Leuven – On August 24, 2025, Leuven hosted the final stage of the five-day Renewi Tour, which was won by Arnaud De Lie. This race replaces the historic 1963 GP Poeske Scherens, with plans for more significant events to follow, reports 24brussels.
The city’s efforts to position itself as a cycling hub were highlighted during the event, which featured a thrilling sprint finish that saw De Lie take the victory, with Mathieu van der Poel finishing in second place.
Starting next year, the final stage will be renamed the Grote Prijs Poeske Scherens, celebrating a cycling legend from Leuven. This prestigious race has united both amateur and professional cyclists since its inception in 1963.
What major sporting events will follow the Renewi Tour finale in Leuven?
Leuven is scheduled to host several significant competitions in the near future. The Simac Ladies Tour, set for September 2, 2025, will be the only UCI Women’s WorldTour stage race in the Benelux region, with stages passing through the city center. Additionally, the World Gravel Championships will return to Leuven on October 19, 2025.
Sports Alderman Christophe Stockman (Vooruit) emphasized that Leuven’s vision extends beyond professional racing. The city is investing in G-sport competitions to create opportunities for athletes with disabilities, affirming its commitment to bringing top-tier international races while promoting inclusivity.
Carl Vansteenkiste, an organizer with Golazo, indicated that Leuven provides the ideal conditions for international sporting events. “We love coming here because the city offers so many possibilities for sporting events,” he stated.
“We love coming here because the city offers so many possibilities for sporting events,”
He explained that Leuven is more than just a venue with suitable facilities and routes. The enthusiasm of the spectators adds significant energy to the events. The city’s youthful population and vibrant student community foster strong support along the courses, proven by the success of previous high-profile events.
“We always used to come to the GP Poeske Scherens, even taking time off work. We’d come especially from Hulsthout,”
Noted cycling enthusiast Clemoniek shared her memories of the event.
“There was a bit less activity on the sports front for a while, but now a lot is going on again. You see the riders passing by here very often; it’s worth it.”
Leuven boasts a rich sports history, beginning with the establishment of the Grote Prijs Poeske Scherens in 1963, honoring world sprint champion Jef “Poeske” Scherens, who was a dominant force in cycling from 1932 to 1947.
The city also hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 2021, attracting large crowds and substantial media attention. More recently, Leuven was the site of the European Running Championships in 2023 and the World Gravel Championships in 2024.
