Social Program on the first Conference day
At the end of the first Conference day (Wednesday, 13 October), you have the chance of participating at the social program.
We can offer a program with two activities: during the photo exhibition you can explore the Flemish love for cycling, during the guided tour you have the opportunity to get to know the Conference city Leuven. The photo exhibition starts at 18u30 and 45 minutes later the guided tour trough the centre of the city starts. The last stop of the tour is at Salons Georges, the dinner location, at around 20u00.
You do not have to pre-register. We do hope that you use this moment to get to know Leuven a bit and to improve the contacts with your European colleagues. We expect you at the photo exhibition at 18u30. The university library is - within walking distance of the conference location - in the center of the city.
Address: University Library, Mgr. Ladeuzeplein 1, 3000 Leuven.
Unique and appealing photo exhibition about cycling
With the theme "Cycling Culture" in mind, an exhibition is built around "The Flandrien in cycling", with sixty-one photographs of art photographer Stephan Vanfleteren and poems by Dutch, Flemish and South African poets.
It's amazing how many famous authors presented the theme "cycling and cyclists" in their works, which reflect seamlessly the views of Stephan Vanfleteren on "The Flandrien".
Stephan Vanfleteren discerned the Flemish cycling life with his lens, and discussed in his collection all aspects of the sport: the 'monuments' of cycling (with Rik Van Steenbergen, Briek Schotte, Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx, Freddy Maertens, Herman Van Springel, Roger The Vlaeminck, Johan Museeuw, Sven Nijs), the supporters (who have done anything to show their solidarity with their idol) and the "historic" places in the Flemish Ardennes, where unique cycling stories were written. Stars, nature and supporters make this exhibition an overview of this popular sport, supported by the clever and photogenic look of Stephan Vanfleteren.
The poets whose works are shown are: French Babylon, January Boerstoel, Hugo Claus, TT Cloete, Patrick Cornillie, Freek de Jonge, Rick De Leeuw, Karel De Pelsemaeker, Marleen Desmet, Ann Dhaenens, Maurice Geeroms, Herman Gorter, Oscar Wilde, Tom Lanoye, Patricia Lasoen, Hugo Matthysen, Bart Moeyaert Peter Nijmeijer, Wivina Steenput, Julien Vangansbeke, Ernst Van Heerden, Guy van Hoof, Bart Vanreusel, Willie Verhegghe, Dimitri Verhulst and Hans Warren.
Also, "historical" cycling documents, owned by the 'Sportimonium', will be shown.
Guided tour in Leuven
After the photo exhibition, you will have the opportunity to see some of the most important buildings in Leuven.
Starting at the University Hall (the location of the photo exhibition), you can make a tour in Leuven. It takes about an hour, and an experienced guide will tell you more about the most famous historical buildings in Leuven. You will pass by the Saint-Peter's Church (the oldest church in leuven), the Gothic Town Hall, the Old Market Square, the Great Market Square... The tour ends at the 'Hogeschoolplein', where the official dinner will take place.
More information about Leuven can be found on the city website.