ALS Tour 2008

ALS Tour 2008 (the first from Maastricht):
Along the “Via Jecore” to Tongeren

This is a relatively flat route through the valley of the Jeker with some short climbs on the return trip over the Haspengauw plateau, the length is 61.7 km.

Route description:
Starting point: The (not free) parking lot at the sports fields Jekerdal, located on the Mergelweg in Maastricht.
1. Start: Leave the parking lot to the right.
2. Follow the Mergelweg southwards and then follow the signs to junction 401.
3. At junction 401 in Kanne, choose the direction to junction 402.
4. Then follow the signs along the marina to junction 405. (In French-speaking Belgium, a junction is called “Point noeud”).
5. From junction 405 in Eben-Emael, follow the signs sequentially to the junctions:
-> 432 -> 407 -> 114 *) -> 115 -> 116, this will automatically take you to Tongeren.
6. At the roundabout at the edge of Tongeren, do not go directly towards junction 111, but turn left and follow the signs to “Zentrum”.
7. Take a break at the O.L. Vrouwebasiliek square in the center at one of the cozy terraces around Ambiorix.
Then follow the same way back to the roundabout at the edge of Tongeren and here turn three-quarters left towards junction 111.
9. Now follow the signs to the junctions:
111 -> 112 -> 114 -> 87 -> 569 -> 80 -> 402 -> 401 -> (12). (Junction 114 is therefore passed for the second time).
10. Do not turn left at Mergelweg in Maastricht at “Drabbelstraat” to junction 12, but continue straight a bit more and you will reach the parking lot at the sports fields of Jekerdal, the endpoint of this tour.

Summary of the junction numbers:

-> 401 -> 402 -> 405 -> 432 -> 407 -> 114 -> 115 -> 116 -> P -> 111 -> 112 -> 114 -> 87 -> 569 -> 80 -> 402 -> 401 -> (12).

Tip: Write these numbers on a piece of tape or a sticker and stick it to your steering wheel, then you'll easily find your way on the road.

You can download the GPX track of the route below (middle button).

Wish you much cycling enjoyment! Raymond Oostwegel, July 2008 (revised: Aug. 2016)
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*) If you go directly towards junction 87 at junction 114, the route will be shortened by 20 km to 42 km.