Never Forget: The Great War Remembrance Pro Race and Cyclosportive
1918. Exactly one hundred years ago, the First World War came to an end. All over the world, people will commemorate the ending of the Great War. Here's your chance to watch the new Pro Race and take part in the Cyclosportive August 24 - 26 across Flanders fields
In honour, The Great War Remembrance Race will take place for the first time. This cyclosportive will pass directly through the 1914-'18 battle zone to finish in Ypres. The Pro Race is scheduled for Friday 24 August, but on Sunday August 26 it's your turn with The Great War Remembrance Cyclosportive.
Hop onto your bicycle to explore the lovely area around Ypres, a region drenched in cycling history. Get ready to dive into Flanders Fields, expand your limits on the hills of Heuvelland and fight the Westhoek wind!
The Great War Remembrance Race begins in Nieuwpoort and then proceeds right through Flanders Fields towards Ypres. With runs over the renowned Plugstreets, the famous Kemmelberg and Palingbeek, a "new", but very nice stretch of cobbles, we're sure to achieve an exciting nail-biter of a race. The setting of this race is rich in history, and associations with WWI are never far with runs including Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendaele 14-18 and the Menin Gate.
>>> New classic pro race to celebrate the centenary of the First World War <<<
You can be one of the first to discover this new cycling competition. We start in Ypres and have made sure to provide a varied circuit covering all the high notes of the professional race. Imagine yourself a professional cyclist for a day and cross Flanders Fields by bicycle.
Experience Palingbeek, the Plugstreets and the Kemmelberg
You'll have a choice of four distances on Sunday 26 August, 45, 72, 111 or 181 km. Starting from Ypres, the city of peace.
Then the course winds its way 45 km to Mesen. They'll spare you the hills, but you'll get to try the Palingbeek. This stretch of cobblestones in the woods will be one of the highlights of the professional race. You'll "only" be asked to climb 280 metres.
The nicest parts of the course are just past Mesen, where you'll find two Plugstreets. These semi-paved sections, which first made their appearance at Gent-Wevelgem, will now add a spectacular element.
Have you always yearned to conquer the Kemmelberg? If so, the 111 km is what you want, climbing almost 750 metres and guaranteed to provide a challenge with runs including Plugstreets, Palingbeek and the Kemmelberg.
Those really wanting to feel like a pro for a day should opt for the 181 km. You start from Ypres, continuing along the Yser River towards the starting point in Nieuwpoort. Your route includes all the high points of the pro race, climbing over a thousand metres and facing the treacherous Westhoek wind to make for an impressive challenge!
Remembering Those...
If you opt for the 181 km, you will stop for provisions at the Westfront in Nieuwpoort. This is where, two days prior to the Cyclo, the first Great War Remembrance Race will take off. An imposing statue of King Leopold I provides an appropriate backdrop.
All circuits pass by Tyne Cot Cemetery, as any tour of the Westhoek should certainly include this impressive war cemetery. A staggering 11,900 British soldiers found their final resting place here. Make sure to pause briefly to try and comprehend the scale of the hostilities in 1914-'18.
The Palingbeek cobblestones between the trees will be a determining factor in the Pro Race, and is sure to be a spectacular addition to the CycloSportive. The "Comingworldrememberme" monument can also be found nearby. The momnument uses small sculptures made of clay to represent all 600,000 Belgian victims of WWI. Absolutely worth a visit!
World Class Cycling
As part of the Etixx Classics Tour series, participants will enjoy superb organization.
With Assistants to sign the way / the start/finish in Ypres, plenty of provisions at each checkpoint, offering Etixx sports nutrition and drinks, water and a wide choice of fruit and biscuits.
Technical assistance and breakdown service on course. You'll receive an info card showing the hills, cobblestone sections and provisions zones, plus Excellent signage along the route.
To look after all partiicpants, a Medical service will ve available at every checkpoint and at the finish.
Participants wil get to enjoy Coffee before the race start, Secured bicycle shed and afterwards, changing rooms with showers and a massage at the race finish.
Register Now to Secure a Place
To register, click the bottom below or for more information, please visit: http://www.sport.be/greatwarremembrance/2018/en