Why exactly is cycling so popular in Flanders?

What ice skating is to the Dutchies, cycling is to Flanders. Even though the Benelux is a small area, weather conditions and location (Ardennes and nearby Eifel) have a big influence on sports performance and interests. It is said that one-day races were invented in Flanders, so there is a long cycling tradition; Belgians are born with a touring bike, so they say.