Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ghent University Hospital hosts “All Brakes Off for Rare Diseases” today, Nov 29, 2025, at Eddy Merckx Cycling Track with 100+ participants and cyclists Fabio Vandenbossche, Robbe Ghys, Etienne Dewilde to fund rare disease research.
As VRT News reported, Ghent University Hospital is organising a special event today, Nov 29, 2025, to raise funds for rare disease research. The campaign is called
“All Brakes Off for Rare Diseases”
and takes place at the Eddy Merckx Cycling Track on the Watersportbaan in Ghent.
For a fee of £30, participants can ride laps on the professional track for 1 hour. People who have little or no cycling experience will receive a briefing before riding. Bikes are provided on-site. More than 100 people have already signed up to take part in advance.
What is happening at Ghent Hospital’s cycling fundraiser for rare diseases?
Several well-known track cyclists are taking part in a fundraising event at the Eddy Merckx Cycling Centre in Ghent. Fabio Vandenbossche, Robbe Ghys, and Etienne Dewilde are among the stars who will be present. Other riders taking laps include Hélène Hesters, Ewout Vromant, Jarno Thierens, Niels Verschaeren, Lennert Vanlathem, Tuur Dens, and Frederik Peters.
The money raised will go towards a special patient lounge and a patient panel at the hospital. These spaces will allow patients to meet, share experiences, and support one another. The event also aims to increase public awareness of rare diseases.
Attendees can learn about these conditions, and some patients will talk about their personal experiences. Ghent University Hospital said the campaign is designed to bring people together, support research, and provide comfort to patients.
A similar project took place in Belgium in February 2021 to support rare disease research. The campaign ran from February 17 to 28, 2021, around International Rare Disease Day on Feb 28, 2025. It included walks, runs, and bike rides with participation from hospital staff, researchers, and well-known athletes. The event was held under the slogan “Not a Unicorn” to show that people living with rare diseases are real and need attention.
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