Valtech Classic 2021 - St Sauveur Hameau des papins

2021. We are ready for our 7th Classic🏆.

The Valtech classic of 2021 takes us to the beautiful Pays Des Collines, specifically the area around 'St Sauveur'. This ride is approximately 115 km long with about 900 meters of elevation gain. The ride can be shortened at Molenbaix (approximately 65 km) or at St Sauveur (approximately 100 km), but it's definitely worth undertaking the XL version! More explanation below:

The Valtech Classic 2021 heads towards PAYS DES COLLINES: From Valvan (Menen-East), we head towards Bruggestraat, taking the Oostkaai over the Leie bridge (for your information: this will soon be replaced as part of the Seine Schelde project). We keep the Leie on our left side for a few kilometers, which we leave at the Leienhof (from here, a possible follow van can join). Then we head towards Kraaiveld - LAR - Triloy Rekkem in Lauwe. We cross the Gentstraat and come (first cobblestones) into the Henegouw province of Moeskroen. We continue towards Tombroek, Dottignies. Be careful in Dottignies and its surroundings as the road surface isn’t always optimal, so pay attention to potholes/bumps in the road... We continue via St Leger, Pecq, Molenbaix. At Butor (Molenbaix) you can shorten the ride via Rue du Bois Cahu to about 65 km.

Of course, we prefer to continue the route towards Velaines, Popuelles (instead of Cordes). We cross the busy road Ronse/Leuze. Here awaits our first challenge, we begin our first climb: Le Bourliquet via Les Bruyères/La Taillette ( ∆∆∆), which is 2.2 kilometers long. The climb covers 100 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 3.9%. The top of the climb is at 131 meters height. Here (little chapel) we find ourselves on a plateau (Rue de la Croisette/Rue Hoguenne) and have a view of the unique surroundings.

Via Rues des Monts (St Sauveur) we can shorten the ride to 100 km, but of course, we want to extract even more beauty from this area, so we descend Rue du Grinquier and seek out the next challenge: Hameau des Papins. ( ∆∆∆∆) From Pironche, the Hameau des Papins is 1.2 km long. Over this distance, you cover 82 meters of elevation. The average gradient of the climb is 6.8%, with a maximum incline of 16%. We ride through the woods, and further along we take on the climb of Rue Hoguenne ( ∆∆∆) which is 1.3 km long (up to Rue des Monts towards St Sauveur). Over this distance you cover 59 meters of elevation. (71 - 130), average gradient of the climb is 4.5%. Again, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful landscape... Via St Sauveur we head towards Dergneau (again crossing the busy Chaussée de Renaix), on our way to Arc we encounter a few smaller climbs and thus reach Celles, then we descend to the Schelde valley. In Pottes, we cross the Schelde, thus returning to the Flemish region. Next up is Spiere Helkijn, St-Denijs where we realize that there aren’t many flat roads either. We take the cobblestones of Beerbosstraat at the mouse dog, ride along Bellegem, descend VDC-hill and in Lauwe we reach the Leie again where we head back towards Menen.

As for the VT2021 - below is some background:

Going back in time: Valtech Classic 2002: 100 km with main climbs Zwarte Berg, Mont Kokkereel, Rode Berg, Kemmelberg - 2006: 100 km with destination Cote de Trieu via St Denijs and back via Zulzeke to Menen - 2016: 3rd Valtech Classic 100 km towards Mont Noir, Mont des Cats, Boeschepe, Vert Mont, Schomminkel and Monteberg - 2018: 4th classic 100 km towards Dottignies, Mont St Aubert via Rue de la Folie, Mont d'Enclus via Chemin du Renard, St Denijs and back to Menen - 2019: 5th Classic 100 km towards Enclus du Haut, Karnemelkbeekstraat, the inhumane Schapenberg/Riekestraat at Hotond, Zulzeke back via St Denijs to Menen - 2020: 6th classic 100 km towards Boezinge, Knokkebrug, Diksmuide, Stuivekenskerke, Zarren, Staden, keuneleute 😉, Passendale Menen