Race Across Belgium: ultra-racing on Belgium's historic roads
The Race Across Belgium is much more than just a bike race; it's an epic adventure in both natural and cultural diversity. It invites participants to immerse themselves in the heart of Belgium's rich heritage. Crossing the heart of Belgium, a country rich in history and varied landscapes. This unique challenge brings together cyclists from all horizons, from thrill-seekers to those looking for an immersive experience through iconic roads and breathtaking landscapes.
The 1000km route: An unforgettable bicycle journey
The Race Across Belgium begins on the route of the Route de la Liberté, 80 years after the end of the Second World War. A perfect start to an adventure through Belgium's varied landscapes. From the Ardennes to the meadows of Limburg, each section offers a unique combination of challenge and discovery. With its mythical roads, high points and picturesque landscapes, this race promises an unforgettable experience for all cycling enthusiasts.
Points of interest :
Battles of the Ardennes section
- Departure fromArlonArlon, capital of the province of Luxembourg, is known for its impressive architectural heritage, Roman ruins and friendly atmosphere.
- La Liberty Road is a commemorative road that traces the route taken by Allied forces in the liberation of Europe during the Second World War.
- Bastogne War Museum and Mardasson American Memorial: located in Bastogne, pay tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
- Saint-Roch: This emblematic place is the starting point for the warm-up of the famous race Liège-Bastogne-Liège as well as the start of the UCI Houffalize Gravel. It includes the Saint-Roch climb, listed in the Cotacol directory of mythical climbs (#338) with 219 points.
- Signal de Botrange : Located at 694 meters above sea levelIt is the highest point in Belgium, and lies in the German-speaking part of the country, offering spectacular natural scenery and unique opportunities for hiking and cycling enthusiasts.
- Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery: This solemn site is home to the graves of thousands of fallen American soldiers.
- Fort Eben-Emael: Strategic Belgian fortress, symbol of resistance at the start of the war.
- We suggest you stop by and try the blueberry tart and the High Peak Brewery: Known as Belgium's highest brewery, it offers unique craft beers that will delight hop lovers.
Limburg Attraction Section
Terhills: Ride the floating bike path over the water, a unique experience in the heart of nature.
Hoge Kempen National Park: Pedal through the meadows and discover the natural wealth of this exceptional park.
Cycling through water: An innovative bike path where the water is at eye level, offering spectacular visual immersion.
Challenges: Enjoy the quiet section and take on the final challenge of Kriezel, a 1.7km paved road used during the 2024 European Championships.
Flèche Wallone section
For a well-deserved break, we recommend coffee and bagels at Mur Coffee in Huy, at the foot of the famous Mur de Huy, in a friendly setting where the cycling atmosphere is at its best.
- Villers-la-Ville Abbey Villers-la-Ville Abbey: A magnificent site steeped in history, this is one of the finest examples of a Cistercian abbey in Belgium, offering impressive ruins and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Citadelle de Namur Namur: Watch out for the cobbles, a difficult passage often associated with the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup (Cotacol #590, Route Merveilleuse, 94 points). It's a place that combines the beauty of its ancient architecture with the challenge of its cobbled course.
- Thier de Huy The little-known "brother" of the Mur de Huy, even more difficult with its steep slopes (Cotacol #535, 272 points). A test of strength and technique for the bravest.
- Mur de Huy A classic of the Flèche Wallonne, famous for its difficulty and steepness (Cotacol #402, 224 points). A challenge dreaded by cyclists, who make it a key moment in the race.
1000 KM route: the second loop that takes you to the Belgian coast
The second loop takes you north to the Wout Van Aert region. The Scheldt River will guide you to the belt of forts around Antwerp. Following part of the world time trial route around Damme, you'll arrive in Bruges. The end of this loop takes you to the Belgian coast, with the Atlantic Wall, a site steeped in history.
Second 500km loop: the bike race continues:
Sables et Châteaux
- Leuven Leuven: a dynamic university town with picturesque roads.
- HerentalsHerentals, Wout Van Aert's home region, is a veritable sanctuary for cyclists. The streets and gravel paths offer varied and pleasant routes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
- The forts around Antwerp are remnants of the region's historic defense, illustrating the city's resilience and strategic importance. These sites provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in military history and discover landscapes marked by time.
