Dirk, what does TÆRU mean and what can sports teams expect when they stay with you?
Tæru means: The moment you were going to give up, the moment you think and feel you can't do it any more, it hurts too much, I'm going to give up now and then hold on anyway, that is Tæru.
With Tæru, we want to offer a venue and accommodation that can take any sports team to the next level. Everything is there to carry out all your training in any season. There are also altitude rooms, fitness, a gym, massage room ... and more to support the athlete in every possible way. It is a dream location for every (endurance) athlete.
What facilities do you offer and what makes TÆRU so unique?
In fact, we offer everything a sports team needs. By the way, Tæru can also be hired privately for your team with maximum privacy and tranquillity. This combination of all this is, in my opinion, unique in Europe. Below is a list of our facilities:
- ROAD CYCLING
The surroundings of Tæru are not only super beautiful but also excellent for all your cycling workouts. We have created some interesting routes that we would like to share with you. - MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTES
Whether you like steep climbs or recovery rides in the woods: we have it for you and are happy to share our GPX files. - RUNNING & TRAIL TRACKS
You will find ideal running and trail routes close to the Tæru site. Stay on car-free roads, or run on safe off-road trails in the most beautiful forest locations. - CYCLO-CROSS TRACK
Our modular cyclocross course: Designed by Adrie Van der Poel and Sven Vanthourenhout. It stretches about a kilometre and goes up and down a steep hill, and includes a 150-step staircase, several technical descents and a sandpit. - SWIMMING POOL
Triathlon enthusiasts will be happy to hear that we are also building what is not available at every other accommodation: you will have access to a private 25-metre-long swimming pool from April 2023. - INDOOR CYCLING
Our indoor facilities have space to train on rollers or a cycle trainer. - FITNESS
A state-of-the-art indoor fitness facility. - HEATED ROOM
In our sports hall, we have a large heated training room where there is space for group activities, yoga, core-stability & stretching, among others. - HYPOXIC ROOMS
In the new gîte, we have 9 double rooms equipped to simulate sleeping at altitude. The altitude is individually adjustable for each room and can be adjusted based on your saturation. This is the most efficient and science-based way to apply altitude training and produce more red blood cells. - ALTITUDE TRAINING
Our indoor sports hall also has an altitude chamber that can be used to simulate training at height. - ALTITUDE RELAXATION ROOM
A place where you can relax, watch a film or enjoy a sports massage at altitude. So unnoticed, you spend many hours at Tæru at high altitude. Ideal for endurance athletes. - ICE BATH
The ideal way to kickstart your recovery process after an intense workout. - TOUR DE TÆRU
Take up the challenge and join our specially designed Tour de Tæru. Tackle the 7 stages in a week, or go for 3 stages at the weekend. - BIKE STORAGE
Don't worry about your bike and concentrate on your training or enjoy your recovery. We have fully equipped and secure bike storage for your peace of mind. - BIKE CARE
Whether you want to clean your trusted companion after every ride or bring along a team of experienced mechanics, at Tæru we have what you need: a bike wash station, a bike workbench and plenty of indoor and outdoor space to work on bikes. - PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN
We have a brand new fully equipped kitchen specially designed to cook for large groups. You also have access to a separate storage room with industrial refrigerators, a large oven, two gas cookers, a dishwasher, ... - DINING AREA
In the same open space as our kitchen, we have a spacious but cosy dining area for 43 people. There is also a relaxation corner with media facilities such as a projector, so you can hold team meetings as a team or watch a game after dinner. - LOUNGE
Just one flight of stairs away from our dining area, you will find a lounge with a television, comfy sofas and a selection of books to get energised and inspired after a day's workout. - MASSAGE
We offer 4 professional massage tables in our heated group room for you to use. If required, a physiotherapist can also be arranged for you. - SPORTS BAR
Part of our sports hall is reserved for a dedicated bar to hang out before or after training. Darts, table football and cold (recovery) beers: check. - MINDFULNESS
Throughout the grounds of Tæru, you will find mindfulness nooks and seats, where you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature. - HIKING TRAILS
Whether you fancy a recovery walk or a full-day hike, we can provide you with routes to discover the beautiful surroundings of Tæru on foot.
TÆRU will also be Belgium's very first 'altitude hotel' with more than 10 altitude rooms for sleeping and training, how special is that for you?
Surely this is fantastic and something to be proud of. I am especially happy that this is now also being offered in Belgium and that teams and athletes will also have the opportunity to improve their fitness here thanks to altitude.
These days, altitude training is impossible to imagine sport without. The fact that an altitude training can now be simulated in a cycling environment like the Belgian Ardennes will especially appeal to many cycling teams. How big is Dirk Baelus' cycling heart?
In conclusion: You are known as a man with big dreams and at the same time a pragmatic approach. Where do you think TÆRU will be in 10 years?
We immediately chose a nice brand name instead of a name linked to the location as, for example, the existing name previously used for the farm here, namely Ferme De Blier. So as to leave all options open. Tæru could easily include sports events later and who knows, additional venues. This is not a must. I will follow my heart and see what comes my way. We will see. First get Tæru Ardennes ready to perfection and then take good care of it and experience it to the fullest and hopefully many happy athletes. It might be a sports dream for me, but hopefully for other athletes as well. I am very curious how the reactions are going to be from all our (top) athletes coming to Tæru.
More information or booking options can be found in the TÆRU brochure.
Or soon via Taeru.be
