Maxim Pirard

No famous cobble stone classics this year in Flanders. Every single race since March 13th has been cancelled. So was "De Ronde van Vlaanderen", the most epic race through and around the small but steep hills of Flanders. A magical day for all the people that love cycling and our heritage over here. That race was supposed to happen last Sunday. But corona decided otherwise. It inspired a young Belgian cyclist, called Maxim Pirard to do something very extroardinary. The 22-year old cycling fanatic has cycled some extreme distances before, 500 and 600 kilometre trips for instance. But now he thought, why don't I cycle the entire border of Flanders at once.

Maxim Pirard, during his epic journey

1000 kilometres

He calculated his trip and planned his route thoroughly, and what he found out was quite astonishing.
His trip would take around 1000 kilometres and take him approximately 34 hours, depending on his average speed. On Saturday morning at 3 AM he started with with 5 kilograms of extra weight on his bike (batteries for his lights, drinks and food, lots of food). He never weakened down, had a little dip at the 600 kilometre mark, and ended his 1001 kilometre trip on Sunday night at around 11 PM. It took him around 44 hours in total, of which he stayed 34 hours on his bike. A few stops along the way for food and drinks and a few power naps, and he continued his road trip again. He was totally nackered when he arrived at his doorstep, but incredibly proud. An average speed of 29.45 kilometres per hour was his tempo. What a performance, by such a long lad.

His route

Congratulations Maxim,

Sincerely,

Pele23