Belgium's Road Racing Scene
For avid cyclists, seeking new challenges and testing their skills on foreign terrain is a constant pursuit. One destination that has captivated riders from the United Kingdom is Flanders, Belgium—a region renowned for its passionate cycling culture, challenging road races, and electric atmosphere. In this blog post, we'll delve into the exhilarating world of British cyclists venturing to Flanders with their British Cycling licenses, experiencing the diverse types of road races the region offers, soaking in the unique atmosphere, and considering the associated costs. Flanders, with its iconic cobbled roads and rich cycling heritage, provides an unrivaled experience for cyclists looking to push their limits and immerse themselves in a cycling mecca.
The Landscape
Belgium boasts a rich cycling heritage, producing legendary riders and hosting a plethora of road races. The country's terrain is characterised by cobbled roads, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, providing a diverse and demanding playground for cyclists. Two prominent types of road races in Belgium are worth highlighting: the kermesse and the classic.
Kermesse races are local races held in towns and villages throughout Belgium. These races are known for their technical courses and intense competition, often featuring narrow roads, tight corners, and cobblestone sections. Participating in kermesses allows British riders to immerse themselves in the Belgian cycling scene and witness the true grit of local talent.
Classic races are another highlight of Belgium's road racing calendar. Events like the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège attract the world's top professional riders, showcasing the country's passion for the sport. While British cyclists may not participate in these marquee events, being in Belgium during the classics season allows them to soak up the electrifying atmosphere, witness the race firsthand, and even take part in local sportives organised in conjunction with the classics.
The Electric Atmosphere
Belgium's cycling culture is second to none, with fans known for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. When it comes to road races, the atmosphere is electric, creating an unforgettable experience for both riders and spectators. Belgians line the streets, cheering fervently, and encouraging every participant. Their passion is contagious, motivating British cyclists to push their limits and embrace the challenges of Belgian racing.
Furthermore, the Belgian cycling community is welcoming and inclusive, providing an opportunity for British riders to connect with like-minded individuals. Whether it's engaging in pre-race banter, sharing post-race stories over a pint, or simply swapping cycling tips, the camaraderie between riders from different nations fosters a sense of unity and shared passion.
Juniors and Women
Belgium's vibrant cycling scene is not only known for its challenging races but also for its strong emphasis on junior races and women's racing, surpassing the offerings found in the UK. In Belgium, there is a thriving culture of supporting and nurturing young talent, which is reflected in the abundance of junior races available. Junior riders from the United Kingdom with British Cycling licenses can expect a calendar packed with regular events tailored specifically to their age group, providing them with ample opportunities to gain race experience and showcase their skills.
Similarly, Belgium's commitment to women's racing is commendable. Compared to the UK, Belgium offers a significantly greater number of races exclusively for women, ensuring a vibrant and competitive field. Women's racing in Belgium enjoys a dedicated following, with events often drawing in substantial entries. This high level of participation contributes to the development of a strong and competitive racing environment, providing an ideal platform for British women cyclists to challenge themselves against talented riders from Belgium and beyond.
The availability of numerous junior races and a flourishing women's racing scene in Belgium presents an invaluable opportunity for British cyclists. Whether they are aspiring junior riders seeking to gain experience and test their mettle or women cyclists aiming to compete at a higher level, Belgium's racing calendar offers a multitude of regular events with fiercely competitive fields, fostering growth and providing an inspiring platform for progression in these specific categories.
Finding Races
If you're a British cyclist with a desire to tackle the thrilling kermesse races in Belgium, finding events to participate in is key. A valuable resource for discovering races in Belgium is Cycling Vlaanderen, the governing body for cycling in the Flanders region. Their website, cycling.vlaanderen, provides comprehensive information on upcoming races, including kermesses, throughout the region. By visiting their website, you can access race calendars, registration details, and essential race information. Cycling Vlaanderen's platform serves as a valuable tool to plan your racing schedule and stay updated on the latest events in Belgium's vibrant cycling community. Whether you're targeting a specific region or looking for races across Flanders, Cycling Vlaanderen is an invaluable resource for British riders seeking to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of Belgian kermesses. Once you have browsed the website for a little while, you might find yourself starting to understand just enough Dutch to know what is going on. Until then however you can use google translate.
