From June 7–11, 2025, we hosted the very first edition of MONUMENTAL Gravel. 103 people participated; the average rider age was about 35, with 17% women (working hard to get that number up!!). Most riders came from Belgium, alongside many Germans, plus adventurers from Denmark, Spain, and even Canada. For many, it was the longest ride they had ever done.
We offered two routes:
The first one is the Flandrien Route: including many parts of the ultimate Flemish classic: de Ronde Van Vlaanderen. It is a 300 km adventure with 3,500 meters of elevation gain, shown as the left loop on the map.
The second route is the Grand Tour: a true challenge, with 700 km with an impressive 10.000 meters of elevation gain, represented by the full route on the map. Next to de Ronde, also all hills and climbs from the monument Liège-Bastogne-Liège are included, connecting them with the nicest off-road tracks.
Right from the start, participants went straight into short, steep climbs like the Smeysberg and the cobbled Moskesstraat, nestled in the rolling hills of the Grape Region. These set the stage for the adventure ahead.
Later on the track, history and cycling intersect as we pass the Lion’s Mound, a monument to Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo in 1815.
Via the Hallerbos, the route leads to climbs that define the Ronde van Vlaanderen: Koppenberg, Paterberg, and Oude Kwaremont, following in the tracks of cycling greats. Heading east, the ride takes you through Pajottenland, a calm landscape of gravel paths and rolling fields.
The final stretch led through the beautiful Zoniënwoud (Sonian Forest), one of Europe’s oldest urban forests.
In total, 72 riders completed this route. The first rider finished in a bit over 13 hours. The last participants arrived at the end of the third day; equally impressive, each bringing back plenty of great stories!
The Grand Tour is an extended version of the Flandrien Tour.
The next 400 km, with over 6.000 meters of climbing, will take you deeper into Belgium’s wild landscapes, where the challenges intensified (read: the climbs become longer and steeper).
Liege-Bastogne-Liege—the oldest and most grueling of the cycling monuments—is part of this route. Tackle icons like the Côte de la Redoute, with its 22% slopes (where Pogacar attacked this year), and the Col de Stockeu, reaching gradients of 20% and crowned with a statue of Eddy Merckx, who conquered this race five times.
Crossing the River Meuse, the real test begins. We rode through Houffalize, known for its UCI Gravel World Series qualifier, and the Ardennes.
The route passed by Durbuy, Europe’s smallest city, before heading to Namur, home to a majestic citadel overlooking the Meuse. From Namur, the route winds back through scenic countryside to Heverlee.
In total, 14 riders completed this route! The first finisher completed the route in about 58 hours, with only 6 hours of sleep. So impressive! The final rider crossed the finish line on the evening of the 5th day, closing an unforgettable adventure.