- Visit Atlantic Wall is a fascinating place to watch a spectacular sunset over the sea, combining natural beauty with a storied past.
Passage of the Tour of Flanders
Flanders fields, famous for the Gent-Wevelgem race, are a reminder of the impact of the First World War. Sites such as Tyne Cot, the Commonwealth cemetery, Kemmelberg and Menenpoort, where the Last Post is played every evening, are poignant memorials to the fallen.
The current finale of the Ronde: challenge yourself on the fearsome climbs of the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg, the Koppenberg and the Taaienberg. These sections test your endurance and technique, while offering spectacular panoramic views of the Flemish countryside.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Ronde by taking on the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg, classics that have shaped the legend of the race. These iconic routes are a must for any cycling enthusiast looking to experience the essence of the Ronde.
Local tasting recommended:
Mattentaart: don't miss this typical pastry, rich in protein and perfect for filling up on energy before hitting the road again.
- Falco the last coffee bike pit & fan zone before arrival
500km course: the ultra-distance bike race
First 200 KM loop
Points of interest:
- The route starts via the Zoniënwoud and the Meerdaalwoud part of the Brabantse Wouden is a recently developed national park offering varied terrain and magnificent scenery. Offering cyclists picturesque roads and a relaxing environment, it's perfect for cyclists looking to combine physical exertion with contact with nature.
- A Hannut the route takes in the former freight railroad, now transformed into the Ravela tribute to the region's career heritage. This section offers a pleasant ride, contrasting with the more intense challenges of the mountain sections.
- The Château de Mohalocated on the route, is a historic monument that bears witness to the past and enriches the cycling experience with a cultural and visual touch.
Second 300km loop
- The Pajottenland is a region of gentle hills, green fields and charming villages, offering an authentic experience. It's also the home of two-time Olympic champion Remco Evenpoel, who has a street with frescoes dedicated to his greatest victories.
- Bruine puta warm-up climb on the roads of the Brabantse Pijl, a perfect course to prepare cyclists for technical climbs and sections.
- After Pajottenland, we'll head for Tyne Cot, an emblematic place steeped in history, first via the cobbled roads of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, which offer a taste of the challenges of this legendary race, such as the Paddestraata 2.3 km cobbled section that is one of the most demanding events on the route, testing your technique and endurance on roads.
- Nokereberga decisive climb that is a key moment in the race Nokerekoerseknown for its festive atmosphere and impressive panoramas.
Recommended stop :
- RoeselaereBrasserie Rodenbach & Musé du de la course
Flanders fields, in the field of honor
- Flanders fields, au champ d'honneurwith their renown thanks to the Gent-Wevelgem race, are a reminder of the impact of the First World War. Sites such as the Tyne CotCommonwealth Cemetery Commonwealth cemetery, Kemmelberg and the Menenpoortwhere the Last Post is played every evening, are poignant places of remembrance that honor the fallen.
Ronde van Vlaanderen
- Current Ronde final challenge yourself on the fearsome climbs of Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg and Taaienberg. These sections put your endurance and technique to the test, while offering spectacular panoramas of the Flemish countryside.
- Immerse yourself in the history of Le Ronde on the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosbergclassics that have shaped the legend of the race. These iconic routes are a must for any cycling enthusiast looking to experience the essence of the Ronde.
Local tasting recommended:
- Mattentaart don't miss this typical pastry, rich in protein and perfect for filling up on energy before hitting the road again.
- Falco the last coffee bike pit & fan zone before arrival
300KM course
A real gateway to long-distance bike racing, the 300km course gives everyone a chance to try their hand at ultra-distance. The single loop from Braine l'Alleud will take you through sumptuous landscapes...
See the route above.
Gravel course
This year's World Championships took place around the Braine l'Alleud base camp. The course begins with a crossing to Halle via Beersel. After skirting the canal, we tackle the Flemish cobbles in the Hallerbos.
The Hallerbos together with Zoniënwoud, Dijlevallei Zoniënwoud, Dijlevallei, Meerdaalwoud a new national park: de Brabantse Wouden
This national park is home to the 2024 world championship course Halle-Leuven.
After the finish area, we pass through rue Mosskens (cotacol 650 95 points) back to the Battles of Waterloo area