Flanders offers a diverse range of regions for races, each with its own distinct characteristics. Antwerp and West Flanders are known for being the two flattest regions in Belgium. Races held in these areas tend to be fast-paced and frantic, favoring sprinters and riders with strong power on flat terrain. Flemish Brabant and Limburg regions present the hilliest landscapes in Flanders. The races here feature challenging climbs and undulating terrain, demanding a different set of skills and favoring climbers and puncheurs. East Flanders offers a mix of terrains, combining flat sections with rolling hills. This region provides a varied race experience, requiring versatility and adaptability from riders. Overall, each region in Flanders offers a unique racing experience, catering to different styles and strengths of cyclists. it is worth noting that whilst belgium is doesn’t have any major climbs like those of france. The organisers of a lot of kermesses do have a habit of finding drags and rises for their races. So even when you are on the way to the race and it all seems flat, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if you are expecting pan flat course!
When searching for races, they are often listed with the town name and the region in brackets. A quick guide to use is the following.
Antwerp (A)
West Flanders (W)
East Flanders (O)
Flemish Brabant (VB)
Limburg (LB)
Some of the information you will given on the calendar is often abbreviated as such.
(I) Inschrijving: (the sign on address)
(K) Kleedkamers: (the changing rooms of the race)
The timings are listed as U: 13:30/14:45/15:00. Which means Sign On Opens / Sign On Closes / Race Starts. Might be worth noting that most races will start in the afternoon and lead into the evening.
Racing Categories
In Belgium, the road racing scene caters to various racing categories, offering opportunities for riders of different skill levels and aspirations. Two distinct categories worth highlighting are the Elite with Contract and Elite without Contract, as well as the lower category fun and gentleman's races.
Elite with Contract: This category comprises professional riders who have secured contracts with teams. These athletes compete at the highest level, participating in prestigious races both within Belgium and internationally. The Elite with Contract races showcase intense competition and attract a significant following of cycling enthusiasts eager to witness the talents of these professional riders.
Elite without Contract: The Elite without Contract category encompasses riders who aspire to break into the professional ranks or pursue their passion for racing at a highly competitive level. These races provide an opportunity for talented riders to showcase their skills and catch the attention of professional teams. The Elite without Contract races often feature challenging courses and draw a strong field of ambitious riders, adding to the excitement and level of competition.
Fun and Gentleman's Races: Belgium also offers a range of races in lower categories that provide a more inclusive and recreational atmosphere. Fun races, as the name suggests, prioritise enjoyment and participation for riders of all abilities, emphasising camaraderie and a friendly atmosphere. These events often take place on less demanding courses, allowing riders to experience the joy of racing without the intense competitive pressure.
Gentleman's races, on the other hand, are typically events for older riders or those who have retired from professional racing but still have a passion for the sport. These races provide an opportunity for experienced riders to continue participating in a structured and organised racing environment, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among peers.
In Belgium, the diversity of racing categories ensures that cyclists of all levels and aspirations can find events that cater to their specific interests and abilities. Whether aiming to pursue a professional career, seeking a competitive challenge, or simply enjoying the thrill of racing in a fun and inclusive setting, Belgium's road racing scene offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for riders to pursue their cycling dreams.
When checking the cycling.vlaanderen website for events. There are several race categories to consider:
1.12A: This category includes a standard kermesse race that is longer in distance (120-140km), or a point-to-point race that includes some local laps. This is a nice option for Elite riders without a contract, even though it is not a common race classification.
1.12B: This category is a standard kermis race, and is the main staple of races for Elite male riders in Belgium on the road. The distance ranges from 100-120km.
1.13: This category is a standard U23 kermesse race, and only U23 riders are allowed to participate.
Other categories include:
1.14.3: This is a standard Junior kermis race. Women can participate in this race if there are no other races taking place in Belgium on that day.
1.15: This is a standard Elite Women's bike race in Belgium.
1.16: This is a bike race for youth women aged 15 to 16.
1.16J: This is a race for junior women aged 17 and 18.
1.16N: This is a race for junior women under age 14.
1.17.3: This is a standard kermis style race for riders aged 13 and 14.
1.18: This is a race for Masters and Amateurs, and Elite Without Contract and U23 riders are not allowed to start these races. If you have a UCI License and are under 30, you are an ELITE rider. Be sure to check your license if you are over 30 and see if it says ELITE or MASTER on it. If you want to do Masters races, make sure it doesn't say ELITE on it. Sometimes, there are separate races for each age group.
1.18 Open (Am./Mast./B.El.zc/B.U23): This is similar to a 1.18 Amateurs + Masters race, but is open to U23 and Elite Without Contact riders. Everyone rides together.
Types of Races
In Belgium, road racing offers a diverse range of challenges and distances, including not only traditional races but also sportives and gran fondos. These events provide riders with additional opportunities to test their skills and push their limits in a non-competitive setting.
