By Steven Sheffield — Three years ago, I discovered the trailer for a documentary about cycling in the Flemish region of Belgium; home to the Flahutes (or more commonly “Flandriens”). The title is, fittingly enough, simply Flandrien.
From the film’s website (https://flandrienfilm.com/): “Producer Shane Cooper and director Paul Willerton have teamed up to create a new feature-length documentary film, Flandrien. The film is set in the Flanders region of Belgium and explores the past, present, and future of cycling and local culture. The Tour of Flanders itself plays a starring role, as well as some of the riders who have been awarded the esteemed title of being a true ‘Flandrien.’”
The film premiered on Friday, June 16, 2023 in Belgium and is now available to watch on YouTube. The documentary features interviews with cycling legends including Johan Museeuw, three-time winner of the Tour of Flanders and the embodiment of the Flandrien spirit. As Museeuw reflects in the film on what defines a true Flandrien: the ability to suffer, the connection to the cobbles and bergs of Flanders, and an unwavering commitment to attacking racing.
The film offers an intimate look at Flemish cycling culture, from the passionate fans who line the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg each spring, to the young riders dreaming of one day wearing the lion of Flanders. With stunning cinematography of the cobbled classics routes that define the region, Flandrien captures why this corner of Belgium remains the spiritual home of professional cycling’s hardmen.
(Visited 16 times, 1 visits today)