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Without fuel, the engine sputters and stops! So the cycle racing pros stow their bags full of energy bars, gels, meticulously measured rice cakes, caffeine tablets, all generously topped with isotonic sports drinks and who knows, maybe a 'final bidon' with the soigneur’s secret recipe. Fortunately, there are more palatable alternatives for the lesser cycle racing gods or mere mortals on a bike. Not only do they give you extra energy, but they also ensure you are in complete harmony with the Limburg landscapes they originate from. Before you go cycling, fill your rucksack or pannier with these Limburg delicacies!
1. Syrup waffles
At Borgloon’s Syrup Factory, they are freshly made with home-made syrup. With a syrup waffle, you get the essence of Limburg’s fruit region in pure form spread between two slightly crunchy wafers. A sweet memory that sticks (to your teeth)!
Tip from Haspengouw cyclists: slip the waffles into your jacket or the back pocket of your cycling jersey to let them warm up for a while before munching them and they are so moreish.
2. Rice flan
You can’t go wrong with a European PDO (Protected Destination of Origin) regional product in your bag, can you? Since 2024, genuine Limburg vlaai (speciality flan) may only be made in Belgian or Dutch Limburg and must meet strict quality characteristics.
One of the recognised flans is rice flan, a Limburg regional product that has jointly won many a cycle racing classic in the past. Buy one at the bakery on the way!
3. Apples and pears from the wall
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! For juicy apples and pears, you don’t need to bring anything (except maybe some coins). Along the way, you are bound to come across a fruit vending machine, chock full of fresh apples and pears, strawberries or other seasonal fruit. You’ll find these healthy snacks everywhere.
4. Hasselt speculaas
We’ll leave Hasselt jenever until the cycling is over or return to enjoy the Jenever Festival. We are only too happy to put that other characteristic Hasselt product, speculaas, in our panniers.
Slightly thicker, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. That’s how you recognise genuine Hasselt speculaas. Local bakers DePaifve, Cools and Bakkersdochter have made it their speciality. So be sure to pop in!
5. Coffee breaks
Need a pick-me-up? No problem. For an espresso on the go, there are several options along the UEC Road European Championships course. Find out where to get your caffeine shot!
6. Haspengouw sports drink
Straight from the farm to your drinking bottle. Your thirst quencher full of natural sugars is available here in many combinations and colours. Apple juice often forms the base, with other seasonal fruits providing the perfect fruit mix.
Tip from the pros: cherry juice is also considered the ultimate recovery drink!
7. Make your own Limburg energy bars!
Ingredients for approx. 8 bars
150 g oats, 100 g apple, 150 g blueberries, 50 g almonds, 2 eggs, 75 ml almond milk, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, pinch of cinnamon and salt.
Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the oats, almond milk and coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Put the apple, almonds and eggs in a blender and add this mixture to the bowl.
3. Stir in the blueberries and finish with cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
4. Scoop out the mixture into a flat baking dish, press firmly and place in the oven for about 30 minutes.
5. Allow to cool, cut into strips and jump on the pedals!
8. Après-bike
There should always be a celebration at the finish line! Options aplenty to toast the finish with a cold beer. Here are some tips:
- A Bloesembink from Brouwerij Kerkom with syrup from Vrolingen
- A Toetëlèr with elderflower syrup
- A Coureurke at Café Coureur
Find more Limburg beers on the breweries page.
THE CENTURY, SURPRISINGLY VERSATILE!
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