Brakel is often called the heart of the Flemish Ardennes — a small town that gives its name to three of the Tour of Flanders' recognised climbs: the Berendries (first climbed in 1983, up to 14%), the Valkenberg (15% at its steepest, dating to 1959), and Tenbosse, a gentler bump by comparison, added to the race in 1997.
The town is also home to Peter Van Petegem, who won the Tour of Flanders twice, in 1999 and 2003, and remains one of the sport's defining Flandriens — a rider whose whole career is remembered as an extension of these roads.
Locals still point out that the only time Lance Armstrong ever led the Tour of Flanders peloton was cresting the Berendries — a lead that didn't last much longer than the climb itself.
Riding out from Brakel, the road runs directly toward the Muur van Geraardsbergen, just a few kilometres further down the valley — meaning a short loop from town can string together three or four of the race's defining hills before most riders have finished their coffee.
