September 6, 2026 | 11 AM
94 / 141 kilometers, 1,500 / 2,250 meters of elevation, 2 / 3 laps
THE FINAL STAGE OF 3RIDES GRAVEL EAST BELGIUM MARKS THE TOPOGRAPHICAL CLIMAX OF THE RACE AND LEADS INTO THE DISTINCTIVE PERIPHERAL AREAS OF THE HIGH FENS.
04.-06. SEPTEMBER 2026 IN EUPEN
The third and decisive stage (47 km / approx. 750 vertical meters per lap) forms the grand finale of the 3RIDES Gravel Stage Race. With an off-road share of 61%, the course leads over technically demanding terrain and requires maximum consistency from the field after the previous days. Geographically, the loop extends from Eupen far south into the tough climbs of the Hertogenwald and the peripheral zones of the High Fens.
The start is on the Wesertalsperre in Eupen at an altitude of approx. 363 m. The first phase of the stage is characterized by a rolling climb on forest terrain, which leads the field to a first plateau at 570 m by km 17. After a short, technical descent, the topographical executioner of the stage immediately follows: a long, grueling climb that reaches the highest point of the loop at approx. 608 m at km 27. This passage in the high plateaus is exposed and offers ideal conditions for a race-deciding selection in the fight for overall victory.
The second third of the route is characterized by a typical Ardennes profile. From km 31, a fast, partly technical descent leads back into deeper wooded areas, followed by a series of short, punchy rollers. The section around km 39 is particularly demanding, requiring clean line choice and tactical awareness due to abrupt changes in rhythm and steep ramps on loose surfaces.
The final part of the stage, from km 44, tends to go downhill and flatten out back towards Eupen. Since no single final climb concludes the day, the decision for the stage victory and the overall classification will be made on the hilly kilometers before, as well as by the cumulative strain over several laps (up to 141 km / 2,250 vertical meters). The finish area at approx. 363 m marks the end of an intense stage race, where endurance and race tactics remain crucial until the very last meter.
THE ROUTE:
