Valtech Classic 2026 - Tiegem Mullem Nokere

Valtech Classic 2026

The first ride took place in 2002, then still called the '100km van Valvan': Fixed conditions are that the cape of 100km is exceeded, and we prefer to explore new routes.

2026. We are ready for our 9th Classic🏆! We are heading towards Kruisem (detailed route below). We do not conquer the hills with the roaring names known from the Cycling Classics, but nonetheless this route should not be underestimated! E

From Menen we head towards Noordkaai. There we cross the Blauwersbrug, which was officially inaugurated last summer. Just before Leienhof we leave the river and turn into Menenstraat. Here the first elevation meters cautiously present themselves. We traverse the strikingly pink village center of Lauwe and after the level crossing we go slightly uphill via Aalbeeksesteenweg along the Preshoekbos. Via Aalbeke we ride past Vandecasteele Hout and continue our journey via Lampestraat, Binnenstraat, Groene Dreef and Elleboogstraat. This way we reach 't Hoge in Kortrijk. Next, we follow Schaapsdreef and Beekstraat. Along the way, we pass the festival meadow that annually serves as the setting for among others Kamping Kitsch Club and Alcatraz Open Air. Not much later we cross Bellegemstraat. By then we have completed our first real climb. Here we already know if the legs are good, or if it will be a long day. After about 20 kilometers on the clock, a descent follows via the winding Koutermanstraat and Drielindenstraat. Via Kastanjeboomstraat we continue towards Knokke-Zwevegem. After crossing the Kortrijk-Bossuit Canal, the landscape becomes increasingly rural. The Kwadestraat, Molenstraat, Stampkotstraat, Paepestraat, and Brouwerijstraat follow the first consecutive hills. None of these climbs are particularly long, but the combination can already creep quite a way into the legs. The open fields, rolling roads, and expansive vistas form the perfect backdrop for what still lies ahead.

Slowly but surely we drive towards the first serious climbing of the day. Ahead of us lies a challenging quartet that will characterize this ninth edition of the Valtech Classic: Tiegemberg, Gijzelbrechtegem, Petegemberg, and Ooikeberg.

Around kilometer 35, the climb of the Tiegemberg (***) begins. The approach goes via Hellestraat, followed by the final stretches of Meuleberg. After the summit, a short descent follows via Vossenhol.

Via Doornstraat and Hollendries we set course towards Gijzelbrechtegem (**), where Pikkelstraat poses the second real challenge of the day. After the summit, a descent follows via Huldestraat. We pass the Hooihopper and shift to a lighter gear in Biesbosstraat just in time, for immediately ahead lies the third challenge: the Petegemberg (**). At the top, Bergstraat turns into Heerbaan. In the valley to the right, the St. Walburga Church of Oudenaarde appears, while ahead of us the white church of Moregem comes into view. Via Vierschaar, Volkaartbeekstraat, and Keistraat we then reach Ooikeberg (*), the last climb of this quartet that colored the past fifteen kilometers.

We continue through Ooike and via Rooigemstraat, the picturesque Mullem appears on the horizon. Mullem is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved village views of Flanders, known for its yellow facades, old village center, and rural charm.

With about 56 kilometers on the clock we reach the furthest point of our journey.

From here we head westward back. Via Huise and Huisepontweg (*) we ride towards Wannegem. Along this road, the Huisepontmolen dominates the landscape.

Along the way, we also seek out the cobblestones of Nokere (*). Via Holstraat and Drogenboom we stay north of Waregem. At Sint-Eloois-Vijve we pick up the Leie again. Here, about 72 kilometers are on the clock.

Here we continue to follow the left bank of the Leie. This way we also avoid the road works that are taking place here and there along the route. Via Desselgem and Harelbeke, we ride past the small sluice of the Kortrijk-Bossuit Canal. The winding College Bridge takes us to the other bank of the Leie. At Bissegem we leave the river and look for Bieststraat in Wevelgem. Via Vinkestraat, Ezelstraat, and the rural Boerendreef we continue, and ultimately we cross the N8 and once again find ourselves on Krommebeekstraat, where the last meters towards the finish are announced.