Emily Newsome and Adam Roberge take victory at 2025 Belgian Waffle Ride North Carolina
Canadian Adam Roberge claimed his second Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) North Carolina title while Emily Newsome dominated the women’s field in a hard-fought 100-mile race through the Appalachian foothills.
The event, starting at Wag Valley Farm and featuring seven major climbs and more than 8,000 feet of elevation gain, tested riders across mixed gravel and pavement as fall colors framed a dramatic day of racing.
Roberge broke away from a small front group midway through the event, joining forces with Drew Dillman, Brody McDonald, Jura Gerlach and Cole Davis after an early, aggressive move. Early race leader Evan Boyle (Axeon Hagens Berman Jayco) briefly opened a gap of over three minutes before a mechanical collapse — two punctures and a broken saddle — ended his day at approximately 60 miles. On the course’s decisive climb with about 35 miles remaining, Cole Davis (Project Echelon) surged clear and briefly held the lead before Roberge bridged up and countered. Roberge ultimately rode away to a two-minute victory margin, with Drew Dillman rounding out the podium in third.
The men’s race was marked by tactical aggression and attrition that favored experienced, resilient riders. McDonald’s puncture on the big climb and Boyle’s mechanical troubles reshaped the contest, leaving Roberge and Davis to contend for the win. Roberge built a commanding advantage in the final miles, securing his second BWR North Carolina crown and underscoring his strength on mixed-terrain courses.
“It was so fun, please keep this race,” said Adam Roberge. “I don’t know if I’m biased since I like the East Coast, but this course is just perfection.” The sentiment echoed among riders and spectators alike, who praised the route’s flow, scenery and challenge.
Belgian Waffle Ride Would Like to Thank
- Falling Creek Camp (fallingcreek.com) – A legendary boys’ camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains that fosters adventure, connection, and outdoor spirit. Their support roots the event in the area’s deep tradition of outdoor exploration.
- Dupont Bike Retreat (dupontbikeretreat.com) – A mountain bike-centric lodging and retreat space just outside Dupont State Forest, offering a perfect base camp for riders and fans.
- Squatch Bikes & Brews (squatchbikes.com) – Your go-to bike shop, taproom, and community hub in Brevard. They’ll keep you rolling smooth and refreshed with gear, service, and cold beer.
- Downtown Asheville Racing Club (DARC) (facebook.com/DARCavl) – Hosts of Friday’s Shakeout Ride. They embody the cycling culture of Asheville and help us kick things off in style.
- Asheville Youth Cycling (AYC) (facebook.com/AshevilleYouthCycling) – The nonprofit BWR were proud to support this year. Proceeds from the Shakeout Burrito Ride go directly to helping young riders discover the joy of cycling.
- Salt Face Mule Brewing (saltfacemule.com) – Official beer partner. Every finisher will get to raise a glass of their craft brew as part of the celebration.
BWR North Carolina continues to draw top gravel and mixed-terrain athletes from across North America and beyond. With its demanding climbs, scenic mountaintop vistas and a mix of road and gravel, the event remains a standout in the fall racing calendar and a proving ground for athletes honing late-season form.
Next Up - BWR Mexico: Plan your 2025 Season Finale with Waffles, Tacos & Tequila!
End your season in style at the 3rd edition of BWR Mexico – the largest gravel race in Mexico, Nov 22–23. Plan ahead. Ride hard. Mexico awaits. Entry just $99!
Belgian Waffle Ride invites you to the most iconic Gravel Unroad event in the USA now in Mexico, ride incredible routes in the state of Querétaro on a Gravel, MTB or e-Bike.
The BWR Mexico will be the last date of the Belgian Waffle Ride Gravel Series 2025 and will have the largest prize pool of the BWR 2025 series - $5,000 USD prize purse for top Waffle riders.
End your gravel season in true BWR fashion — with an epic ride through the heart of Mexico, fueled by waffles, tacos, tequila, and unforgettable terrain.
Register NOW and SAVE!
$99 USD for the first 200 riders only! Lock in your spot at the best price and be part of the chaos, the camaraderie… and the challenge.
Don’t wait. El Belgian is calling!
Make your 2025 finish line unforgettable!
For more information, please visit: www.bwrmexico.com or click the button below to register now.
