WOLVERTEM – A cycling race is set to take place this Sunday in Imde, a small village located within the municipality of Meise, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium.

This local event will feature various races for both men and women, with Mats Van Hemelryck, a 21-year-old resident of Imde, acting as the main organizer through his non-profit organization, vzw ‘Imde Sport.’

The cycling races, officially recognized by Cycling Vlaanderen, will include a 117-kilometer men’s race (U23, Elite 2 and 3 categories) and a women's race that is slightly under 100 kilometers (U23 and Elite).

The course consists of a single lap measuring 8.3 kilometers, which begins and ends on Barbieierstraat in Imde.

In recent years, many local and fairground racing events in the area have experienced interruptions due to a lack of volunteers and financial sponsorship.

However, Van Hemelryck’s initiative aims to revive the racing spirit in Imde, with aspirations for it to become a lasting tradition rather than a one-day event.

He expresses a desire to foster a sense of community and create a memorable atmosphere around the races.

Mats states, "We want to make Imde a racing village again, not for one day, but as a lasting tradition.

This should be a trampoline for further: more racing, more popular atmosphere, more experience.

I want a race with character and a heart for the region."

The upcoming cycling event has garnered significant local support, with numerous volunteers and local sponsors contributing to its success.

The unity of the community is highlighted as a crucial factor in the event’s organization, reflecting a shared enthusiasm for cycling and local heritage.

The history of cycling in Imde and the surrounding Wolvertem region is rich and closely tied to the wider traditions of cycling in Flanders, known for its celebrated events and strong cycling culture.

The region has seen the organization of various races, such as Imde-Wolvertem, with historical records indicating a notable race in 2015 won by Julien Van Den Brande.

Flanders is also home to internationally recognized cycling events, including Gent–Wevelgem, which commenced in 1934 and has been part of the UCI World Tour since 2011, elevating its status from amateur to professional.

This region has built a reputation for its challenging routes that test the skills and endurance of both men and women cyclists.

Despite its vibrant cycling culture, the sport comes with inherent dangers, highlighted by past incidents involving fatal accidents during amateur races in Belgium.

As the community comes together for the upcoming event in Imde, the emphasis remains on safety and the celebration of local traditions in cycling.