Maldegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium’s handcyclist Laurence Vandevyver (43) from Maldegem is the only woman at the G-Cycling World Championships in Ronse (Aug 28–31). 328 athletes from 51 countries compete; Belgium targets 3–5 medals.
AS VRT News reported, the Belgian team for the G-Cycling World Championships in Ronse includes only 1 woman, 43-year-old handcyclist Laurence Vandevyver from Maldegem in the province of East Flanders, Belgium.
According to national coach Remko Meeusen, this is not the result of any special selection rule.
“There is no particular reason why there is only one woman in the delegation,”
he said.
“The fact is that we have only two women competing at the elite level, and one of them is out because of an injury.”
Vandevyver will take part in both the time trial and the road race.
“The road race fits my style more, and I think I can do more there than in the time trial,”
she said.
What challenges await Maldegem’s Laurence Vandevyver at the G-Cycling worlds?
Laurence Vandevyver thinks it’s a shame.
“I’m obviously happy with my selection, but it’s a shame I’m the only woman. I don’t know why. Maybe because it’s a pretty tough sport. So, a small appeal: to all women who think they’re even remotely athletic, just give it a try,”
she mentioned.
“We are aiming for a top-five finish. A medal would be wonderful, but it is unlikely. Still, the race must be run,”
she said. She explained that handcycling races start fast, similar to cyclocross, and staying with the front group is essential.
“The plan is simple in theory: start strong, stay with the first group, give everything, and increase speed as the race goes on. But it is much harder in practice,”
she added.
“Just to be sure, I checked my brake pads thoroughly before driving down the Kwaremont.”
Handcyclist Laurence Vandevyver
According to officials, the G-Cycling World Championships in Ronse are expected to be a very tough race. The course includes the Hotond, the Kruisstraat, and the Kwaremont. Laurence Vandevyver, Belgium’s only female competitor, spoke about the tricky descents.
“The Kwaremont has to be descended down to the Klipe in Ronse. During training, I was already reaching 65 to 70 km/h on the bike path there. Keeping the bike under control and having courage is very important in a race like this. The bend at the bottom is quite sharp. I definitely want to check it out beforehand. I even checked my brake pads just to be sure,”
she said, laughing.
The championships will begin on Thursday, Aug 28, 2025, and run for 4 days. A total of 328 athletes from 51 countries will compete across 13 categories. There are 3 types of races: time trials, road races, and a mixed team relay. Belgium will have 11 riders competing in 8 different disciplines.
“3 to 5 medals can be achieved.”
National coach Remko Meeusen
National coach Remko Meeusen has ambitious but cautious expectations for the Belgian team.
“If we continue along these lines, we might still be able to win three to five medals,”
he said.
“I am cautious, especially after the Paralympics. It is always difficult to predict which riders from other countries will suddenly emerge as strong contenders.”
The event will also receive extensive media coverage.
Todd Fraser, UCI Para-cycling manager, said,
“For the first time, a World Championship will be covered so well. There will be more than 32 hours of live television with an unprecedented camera deployment.”
Ronse is also organising side events to engage fans. A fan zone will be set up at the Grote Markt.
“There will be open-air theatre, a bike tour with bikes with large front wheels, and you can try out what it’s like to ride up Kruisstraat on a handbike,”
says Mayor Ignace Michaux (CD&V Team Ronse). The city also announced the creation of a new cycling route specifically designed for disabled athletes.
The UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, also known as the G-Cycling World Championships, have been held annually since 2006. These championships are organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and feature athletes with physical disabilities competing in road cycling events.
The first standalone UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships were held in Bordeaux, France, in 2016. Since then, the championships have been hosted in various locations, including Nottwil, Switzerland, in 2015, and Zurich, Switzerland, in 2024. The 2025 edition, scheduled from August 28 to 31, will take place in Ronse, Belgium, marking the first time the event is hosted in this city.
