Race Across Belgium 2025 - Experience Report by Jair Hoogland
Together with three clubmates from CS030 and countless others, I am at the start of the Race Across Belgium. I signed up for the 500 km distance – doing the 1000 km shortly after the Unknown Race didn't seem wise to me. I still feel a bit tired, but I'm eager to race again. I don't have big ambitions, but I also don't want to take the race lightly. Start, and see where I end up.
The race consists of two loops on a fixed route. It starts in Braine-l’Alleud. The first loop goes a little over 200 km eastward, with the Mur de Huy as the toughest section. Then it returns to the start/finish, from where the second lap covers over 300 km through the Flemish Ardennes – featuring well-known cobblestone climbs of the spring classics – before finishing again in Braine-l’Alleud.
We – Anne, Berber, Maarten, and I – have a small house just a stone's throw from the start/finish. The day before the start, we settle in there, prepare ourselves, and go to bed early.
The bike check takes place between seven and nine o'clock, with the briefing immediately afterwards. We aim for half past eight so that we can have breakfast in peace beforehand.
After that, it goes to the start/finish zone – which turns out to be a real little event village. It's set up on a large scale, which is necessary because, in addition to the 500 km distance, there are also races over 1000, 300, 200, 100 km and even some gravel routes.
After our arrival, we pick up our starter packages and all four of us pass the bike check. We had carefully studied the packing list and had everything with us – including a whistle and garbage bags.
The inspection was mainly about the packing list, less about the condition of the wheels. Then followed the briefing – endlessly long, in French, with a rough English translation. It was mostly about other races that the organizer is still planning. In the meantime, the winner of the 1000-km race drove in, which caused applause and a pause. Everything was quite chaotic – at least for people who don't speak French.
Then the lineup for the start. Here, the start is individual – someone goes onto the course every 30 seconds. My start time is 10:35:30, over half an hour after the first starter. In the end, the net time counts. This way of starting takes forever, especially for those who are late.
Still, eventually it strikes 10:35:30, and I am glad to finally be sitting on the bike.
The first section leads through the suburbs of Brussels: Eigenbrakel and Waterloo. It's almost good that there is no mass start – otherwise it would have been impossible through these narrow alleys. What is not good, however, is the GPX track from the organizer. After a few cobblestone meters through a residential area, I am sent back to Waterloo. Since the most important point from the briefing was: Never leave the route!, I obediently follow the track on my Wahoo. I want to avoid time penalties – even though I see that I am among the few who follow the GPX. Result: about five extra kilometers through the residential areas of Waterloo.
After the residential areas, the track seems to be correct again. It goes through a forest area towards the east, with the Mur de Huy as the easternmost point. But first, a few obstacles await: first a bit of gravel in the forest, then a cobblestone section near Eizer and the Smeysberg from the Brabantse Pijl.
Since I started as number 71 and was one of the few who followed the GPX through the residential area, I reach these sections quite late – but the advantage is that I can constantly overtake people. That is motivating.
On Hollestraat, I myself am overtaken – by a fast rider without bags. The race allows the use of the "Basecamp" for food, start, and finish. There is no rule about bags, so the guy probably picks up his night gear after the first loop. Clever – allowed – but for a self-supported bikepacking race, it doesn't feel quite right.
After the obstacles of the Brabantse Pijl, there are some RAVeLs – former Belgian railway tracks, ideal for continuing to "Pacman" and as wind protection, as they are usually well sheltered.
I am approaching the Meuse and thus Huy. A message comes from the organization: at kilometer 107, a small detour is necessary. Because of the chaos in Waterloo and a tracker that loads poorly but shows kilometers, I don't know exactly where I am. Result: an unnecessarily long stretch over a meadow, although a road around it would have been possible – annoying.
Then Huy appears. First you see the power plant, then the city, then the fort – and finally the climb to the Muur begins. It is steep, but since I overtake 4–5 riders, it is bearable.
Logically, there is a descent above – then again a RAVeL. Unfortunately freshly paved – still warm. Riding is impossible. Since you really are not allowed to deviate from the route, I try it on the grass beside it. When I see at the next passage that there is warm asphalt again, I write to the organizers with a photo that I cannot ride here – they give the green light to detour. I still have to check my tires because I don't want to risk a flat.
Next comes the Thier de Huy – even steeper than the Muur, with crumbly surface. Probably the toughest obstacle of the first loop – but I manage to get up well. After that, it goes flat along the Meuse – tailwind, decent bike paths, rocky slopes, river view. It's going well.
It's getting warm. Namur is getting closer, as is its citadel – I brace myself for the next challenge.
But almost a crash beforehand: A man with a dog – leashed, but the leash stretched across the bike path. The man is daydreaming, doesn't hear my bell – emergency brake! MERDE – at least some French from school days still ready.
