Some outings leave a lasting impression. This one will remain engraved in the memories of the children of the HHW Pole of CC Chevigny. Thanks to a gift from Saint Nicolas, they visited the Maison du Cyclisme Liège-Bastogne-Liège on 11 January. The visit was much more than a simple tour through the exhibits. It was an immersive adventure combining history, technology and fun challenges.
An exceptional context: a well-thought-out Saint Nicholas gift
It was a wintry morning, and the magic of Saint Nicolas was still in the air. The children set off for the Maison du Cyclisme. It’s not every day you get to give such a special gift! The HHW Pole of CC Chevigny had organised this outing for its young cyclists, aged 7 to 14. It was a great opportunity to discover the history of cycling. What’s more, the children took advantage of modern technology to make the visit even more exciting.
The tour: a blend of history and technology
As soon as they arrived, the children were welcomed by the Maison du Cyclisme team, who explained to them the fascinating history of the famous Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, nicknamed ‘La Doyenne’. Afterwards, the little cyclists also discovered many anecdotes about cycling. They explored the great moments of legendary races, the heroes who have marked them, and emblematic cycling objects. The Grand Tours and the ‘monuments’ no longer held any secrets for them.
But the visit didn’t stop there. To make the outing even more memorable, the children had the chance to try out some innovative technologies. Using virtual reality headsets, they experienced a 360° climb up the famous côte de La Redoute with Philippe Gilbert.
Highlights of the visit: a quiz and an unforgettable climb
The adventure continued with other educational activities. After exploring the history of cycling, the children took part in an interactive quiz. This game allowed them to test their knowledge of bikes and cycling, while having fun at the same time. There were lots of smiles on everyone’s faces, from the correct answers to the small mistakes. Everyone finished the questions with enthusiasm!
A memorable stage for them was the simulation of the ascent of La Redoute. The children sat on the virtual bike. They pedalled as if they were on the steep roads of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. ‘It’s super difficult!’ said one of them, pedalling hard. It was the perfect opportunity to feel the physical effort that top-level cyclists have to put in during the race. There was much laughter and encouragement as everyone tried to outdo themselves in this simulation.
The children's reactions: between wonder and pride
At the end of the visit, the children were simply delighted. Everyone had an anecdote to tell, a question to ask. Some were proud of their performance at La Redoute, while others were curious about the history of a particular cyclist.
One little guy, for example, was fascinated by old photos of the first editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège and wondered about the riders’ equipment at the time. ‘They didn’t even have bikes like ours! How did they do it?’ This question was enthusiastically answered by the day’s guide, further fuelling their curiosity.
The exchanges between the children and their supervisors continued throughout the return journey, and everyone seemed eager to share the experience with their friends and parents.
Conclusion: an unforgettable experience for budding young cyclists
This outing to the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Cycling Centre was much more than just an educational visit. It gave the children from CC Chevigny’s HHW Pole a chance to connect with the history of cycling while enjoying a modern, fun experience thanks to technology. The children left with stars in their eyes, plenty of anecdotes in their heads and, no doubt, an even greater desire to excel on their own bikes.
For the club, this outing is part of its objective to offer young people motivating and original learning experiences. And who knows, some of these young enthusiasts may one day dream of climbing La Redoute in the real race…
Looking for adventure? Treat your children to an unforgettable outing!
If, like the children on the CC Chevigny HHW Pole, you want to offer your children a fun and immersive experience, the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Cycling Centre is the ideal place! Thanks to interactive activities such as virtual reality, virtual cycling and exciting quizzes, every visit becomes a unique adventure.
Whether you’re a club, a school or a group of friends, don’t wait any longer to book your visit. Your children will have a great time discovering new things and taking on sporting challenges. History, technology and cycling come together to create an unforgettable experience!
For more information and to organise your visit, contact the Maison du Cyclisme now. Your children will leave with a wealth of memories and the desire to pedal even harder in the footsteps of the great champions!