Kermesse races, known for their local character, continue to be a popular choice for riders seeking an exhilarating racing experience. The distances in kermesse races typically range from 80 to 120 kilometers (50 to 75 miles), varying based on the category and specific race. Multiple laps are completed around a circuit, usually spanning 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) per lap. The challenging terrain, tight corners, and occasional cobblestone sections make each lap a thrilling test of skill and endurance. Riders strategise and adapt as they progress through the laps, aiming to secure victory in this high-intensity race format.
Beyond traditional races, Belgium hosts a variety of sportives and gran fondos, providing riders with non-competitive yet challenging events. Sportives are mass-participation rides that allow cyclists of all abilities to experience the thrill of riding on closed roads or marked routes. Distances in sportives can vary, ranging from shorter distances suitable for novice riders to longer distances aimed at experienced cyclists seeking a tougher challenge. These events often incorporate scenic routes and highlight the natural beauty of the Belgian countryside.
By incorporating sportives and gran fondos into the road cycling landscape, Belgium offers a comprehensive range of events that cater to cyclists of all interests and abilities. Whether it's the high-intensity laps of kermesse races, the epic distances of classic races, or the camaraderie and personal achievement found in sportives and gran fondos, Belgium's road cycling scene provides an exciting and diverse array of opportunities for riders to embrace their passion for the sport.
Participation
Participating in a kermesse race in Belgium requires a high level of fitness and a determined mindset. The intensity and demands of these races can be a shock to riders, particularly those new to the Belgian racing scene. It is not uncommon for many riders, including British cyclists, to struggle to finish their first kermesse races due to the fast pace and challenging nature of the event.
Kermesses are known for their high speeds and aggressive racing from the start. The peloton charges ahead, pushing the limits right from the beginning, making it a grueling experience for riders. The average speeds in kermesses can easily exceed 55 kilometers per hour on flat sections, with even higher speeds reached during descents or in pursuit of breakaways.
To succeed in a kermesse, riders must possess exceptional cardiovascular endurance, explosive power, and tactical acumen. The races are often characterised by aggressive attacks, with riders vying for position and attempting to establish breakaways. Until a breakaway group forms and gains a significant advantage, the pace remains relentless, with riders fighting to stay in contention and position themselves favorably.
For British riders, finishing a kermesse can be seen as a significant accomplishment, akin to a victory. The fierce competition and challenging conditions make simply crossing the finish line a testament to their determination and physical capabilities. Each completed race provides valuable experience and knowledge that can be built upon for future endeavors.
While the initial races might be overwhelming, British riders who persevere and adapt to the demanding nature of kermesses will gradually become more comfortable with the fast-paced racing and tactical nuances. Over time, they can aim to not only finish the races but also compete for positions and contend with the local Belgian riders who have honed their skills in these challenging events.
Considerations and Costs
Embarking on a cycling adventure in Belgium does involve certain considerations and costs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Travel Expenses: Budget for transportation costs, including flights or ferry tickets to Belgium, as well as ground transportation within the country.
Accommodation: Depending on the duration of your stay, consider various accommodation options, ranging from hotels and hostels to vacation rentals or even staying with local Belgian cycling enthusiasts.
License Requirements: In order to race in Belgium, you will require a race license from a UCI federation such as British Cycling ana letter saying you are eligible to race. Usually giving British Cycling a quick call they will be able to email this to you to print out.
Race Entry Fees: Participation in road races typically requires registration and payment of entry fees. Research and plan accordingly for costs that may vary depending on the race and category. Usually however the races in Belgium are cheaper than in the UK, at around 10euros, which includes a deposit for your race number.
Equipment and Bike Maintenance: Ensure your bike is in optimal condition to handle the demanding Belgian roads, especially with cobbled sections. Bring spare parts, extra tires, and tools to handle any unforeseen mechanical issues.
Impact of Brexit
Since Brexit, there have been some additional challenges for British cyclists heading to Belgium. Changes in regulations and paperwork requirements may have made it slightly more complicated to participate in races abroad. Riders now need to ensure they have the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport, travel insurance, and potentially a visa depending on the length of their stay. Additionally, the process of transporting bikes and equipment across borders has become more regulated, with the additional possibility of customs making further checks.
While Brexit may have introduced some additional challenges for British cyclists venturing to Belgium, the overwhelming positives of experiencing the vibrant racing scene and electric atmosphere in Belgium far outweigh the negatives. The abundance of races, particularly for juniors and women, coupled with the passionate support of Belgian cycling fans, create an unparalleled opportunity for British cyclists to immerse themselves in a thriving and competitive environment. The chance to race on challenging terrains, witness legendary events, and connect with fellow riders from around the world fosters personal growth, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for the sport. Ultimately, the unforgettable experiences gained from racing in Belgium make it a must-visit destination for British cyclists, and a testament to the enduring spirit of cycling that transcends borders and challenges.
