BENELUX MAY 27-31, 2026
Source: https://en.raceacrossseries.com/
🚴♀️🚴𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞
💻www.raceacrossseries.com
⛰️Road & Gravel
📍Portugal, Paris, Benelux, France, Suisse, Québec & Espagne
The Race Across Belgium is changing its name to Race Across Benelux. Between cobblestones, hilly roads and a unique atmosphere, this is an authentic and demanding playground for ultra cyclists.
The Race Across Benelux 2026 (formerly known as the Race Across Belgium) is a prominent ultra-cycling event that is part of the international Race Across Series. The 2026 edition takes place from Wednesday, May 27, to Sunday, May 31, 2026, bringing riders across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
The race format includes a major “point-to-point” cross-country route for the ultimate distance, and a centralized base-camp layout in Arlon, Belgium (Place Léopold) for all other distances.
The Schedule & Program
The week is structured around the various distance formats, staggered to ensure everyone finishes around the same time for the final celebrations.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026: The 1,000 km Launch
- 14:00 – 19:00: Race bib collection, tracking setup, and mandatory equipment verification.
- 18:00: Mandatory rider briefing.
- Starting from 20:00: Official rolling start for the 1,000 km participants (Solo, Duo, and Teams).
- Start Location: Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam (Netherlands).
Thursday, May 28, 2026: 500 km Check-In
- 17:00 – 22:00: Race bib collection and gear check for the 500 km distance.
- 20:00: Rider briefing for the 500 km course.
- Location: Base camp in Arlon, Belgium.
Friday, May 29, 2026: 500 km Start & 300 km Check-In
- 06:00: Coffee and rider welcome.
- Starting from 08:00: First departures for the 500 km race.
- 17:00 – 22:00: Race bib collection and gear check for the 300 km distance.
- 20:00: Rider briefing for the 300 km course.
Saturday, May 30, 2026: 300 km Start & 200 km “By Night”
- 06:00: Coffee and rider welcome.
- Starting from 08:00: First departures for the 300 km race.
- 14:00 – 19:00: Race bib collection and gear check for the 200 km “By Night” race.
- 18:00: Rider briefing for the night race.
- Starting from 20:00: Departures for the 200 km By Night (GO’LUM Experience) under the stars.
Sunday, May 31, 2026: The Grand Finish
- 10:00: Official Finishers’ Party, medal presentation, and trophy ceremony for all categories.
- Location: Place Léopold, Arlon, Belgium.
Route Formats & Distance Details
Depending on the distance chosen, riders will tackle iconic Flemish cobblestones, winding Ardennes forests, and taxing climbs.
| Distance | Format Type | Route Details & Highlights |
| 1,000 km (~1,048 km) | Cross-country + Loop | Part 1: Starts at the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium, traveling 533 km (~4,700m elevation) south into Belgium. Part 2: A grueling 515 km (~7,165m elevation) wilder loop through the Ardennes, finishing in Arlon. |
| 500 km (~528 km) | Double Loop | Combines a 200 km loop and a 300 km loop starting and returning to Arlon. Crosses into Luxembourg (Valley of the Seven Castles) and back into the Belgian Gaume and Semois Valley. Total elevation: ~8,550m. |
| 300 km | Single Loop | A single cross-border loop stretching through Belgium and Luxembourg, testing riders on steep, punchy hills and dense forest tracks. |
| 200 km | Night Circuit | An intense, short ultra-distance circuit designed to be ridden overnight, allowing riders to experience the transition from dark into sunrise. |
Note on Logistics: For the 200 km, 300 km, and 500 km formats, the Arlon base camp serves as the only location where crew assistance and external support are permitted. Showers, catering, and dormitories are provided on-site for the racers.
