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From Wednesday, May 10 to Sunday, May 14, more than 250 long-distance cyclists representing 13 nationalities are expected in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium, to participate in the Race Across Belgium over one of the 3 distances offered: 300, 500 or 1000 km.
Photo: ©Quentin Iglesis
The Race Across Belgium offers 3 distances (300 km, 500 km and 1000 km) with a start/finish from Cardinal Mercier College in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium, and a semi-self-supported format that allows cyclists from very diverse backgrounds to register: “We see many first-time ultra-distance participants on the 300 and 500 km courses. These distances are accessible for regular cyclists or athletes who want to challenge themselves for the first time on an ultra course,” says Arnaud Manzanini, Race Director.
These 3 distances are organized into 3 loops of 200, 300 and 500 km, which will allow riders to pass through the base camp located at Cardinal Mercier College 1 to 2 times, in order to benefit from support (rest area, refueling, mechanical assistance, toilets and showers) but also to finish their course on the 300 km loop and meet at the finish. It is possible to start the Race Across Belgium as a solo rider, duo or team of 4.
1000 km of legendary cycling, in 3 and a half days
The 1000 km promises to be particularly grand with the addition of the 200, 500 and 300 km loops for a total elevation gain of 8000 D+.
Riders will have the pleasure of riding the most beautiful roads in the country with:
- The 200 km loop will pass through the Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure and Philippeville, a new feature!
- The 300 km loop offers the best of what the Walloon classics have to offer. With the Côte de la Redoute, the Mur de Huy, the Citadelle de Namur, the Triple Mur de Lustin or the Roche-à-Frêne, you’ll need a gear ratio well suited to the steep gradients!
- The 500 km loop includes the best of Flanders: it starts with the 2021 World Championships course, including the Smeysberg and the Moskesstraat. Then it heads towards the Pajottenland – dear to Remco Evenepoel – before taking on the roads of Ghent-Wevelgem (Koppenberg, Mur de Grammont) and the Tour of Flanders.
Participants in the 500 km will cover the 200 then 300 km loop for an elevation gain of 5000 D+ and cyclists in the 300 km will be on a single loop with an elevation gain of 4000D+.
An adventure from the Race Across Series 2023
In 2023, Race Across becomes a series of ultra-distance cycling events with several races in Europe, organized from March to July, to allow more and more enthusiasts to discover or gain experience on magnificent courses: Race Across Paris, Race Across Belgium, Race Across France and Race Across Switzerland.
Practical information
The starts and finishes of the races will take place from Cardinal Mercier College in Braine-l’Alleud, and will be accessible to the general public:
- 1000 km start – Wednesday, May 10 from 10 p.m.
- 500 km start – Friday, May 12 from 8 a.m.
- 300 km start – Friday, May 12 from 10 p.m.
Starts will be given every minute in ascending order of bib numbers for solo categories, then duos, and finally quartets.
To take on the challenge, registrations are made online via the website belgium.raceacross.cc and to experience the event from the inside and contribute to its success, the team is looking for volunteers for a wide variety of missions (reception, GPS tracking, catering, etc.). The registration form to become a volunteer is accessible HERE.
Source: Press Release
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