Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Flandrien Scholarship

The Flandrien Scholarship is an international development program that gives cyclists the opportunity to live, train, and race in Belgium, the global heartland of cycling. More than 100 scholarships have been awarded since the program launched in 2021.

The program is not only about racing — riders receive mentorship, personal development support, coaching, and cultural exposure, helping them grow on and off the bike.

Learn more about the program →

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Cyclists from any country who are not residents of Belgium or the Netherlands at the time of application
  • Age requirements: Minimum 19 years old at the time of the scholarship stay; Maximum 26 years old for men, 36 years old for women
  • MUST hold a UCI racing license
  • MUST have at least 2 years of road-racing experience
  • MUST commit to a minimum continuous stay of 6 weeks, up to a maximum of 12 weeks
  • MUST have conversational English language ability (A2-level in CEFS Cambridge English Qualification Standard or equivalent)
  • Minimum FTP benchmark: above 4.5 W/kg for men and 4.0 W/kg for women as a competitive benchmark; applicants below these levels will only be considered based on exceptional race results at the National level in their home country.

Preference is given to riders from underrepresented regions, including:

  • Asia-Pacific
  • Eastern Europe
  • Central & South America
  • The Caribbean
  • Africa

Riders must show motivation, community spirit, responsibility, and a positive attitude. Applicants must declare whether they receive funding from teams, federations, NGOs, or other entities (to determine financial-need priority).

Selected riders receive:

  • Fully subsidised accommodation at the Flandrien Hotel
  • Access to world-class training routes and facilities
  • Use of a vehicle
  • Mentoring and coaching support
  • Access to all regular hotel services

(Personal costs such as travel, insurance, equipment, or race entry fees may vary — applicants should verify specifics directly with the program.)

Belgium is one of the most cycling-dense countries in the world, offering frequent high-level races, exceptional club systems, expert coaching, and iconic terrain (cobbles, bergs, fast roads) ideal for developing tactical skill and resilience. For athletes from regions with limited racing infrastructure — such as Africa, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and South America — Belgium offers rare access to real European racing pathways, creating opportunities that can change careers.

The Scholarship is built around three pillars:

  • Diversity & Inclusion — Bringing together cyclists of all cultures, identities, and backgrounds to build a global, inclusive peloton.
  • Self-Development & Performance — Empowering riders with coaching, mentoring, and personal development opportunities.
  • Support the Cycling Community — Expanding access to high-level cycling and helping underrepresented athletes bridge the gap to professional racing.

Riders stay between 6 and 12 continuous weeks, depending on their intake period.

Three yearly intake windows:

  • Intake 1: March–May
  • Intake 2: June–August
  • Intake 3: August–October
Since 2021, the program has welcomed over 100 riders from more than a dozen countries, including many who had previously lacked access to European racing.

The program keeps the process personal, fair, and supportive. Here are the steps:

Online Application

  • You submit the application form.
  • You receive a response within 48 hours confirming your eligibility for an interview.

Initial Interview

  • A friendly conversation to learn about you, your goals, and your cycling journey.

Personality Assessment

  • An online diagnostic exploring how you think, collaborate, and problem-solve.
  • Not a pass/fail test — it helps the team support you better.

Final Interview

  • A review of your assessment and a discussion of how the scholarship aligns with your athletic and personal development.

→ Successful applicants receive an official acceptance letter.

Applications for the 2027 Scholarship open 1 September 2026. Interviews take place during the first two weeks of November.
Absolutely — the Scholarship strongly encourages applications from women and is committed to expanding opportunities for women's cycling globally.
No. Riders may wear their own club or development team kit during races.

Riders benefit from:

  • Performance coaching
  • Mentorship by former pros and experts
  • Personal development sessions
  • Leadership and life-skills coaching
  • Cultural immersion
  • Supportive team environment focusing on resilience, humility, and a Flandrien mindset

The Scholarship is administered by the Flandrien Association, led by:

  • Jamie Anderson (Founder, Flandrien Hotel)
  • Coaches
  • Performance specialists
  • Former professional athletes
  • Mentors and support staff

Together, they create a holistic environment for athletic and personal growth.

Scholarship stays are typically 6–12 weeks.

Anyone can help by:

  • Becoming a partner
  • Making a donation
  • Volunteering or collaborating
  • Supporting the Flandrien Association's mission to expand global access to cycling

The Scholarship especially seeks to support:

  • Riders with limited access to elite development pathways
  • Athletes from underrepresented countries or regions
  • Women in cycling
  • Talented riders lacking financial support
  • Cyclists facing barriers to entering European racing
Scholars live together at the Hotel, located in the heart of Flemish cycling country. Riders train on legendary routes, support each other in daily life, and help create a positive, team-oriented community.

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