Velodrome

After the successful launch of the podcast “KOERSTRUI,” it's now time for a new exhibition.

“KOERSVROUW,” that's the name of the new exhibition at the recreational domain 'De Schorre' in Boom.

The cycling museum in Boom is stepping up this year to promote women's cycling.

Ellen Van Loy is the ambassador.

The 'Velodrome' in Boom is launching a brand new exhibition starting in April 2023, focusing on the 'cycling woman.' The museum has undergone a thorough facelift for this!

No more hard steel and macho outfits, but a somewhat subtler presentation where every visitor will find something to their liking among old posters, photos and portraits, textiles, and other (frivolous or not) memorabilia. A historical view of women’s cycling, then and now: from Yvonne Reynders to Lotte Kopecky...

Koersvrouw presents a unique view of the evolution of women's cycling, from the 1930s to now. Rosa Calluy and Celestina ('Stieneke') Moens, both from Boom, were already racing in the early 1930s. Calluy is considered a true cycling pioneer. She won the national championships and placed second at the European Championships in Hoboken in 1934, beaten in the sprint by 'Elvira' (Willy) De Bruyn from Aalst... During training near the brick factories, she was whistled at by workers, after which she decided to stop. The arrival of the bicycle (as a mode of transport) meant freedom and autonomy for many women. Cycling remained, however, a man's affair.

Some brave ladies didn’t just accept that. Rosa Sels and Yvonne Reynders showed that women could 'ride with a velo' too. And indeed they could! The race was no longer forbidden territory for the sporty woman.

Women’s cycling is 'cool,' as evidenced by increased broadcast time and attention in the media. The exhibition aims to contribute to this goal: getting more women on bicycles.

Our ambassador Ellen Van Loy, who is putting her shoulders behind this project, has already had a beautiful cycling career. The very first cyclocross organized in De Schorre was in 2015, then still called the Niels Albert cross. In the elite women's category, none other than..... Ellen Van Loy won at that time!

Lotte Kopecky

With three consecutive crystal bicycles and just as many Flandrienne trophies, our local star is currently achieving a series of top performances. As a regional cyclist, we give Lotte a prominent place in our collection.

Cycling family Druyts

The cycling family Druyts from Wilrijk made cycling history in 2016. At the start of the Prudential Ride in London, sisters Kelly, Jessy, Demmy, and Lenny Druyts lined up. This was very special, as never before had four sisters participated together in a World Cup race. Cycling jerseys and trophies from this famous cycling family, which also included brother Gerry as a cyclist, will be on display in the museum.

De Schorre