Charleroi
In 2006, Charleroi commemorates the Bois du Cazier colliery disaster that occurred fifty years ago on 8th August 1956 and cost the lives of 262 miners. It was the first blow that the coal and steel industry inflicted on a region, condemning it to a long economic crisis. Since that time the town has increased in size, its 200,000 inhabitants making it the largest town in Southern Belgium. Charleroi has managed to turn things around, particularly in view of new technologies. It is also recognised worldwide as the cradle of European comic strips along with a real sporting phenomenon that has taken hold over the past two decades. Charleroi and cycling are united as one: the Tour de France has stopped there five times, the Tour des Régions Wallonnes (Tour of Southern Belgium) returns here on a regular basis and ‘La Flèche Wallonne’(professional cycle road race in Belgium) considers the city to be its home. This year, the ‘Giro’ will complete its first stage here, just a few pedal turns from the site of the Bois du Cazier, that has undergone a superb development into a memorial area: an emotional commemoration for the numerous Italian-born ‘Carolos’.
www.charleroi.be/
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Huy
Huy, a passion for cycling. A rich history links our city and cycling. The many occasions when the Tour de France has passed through have punctuated the sporting history of the town. The high point will certainly be this summer, with the start of the only Belgian stage of the Grande Boucle (Big Loop). But it’s unquestionably the Mur, an extraordinary finish line for La Flèche Wallonne, which gave Huy its name. The fearsome 19% one kilometre long climb is a thrilling spectacle for all cycling enthusiasts and cycling’s greatest have all distinguished themselves here. After the race, we invite you to stroll around the Vieux-Huy or bask in the sun in one of the terrace cafés of the Grand Place, the historic and architectural heart of the city.
www.huy.be
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