Eupen, East Belgium 4 SEP – 6 SEP 2026
Source: https://3rides.de/
The 3Rides Gravel Ostbelgien is a brand-new addition to the 3Rides series, making its premiere in September 2026. This event shifts the focus from the traditional Aachen hub to the German-speaking region of Belgium, specifically centered in Eupen.
Here is the program overview for the inaugural event:
Event Details
- Dates: Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6, 2026
- Location: Eupen, East Belgium (Ostbelgien)
- Core Concept: A “Gravel Stage Race” format combined with hobby rides across the “Three-Country” region (Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands).
The Program Schedule
The event is structured as a three-day festival featuring a mix of competitive racing and recreational tours.
| Day | Event Type | Description |
| Friday (Sept 4) | Stage 1: Time Trial | A short, high-intensity gravel individual time trial (approx. 20 km) to set the initial standings. |
| Saturday (Sept 5) | Stage 2: Gravel Race | A marathon-style stage through the High Fens (Hohes Venn) and border forests. |
| Saturday (Sept 5) | Gravel Rides | Non-timed “Rides” for hobbyists (likely distances of 100 km, 150 km, and 200 km). |
| Sunday (Sept 6) | Stage 3: Finale | The final race stage. Note: While the Winterberg event hosts the UCI World Series, the Ostbelgien event focuses on the “Three-Country” experience. |
Key Highlights
- Three-Country Route: The tracks are designed to cross borders, taking riders through the varied landscapes of East Belgium, the Dutch hills, and the German Eifel.
- Festival Atmosphere: Similar to the Aachen events, expect an Expo area in Eupen with bike brands, food markets, and live entertainment.
- Terrain: Expect a mix of forest tracks, meadow paths, and significant elevation gain, characteristic of the Ardennes/Eifel border region.
In 2026, the 3Rides series is expanding significantly, moving away from its original single location in Aachen to become a multi-event series across Germany and Belgium.
In addition to the Ostbelgien event in Eupen, there are two other major competitions:
1. 3Rides Gravel Winterberg
This is the new “flagship” gravel event, replacing the previous Aachen gravel races. It is a high-altitude challenge in the Sauerland region.
- Date: July 17 – July 19, 2026
- Location: Winterberg, Germany
- Format: A 3-day Gravel Stage Race.
- Stage 1 (Fri): Gravel Individual Time Trial (14 km).
- Stage 2 (Sat): “Top of Sauerland” Marathon (70 km or 105 km, up to 2,550m elevation).
- Stage 3 (Sun): The UCI Gravel World Series qualifier (86 km or 129 km, up to 3,000m elevation).
- Hobby Aspect: Non-competitive “Gravel Rides” (100 km, 150 km, and 200 km) are held on Saturday for those not wanting to race.
2. 3Rides Gran Fondo Südliche Weinstraße
The road cycling portion of 3Rides has also moved. It has become a “Spring Classic” style road race in the vineyards of the Palatinate.
- Date: April 25, 2026
- Location: Schweigen-Rechtenbach, Germany (German Wine Gate)
- Format: Part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.
- Main Race: 100 km circuit with roughly 600 meters of elevation.
- Jedermann Race: A shorter 50 km version for hobbyists.
- Special Feature: The route is cross-border, with approximately 15 km of the course running through the Alsace region of France.
Summary of the 2026 3Rides Series
| Event | Date | Focus | Major Status |
| Südliche Weinstraße | April 25 | Road / Gran Fondo | UCI World Series Qualifier |
| Winterberg | July 17–19 | Gravel Stage Race | UCI World Series Qualifier |
| Ostbelgien (Eupen) | Sept 4–6 | Gravel Stage Race | Series Premiere |
Note on Aachen: While the 3Rides festival was born in Aachen, the city is hosting the FEI World Equestrian Championships in 2026, which is why the cycling events have moved to these new, dedicated locations for this year.
