Gran Fondos in Holland and Belgium
Gran Fondos in Holland and Belgium
Long-distance rides are more interesting as a group. You can test yourself against your friends, get to see places you would never normally visit and, if the route has been set out by people who know how to challenge cyclists, you’ll have an unforgettable ride to boot. It’s time to get into training for some cyclosportives (aka Gran Fondos)! Here are some special events in the Low Countries:
Ename Classic – March
When? Sunday March 10, 2019
How far? 30, 88, 117 or 152km
Start Location? Herzele, Belgium
Type of ride? A great start to the season in the Flemish Ardennes. Some climbing (1,620m, in the 152km version); some cobbles (the 2019 version has one 700m cobbled section). This cobbled section (known as the Jagerij in Oudenaarde) is also included in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad race. You also climb the Nokere Berg, always a key section in the Belgian semi-classic Nokere Koers. This is a well-organised event, with a pleasantly relaxed Belgian atmosphere. You get a bottle of Ename beer after finishing. But you can also get a free beer along the way, as you pass the Ename Brewery en route! A no-stress tour to get the legs woken up for the season ahead.
Price? €13 early bird, €16 on the day for 117 kms or 152 kms.
Website: Ename Classic
Ronde van Noord-Holland – April
When? Saturday April 13, 2019
How far? 40, 60, 110, 160
Start Locations? Alkmaar, Hoorn and Oostzaan, the Netherlands
Type of ride? This is a typically Dutch cyclosportive. The landscape in the province of Noord Holland is as flat as a pancake. There will undoubtedly be wind (and possibly rain and other challenging weather conditions). It’s possible to start this tour from three different locations, which staggers the total volume of riders. Also, being relatively early in the season, this is a ride to test your mettle going into the spring. The Ronde van Noord Holland is one of the most-established cyclosportives in the country and always attracts a high number of riders.
Price? €16.50 early bird (€21.50 on the day), for 160km
Website Ronde van Noord Holland
Klim Classic – May
When? Thursday May 30, 2019
How far? 110 and 170km
Start location? Maastricht, the Netherlands
Type of ride? Hilly. This is indeed a classic: formerly known as the Steven Rooks Classic, it’s one for the climbers (hence the name). It’s always held on Ascension Day, which is a public holiday in the Netherlands. The route travels quickly from the Netherlands into the Belgian Ardennes. The 110km and 170km routes have 1,300 and 2,500m of climbing, respectively. This ride often includes the La Redoute climb (max. gradient 20%), from the Liège-Bastogne-Liège race. The organisers also set out two short climbing time trials en route, which often include La Redoute. This is an opportunity to put the hammer down and beat the clock, or at least the other people you’re riding with. You would be well advised to get some new brake pads for this event: as they say, ‘what goes up most come down…’
Price? €32.50
Website: Klim Classic
Cyclosportive Vélomédiane Claudy Criquiélion – August
When? Saturday August 31, 2019
How far? 97.5km (Petite Crique) or 170km
Start location? La Roche-en-Ardenne, Belgium
Type of ride? This one’s very hilly: 1,300m and 3,300m of climbing between the two versions, respectively, mean you’ll have to have done some training for this one! The ride’s named after Claude Criquiélion, a professional in the 1980s, who died in 2015. In the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, near Luxembourg, you’re guaranteed to feel your legs after this one. It takes place in late summer, and often the weather is favourable, but there are absolutely no guarantees. A tough ride for tough riders. Be prepared!
Price? €16 (Petite) and €34
Website: Vélomédiane Claudy Criquiélion
Gerrie Knetemann Classic – September
When? Sunday September 8, 2019
How far? 75km, 110km and 160km
Start location? Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Type of ride? This one’s relatively flat and goes through the ‘green heart’ of the Netherlands, past the Loosdrecht and Vinkeveen lakes. This ride honours one of the greats of Dutch cycling: Amsterdammer Gerrie Knetemann. There’s a two km time trial on the closed circuit at Sloten, at the end of the ride. Sloten is well known to local racers. Knetemann was especially good in prologues and time trials, winning 21 during his career. There are prizes for the TT winners in various categories: men and women under 23, 23-50 and over 50s. This one is particularly handy for those living in and around the Dutch capital.
Price? €20 early bird, €30 on the day
Website: Gerrie Knetemann Classic
Primus Classic Cyclo – September
When? Saturday September 21, 2019
How far? 65km, 98km, 135km
Start location? Haacht, Belgium
Type of ride? Rolling hills. Nice one to end the season. The hills of the Belgian Brabant (roughly speaking, to the east of Brussels) are not as severe as the ‘calf-biters’ of the Ardennes, and this ride is also not super-long. It also involves beer. Primus is a beer, and the finish is near the brewery. This is a relatively young event (the first edition was in 2014) and has a very friendly atmosphere. The bonus is that, once you’ve finished the Gran Fondo, you can wait and witness the professionals crossing the line during the Primus Classic race, which is run on the same day and in the same area. Mixing with the Belgians at the finish line and watching the racers cross the line is an extra well worth waiting for!
Price? Around €15
Website: Primus Classic
Long-distance rides are more interesting as a group. You can test yourself against your friends, get to see places you would never normally visit and, if the route has been set out by people who know how to challenge cyclists, you’ll have an unforgettable ride to boot. It’s time to get into training for some cyclosportives (aka Gran Fondos)! Here are some special events in the Low Countries: