Since 2018 the museum of cycling called Koers has returned to his original destination in Roeselare . After a thorough renovation of the building, the museum has been given a thorough restyling and now bears the name Koers.
One more reason for every cycling lover to visit this museum!
The previous destination, the Paterskerk and accompanying exhibition Koers is Religie, was (unfortunately) only temporary and can therefore no longer be seen.
Themes Koers Roeselare
The museum is divided into 3 parts, namely
- the bicycle collection
- the cycling collection
- the documentary collection
The bicycle collection
In the bicycle collection you get an overview of almost 200 years of the history and evolution of the bicycle. Very interesting for those who love history and mechanics because you will see how the bicycle evolved from balance bike velocipede to high-tech racing machine.
History starts in 1817 when German engineer Karl van Drais invented the running machine and ends with Kenny Belaey's trial bike with which he obtained several world titles. The invention of the 1st bicycle with chain, pneumatic tire, the 1st women's bicycle, folding bicycle, BMX, mountain bike,… all models are widely discussed.
vintage bicycle with pedals on the front wheel
When purchasing your ticket you will receive a small booklet with an explanation and a bit of history about each bicycle. You can also read this explanation on the panels hung on the sidewalls of the hall and the bicycles can be admired on the ceiling where they hang.
This room is also used for temporary exhibitions. When we were there there was a nice photo exhibition about The Wolfpack of Quick Step.
The cycling collection
On the attic floor you get an overview of some cycling races such as the Ronde van Vlaanderen., the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia but also smaller races (in Dutch kermiskoersen).
Here no history or explanation about the winners but a lot of collection material such as jerseys, gadgets, helmets, posters, ...
Most of this material comes from collectors who lend it or donate it to the museum. In a separate room with many trophies, you will see a video about joy and sorrow in the race.
Allez Jempi
After visiting this room, you descend to the 1st floor where you are immediately confronted with the tragic death of Jean Pierre Jempi Monseré. After all, this highly talented cyclist who died in his jersey of world champion in 1971 during a race in Retie was from Roeselare.
This tragic event and his career are extensively exposed with interviews of family and fellow cyclists. You will also see his 1st bicycle and racing bikes with which he cycled as a professional cyclist during his cycling career.
1st children's bicycle from Jempi Monseré
On the same floor you will be extensively explained about the professions of saddle maker and bicycle frame maker. You can also see the evolution from steel frame over aluminum to carbon.
the saddle maker
the frame maker
In the last room you will find a nice collection of historic road bikes from famous riders such as Fausto Coppi, Fiorenzo Magni, Rik van Steenbergen, Jan Ulrich, Johan Museeuw, Tom Boonen, etc.
bicycle from Fiorenzo Magni
Bianchi bike from Fausto Coppi
If you feel hungry or thirsty after your visit then you can go to the Koerskaffee that is situated at the ground floor
Praktical information Koers museum Roeselare
Situation: Polenplein 15 – 8800 Roeselare
Opening hours:
- Low season (october – februari): Tuesday – Saturday: 10.00 – 17.00
- High season (march – september): Tuesday – Sunday: 10.00 – 17.00
Open on public holidays with exception of January 1 and December 25
Ticket:
- 7 euro: from 18 years on
- 5 euro: groups of minimum 15 persons, over 65
- 1 euro: between 3 and 18 years
- free the 1st Sunday of the month during high season
Official website: www.koersmuseum.be
