Flandrien explores the gritty reality and resilient spirit of Belgian cyclists through stark black-and-white portraiture and environmental shots. Stephan Vanfleteren’s photographic strategy highlights textured faces and weathered forms, emphasizing endurance and identity tied to the cycling culture of Flanders.

The collection employs high-contrast imagery to convey a somber, introspective mood that invites reflection on the athletes’ physical and emotional struggles. The 132-page volume published by Hannibal Publishers in 2021 carefully balances individual portraits with broader contextual scenes, creating a nuanced narrative of the Flandrien archetype.