Race Across Benelux takes riders through three countries at the heart of European cycling culture, connecting the flat landscapes of the Netherlands with the rolling hills, forests and steep-sided valleys of Belgium and Luxembourg. The event combines long-distance endurance with a mix of urban sections, quiet countryside roads and demanding climbs in the Ardennes.
The longest option covers 1,048 km with approximately 11,900 metres of elevation gain, starting at Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium and finishing in Arlon, Belgium. The route is divided into two sections: a 533.5 km crossing from Amsterdam to Arlon, followed by a 515.3 km loop through Belgium and Luxembourg.
Three shorter formats start and finish in Arlon. The 500 km route combines two loops and accumulates approximately 8,550 metres of climbing. Riders can also choose the 326.6 km route with 4,999 metres of elevation gain, or a shorter 202 km loop with 3,553 metres of climbing. These routes explore areas including the Attert Valley, Anlier Forest, Luxembourg City, the Semois Valley and the Belgian Ardennes.
Race Across Benelux follows a semi-autonomous format. Organised life bases provide food, refreshments, showers, rest areas and access to personal drop bags, while riders must remain self-sufficient between them. Outside assistance and drafting are prohibited, except between members of the same team. GPS tracking is provided throughout the event.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style you might like these ultra events.
At 1000 km with 17000 m of elevation gain, Race Across Benelux is roughly the distance of 24 marathons back to back, with climbing that adds up to more than 1.9 times the height of Mount Everest.
For Race Across Benelux, we'd recommend a Endurance Road Bike — plan on 30-35mm Tubeless tires and a wide-range drivetrain, something like a 46/30T-50/34T (2x) chainring paired with a 10-36T cassette, to handle the terrain comfortably.
We rate Race Across Benelux as Advanced overall. Riders should be ready for mostly smooth, fast-rolling surfaces, steadily rolling, with a healthy amount of climbing elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
Race Across Benelux runs on May 5, 2027, placing it firmly in the spring riding season, when weather can still be unpredictable, so a flexible kit is worth packing.
Race Across Benelux's route is road. Plan your tire choice around 30-35mm Tubeless for the best combination of speed and comfort.