Leuven (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): A young boy cheered for Mathieu van der Pol in Leuven during the UCI Gravel World Championships. Spectators enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and scenic beauty of Belgium’s forests while watching the thrilling race.
A young boy was excited when he arrived in Leuven. He said he was looking forward to the day and cheered for everyone who passed by. He thought Van der Pol was a great winner because he was much stronger than the others. Many people enjoyed watching both professional and casual cyclists, and a cycling fan from the Netherlands mentioned that the atmosphere was friendly, which isn’t always the case in cycling events.
How did the Leuven gravel cycling event showcase Belgium’s beauty?
A cyclist from the Netherlands shared his thoughts on gravel cycling, saying it’s more enjoyable to watch because there’s always action on the course. He believes it’s the perfect mix of road racing and mountain biking, allowing riders to explore woods and various paths. He also mentioned that he owns a gravel bike and loves the adventure it brings. Some spectators joked that visitors might think Belgium is mostly forested with just one city, adding that the event showcased the beauty of nature and Leuven.
A spectator humorously remarked that after watching the race today, foreigners might now think that Belgium is mostly covered in forests, with just one city included. This comment highlights how the beautiful natural scenery seen during the event could give the impression that the country is primarily rural and green, rather than urban. The spectator’s lighthearted observation reflects the charm of the event and how it showcased the picturesque landscapes of Belgium, making it seem like a place filled with nature rather than just cities.
One man said he watched the race at home first and found it hard to go outside to see the end because he was enjoying it on TV and recognized many places. His friend mentioned that a lot of people were watching the race live on their smartphones next to the course, so they could easily follow what was happening. They both said, “The race is ours!”
