Belgium hosts several of cycling's most famous races, called 'Classics'. The Tour of Flanders, held every spring, winds through the Flemish countryside over steep, cobbled climbs called 'hellingen'. Riders who can attack on these short, brutal hills are heroes in Belgium - the local word for a cycling hero is 'cannibale' (cannibal), because the best riders seem to devour their rivals.
The cobblestones are a big part of what makes Belgian cycling famous. On some sections of road, the ancient stone blocks are so rough and uneven that riders' hands go numb from the vibration. Only the strongest cyclists can maintain high speed over cobbles without losing control or puncturing a tyre.
Belgian cycling fans are among the most passionate in the world. Supporters line the roadsides in their thousands, waving flags and ringing cowbells as the riders flash past. Many fans stake out the same corner of road every year, watching the race from the same spot as a family tradition.
Away from professional racing, cycling is a normal part of daily Belgian life. Belgium has thousands of kilometres of cycling paths - separate lanes away from traffic - running through cities, villages, and countryside. Many children cycle to school every day from a young age, and cycling infrastructure is taken very seriously by local governments.