometres and cycle rides of 20, 40, 60 or 100 kilometres.

Not just sports

In Dilbeek and Huizingen, participants can enjoy entertainment and performances by Flemish artists. In Dilbeek, there will be a musical with a choir of foreign-speaking migrants singing Dutch songs, while in Huizingen, TV chef Loïc Van Impe will prepare dishes using local produce.

"The Gordel is no ordinary sporting event," says Weyts. "We are celebrating the green and Flemish character of our region. As in previous years, the visitors themselves can actively contribute to more greenery in the Periphery, because this year too, a Gordel tree will be planted in the Brussels Periphery for every registered participant".

"We are celebrating the green and Flemish character of our region"

More information about De Gordel, including the schedule and registration for the events, can be found at www.degordel.be.

^{#FlandersNewsService | De Gordel in 2019. © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}