Wallonia, under the supervision of Tourism Minister Valérie De Bue, is actively supporting the expansion of dedicated mountain biking routes by launching a project that will see the development of new trail centres across the region.
With a substantial budget of €2.6 million, three exciting projects are set to be realised in the municipalities of Vresse-sur-Semois, at the Baraque de Fraiture and in the Liège region. These new routes will primarily cater to Enduro mountain biking enthusiasts, offering technical climbs and thrilling, faster descents.
The strategic locations of these trail centres near attractions and shops, coupled with the implementation of markings to preserve natural spaces, will undoubtedly add value to Wallonia's tourism development. In addition to the projects, other trail centres are also in progress in the municipalities of Ottignies, Malmedy, Chaudfontaine and Amay. Pilot projects, such as Endur'Ourthe, the trail centre of Esneux-Anthisnes, have already been launched in the region.
Gilles Franck, a professional Enduro mountain biker and member of the Endur'Ourthe non-profit association, emphasised in a recent RTBF article the importance of these centres in providing a regulated environment for the sport and reducing the presence of unauthorised tracks.
Mountain biking in Wallonia is already highly popular, with a range of routes, from public paths to privately-owned specialised courses. The city of Spa is also the home of the first official trail centre in Belgium. Its seven trails, located on the north side of the city, offer an exciting mix of flow, speed and technical challenges suitable for riders of all levels.
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Near the city of Remouchamp, the Trail Centre Amblève boasts some of the most technical trails in Belgium. Organisers of the most intense enduro race in the country, the Amblève Enduro Team, have now opened their trails year-round, catering to riders from blue to black difficulty levels.
Bouillon, in southern Belgium, is renowned for its castle, lookout tower, and thrilling downhill mountain bike track. Additionally, it hosts a well-maintained trail centre featuring some of the finest trails in the area, maintained by a dedicated crew of builders.
Overall, Wallonia's commitment to developing trail centres and maintaining existing routes reflects the region's dedication to promoting mountain biking as an accessible and exhilarating sport for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