Shortly afterwards, I meet another rider at the traffic light stop. He says I have a nice bike – a J. Guillem, like himself. I only realize later why he said that – perfect to forget the excitement. Together we ride to the citadel, where I leave him filming. The citadel is impressive – as is the view over the city, river, and surroundings.
Back in Namur, I make the first stop: gas station, refill bottles, cola. Then I head back west with a tailwind. The terrain becomes hilly, and there are still some long cobblestone sections. One of my bottles flies out with every bump – I decide to swap it later. Until then, I hold it in my hand.
The closer the basecamp gets, the hillier it becomes.
Shortly before the end of the first loop, the Pyramid of Waterloo appears. I have been there at night before – by day it looks even more impressive.
At the basecamp, I exchange my bottle, refill supplies, and immediately change for the night. Jelle – whom I know through social media – greets me; he is about to start the 300-km route. A splash of water on the face – and on I go.
Part two leads again through the Brussels surroundings – lots of buildings, a few nice views of the city. After Schepdaal (home of Remco Evenepoel), it becomes more rural – the terrain remains hilly.
I meet the first 300-km riders – including Jelle, who later becomes a strong second. We chat briefly – but he is too fresh, I let him go.
The sun is setting, I am enjoying the moment.
But then I realize: I'm going the wrong way. The GPX file seems correct, but I see the lights of other riders in the valley. The tracker finally works: I am really wrong. I reload the track – lo and behold: changed route. Apparently announced in the briefing session (only in French?). 10–15 additional kilometers. I inform Maarten, Anne, and Berber via WhatsApp – I don't see that as support, we should have simply known that the track was changed.
Back on course, I recognize the participants by helmet numbers: Blue = 500 km, Pink = 300 km.
The villages are atmospheric, it's Friday evening, the pubs are well attended. It is getting colder, I put on my Gabba. Just before Paddenstraat, I am overtaken by three riders, including number 523. Drafting is prohibited, but he suspiciously stays in the slipstream of the others for a long time – a big advantage in the dark. That annoys me.
In Ingelmünster, 523 suddenly lies on the ground. Despite everything, I ask if everything is okay – he nods. 300 meters later, he speeds through the red light. I want to catch up with him, but I let it go.
Later I meet Nicolas at a night supermarket in Roeselare – we fill up water and talk in Dutch. Pleasant, after a day full of "ça va" and "oui". Two minutes after me, the store closes – drivers after us are out of luck.
South of Roeselare, it becomes historic – Passchendaele, Menenpoort, Ypres.
A main road continues to Ypres – the bike path next to it is terrible. I stay on the road. Suddenly, a fast 300-km rider overtakes me – switches to the road and crashes badly. I stop – he only speaks French. Fortunately, more riders arrive. We call an ambulance, give him a rescue blanket. A driver helps, parking his car protectively. Once we are sure help is coming, we continue – with mixed feelings.
In the Heuvelland, I recharge my energy with a few sharp climbs. Scherpenberg, Baneberg, Monteberg, Kemmel – after Kemmel, I no longer think about the accident.
A long stretch along the river to Kortrijk follows. Easy to ride, mentally hard, cold. I meet Nicolas again – and a rider I call "Monsieur Stop-and-Run."
In Kortrijk it is dawning – soon awaits the hell of the Flemish Ardennes. In Berchem before the Oude Kwaremont I organize myself, take snacks in hand – then 523 passes by. I set a goal: to arrive before him. Shortly after, I see him sleeping on a bench – I will not stop anymore.
Dann: the big finale.
Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg, Taaienberg, Berg Ten Houte, Muur van Geraardsbergen (Kapelmuur), Bosberg – all classics. I have to push on the Bosberg – gear shifting error. Otherwise, it’s going well.
After the cobblestones, it levels off. In Halle – 20 km before the finish – helpers offer snacks. I politely decline – temptation for others.
The Hallerbos is beautiful. Sun rays, steep ramps. I meet a 300-km rider again – he is walking, can't shift anymore. Since Ieper "Single Speed" – respect!
Last climb. He rushes past, shouts "Last walk of the day," and then rolls out leisurely before dismounting. At the finish, I congratulate him later – well deserved.
My goal: the same red mat where I started.
There is an interview, photos – it seems more staged than interested. I keep it brief, gather my things, want to go home. At least I still see Jelle and Nicolas, and we chat nicely.
The tracker hardly worked. For a long time, I didn't know whether I came 10th or 11th. Doesn't matter – but a pity. Maybe it's the language, but Race Across Series feels like an event assembly line, not like a race by and for ultra-racers.
Nevertheless: It was a nice weekend. Finally cycled the Flemish Ardennes. And experienced my club colleagues for the first time at a bikepacking race.
Placements:
10/126 Jair
24/126 Maarten
55/126 Berber (Women: 3/9)
DNF Anne (but fought hard)
Leave a comment