2026-09-04 | 12 PM
23 kilometers, 300 meters of elevation gain, 1 lap
A TOUGH AND EXPLOSIVE START: THE FIRST STAGE OF 3RIDES GRAVEL OSTBELGIEN KICKS OFF AS A GRAVEL TIME TRIAL AND SETS THE TONE FOR THE WEEKEND.
04.-06. SEPTEMBER 2026 IN EUPEN
The opening stage (23 km / approx. 300 m of elevation gain) is designed as an explosive gravel time trial and serves as the first benchmark in the overall standings. With an off-road share of 60%, the route heads straight into the wooded surroundings of Eupen and demands high intensity from the very start on varied terrain.
The start is at an elevation of 362 m. After a short descent, the first kilometers run flat away from the Weser Dam, before the profile becomes significantly more demanding from km 6. The climb out of the valley up toward the Hertogenwald runs on compact, fast surfaces and marks the beginning of a longer climbing phase.
Between km 10 and km 17, the stage reaches its topographical high point. Here, the route climbs steadily from around 400 m to the highest point of the lap at 487 m. This section is characterized by typical forestry tracks that remain technically straightforward, but the constant gradient requires precise pacing.
From km 18, the route starts leading back towards the finish area. The profile here becomes significantly faster and is characterized by longer downhill sections, which are briefly interrupted by undulating terrain and smaller climbs. Geographically, the pack brushes the edges of the plateau here before diving back into lower-lying wooded areas.
From km 21, the finale trends downhill back to the Weser Dam. Without highly technical sections, the course is ideal for specialists with strong sustained power. The battle for the first lead in the overall standings will therefore be decided on the fast gravel tracks of the Hertogenwald, where race tactics and pure strength endurance make the difference.
THE ROUTE:
