Stage 5 Leuven - Leuven (185.0km)
No finish in Geraardsbergen this time, but a revival of the Grote Prijs Jef Scherens, the Tour of Leuven, and the local circuit also used in the 2021 World Championships — in short, a loop full of cycling history! In and around Leuven, the elevation changes are enough to create an exciting finale.
The organizers begin with a larger loop that takes the riders through Lubbeek, Holsbeek, and Rotselaar in the Hageland region. There are some climbs along this section, but often spaced too far apart to see any real racing. This loop, to be completed twice, mainly serves as a warm-up.
In Leuven itself, a city circuit awaits, which the riders tackle five times. Three tough climbs are on this loop, also featured in the Worlds finale. First, the Keizersberg (300 meters at 5.6%), then the slightly rising Decouxlaan (1.1 kilometers at 3.4%), and finally the Wijnpers (300 meters at 8.3%), where riders were cheered on by a wall of supporters during the Worlds.
The Sint-Antoniusberg, where Julian Alaphilippe launched his decisive attack, is not included in this course. After the last ascent of the Wijnpers, 5.5 kilometers remain to the finish, traditionally located on the Bondgenotenlaan.
Stage 5 Leuven - Leuven (185.0km)
No finish in Geraardsbergen this time, but a revival of the Grote Prijs Jef Scherens, the Tour of Leuven, and the local circuit also used in the 2021 World Championships — in short, a loop full of cycling history! In and around Leuven, the elevation changes are enough to create an exciting finale.
The organizers begin with a larger loop that takes the riders through Lubbeek, Holsbeek, and Rotselaar in the Hageland region. There are some climbs along this section, but often spaced too far apart to see any real racing. This loop, to be completed twice, mainly serves as a warm-up.
In Leuven itself, a city circuit awaits, which the riders tackle five times. Three tough climbs are on this loop, also featured in the Worlds finale. First, the Keizersberg (300 meters at 5.6%), then the slightly rising Decouxlaan (1.1 kilometers at 3.4%), and finally the Wijnpers (300 meters at 8.3%), where riders were cheered on by a wall of supporters during the Worlds.
The Sint-Antoniusberg, where Julian Alaphilippe launched his decisive attack, is not included in this course. After the last ascent of the Wijnpers, 5.5 kilometers remain to the finish, traditionally located on the Bondgenotenlaan.