2025 Belgian Waffle Ride Series
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2026 Belgian Waffle Ride Montana Returns with New Course and New Venue

The Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) Montana will return to Big Sky Country next summer with a completely redesigned course and a new home at Glen Lake Rotary Park in Bozeman. Serving as the grand finale of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series, the 2026 edition promises to deliver one of the most challenging and scenic gravel experiences in North America.

The Bozeman edition of BWR will be more than just a race—it’s a festival of cycling culture, camaraderie, and celebration.

Known as the “Hell of the Bozone,” BWR Montana blends the spirit of the Spring Classics with the rugged, untamed terrain of southwest Montana. The newly updated Waffle course features approximately 106 miles and more than 7,500 feet of climbing, taking riders across a relentless mix of gravel roads, doubletrack, dirt, rocky sectors, and selective stretches of singletrack. With roughly 80 percent of the route on unroads, the course is designed to test endurance, technical skill, and equipment choice at every turn.

Developed in collaboration with local cycling experts, the 2026 route showcases the landscapes that have made Bozeman one of the most sought-after adventure destinations in the American West. Riders will encounter rolling ranchlands, expansive mountain vistas, punchy climbs, fast descents, and constantly changing terrain that has become synonymous with the Belgian Waffle Ride experience.

The weekend begins on June 19 with the BWR Unroad Expo at Glen Lake Rotary Park. The Expo will host packet pickup, brand activations, gear demos, food, music, and community celebrations as riders, fans, and industry partners gather ahead of race day. Following the event, participants can enjoy Bozeman’s renowned hospitality, local food and beverages, and the camaraderie that defines the BWR community.

BWR Montana continues to grow as a marquee stop in the gravel calendar, drawing elite racers, ambitious amateurs, and adventure-focused riders from across the country. As the Quad-Tripel Crown finale, the 2026 edition is expected to play a decisive role in the overall series standings.

The 2026 Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series ultimately culminates in Bozeman, Montana.

DATE: Expo - Friday, June 19, 2026
EVENT - Saturday, June 20, 2026
LOCATION: Glen Lake Rotary Park, 173 Bridger Vale Dr, Bozeman, MT 59715
START TIME: Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 7:30 am

Distances

Waffle – 106 miles | 7,800 ft climbing | 16 Unroad Sectors | 80% Unroad
Wafer – 67 miles | 4,500 ft climbing | 7 Unroad Sectors | 55% Unroad
Wanna – 35 miles | 2,000 ft climbing | 3 Unroad Sectors | 30% Unroad

The BWR Festival 2026: The Hell of the Bozone

From June 19–20, Bozeman becomes the center of the gravel universe as riders, families, and fans gather for a weekend that blends world-class competition with Montana’s trademark hospitality.

The BWR Festival kicks off Friday with the Unroad Expo at Glen Lake Park with a community celebration featuring local food trucks, craft beers, and music. On Saturday, the main event unfolds—the Hell of the Bozone—challenging riders to push their limits against the rugged backdrop of the Northern Rockies.

It’s the ultimate finale to the season, where every climb, every sector, and every pedal stroke brings you closer to the finish line, a frosty beer, and a fresh waffle.

Day 1: Friday, June 19, 2026 – Rider Check-In & Expo

Friday’s Unroad Expo and packet pickup will take place in Bozeman’s scenic outdoor setting.

Riders will check in, collect their bibs, and explore a vibrant expo featuring dozens of vendors offering the latest gear, apparel, and tech for gravel adventurers. Expect music, food, beer, and a festive atmosphere as the BWR community gathers to celebrate the final stop of the 2026 Quad-Tripel Crown.

Day 2: Saturday, June 20, 2026 – The Second Annual Belgian Waffle Ride Montana

The big day. Riders from across the country and around the globe will line up in the early morning light to take on one of the most spectacular courses ever featured in the Belgian Waffle Ride Series.

Bozeman’s route offers a mix of smooth tarmac, steep gravel climbs, fast descents, and rugged backcountry roads—all at altitude. With over 8,000 feet of climbing, riders will face a mix of suffering and serenity that captures the very essence of the BWR spirit.

From June 19–20, Bozeman becomes the center of the gravel universe as riders, families, and fans gather for a weekend

Stella Hobbs and Russell Finsterwald take Victory at 2025 BWR Montana

In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural BWR Montana, Stella Hobbs and Russell Finsterwald emerged victorious, while Flavia Oliveira Parks and Russell Finsterwald were crowned the 2025 BWR Quad/Tripel Crown of Gravel Series Champions.

In the men's race, Alexis Cartier led an early attack alongside ten other riders, quickly creating a gap. However, it was the relentless pursuit of Finsterwald that ultimately defined the race. After a strategic battle, Finsterwald made his move after 105 miles, breaking away from his rivals on singletrack to secure a hard-fought victory. He held off strong competition from Daxton, Lance, Luke, and Joe, crossing the line first to claim the inaugural BWR Montana title.

Meanwhile, the women’s race was equally dramatic. Stella Hobbs broke away from the chase group, creating a significant lead over her competitors. Despite facing challenges—including a 10-minute delay caused by a passing train Courtney Sherwell maintained her pace and crossed the finish line a remarkable 13 minutes behind Hobbs. Flavia Oliveira Parks rounded out the podium in third place, overcoming mechanical issues to complete the race with determination and true grit.

The results of the day also crowned Flavia Oliveira Parks and Russell Finsterwald as the Quad/Tripel Crown of Gravel Title winners, solidifying their status as top contenders in the series finale. Their performances throughout the season were marked by resilience and skill, culminating in this prestigious achievement.

“BWR Montana was an unforgettable experience,” said Finsterwald. “The course was challenging, but the community support made it all worthwhile. I’m honored to take home the title and can’t wait for the next challenge.”

Photo: L to R - Luke Mosteller 4th, Daxton Mock 2nd, Russell Finsterwald 1st, Lance Haidet 3rd and Joe Goettl 5th

Photo: L to R - Luke Mosteller 4th, Daxton Mock 2nd, Russell Finsterwald 1st, Lance Haidet 3rd and Joe Goettl 5th

Hobbs echoed this sentiment, stating, “Winning here in Bozeman, surrounded by such passionate fans and fellow cyclists, is a dream come true. I’m grateful for the support and can’t wait to return next year.”

Photo: L to R - Melissa Aitken 4th, Courtney Sherwell 2nd, Stella Hobbs 1st, Flavia Oliveira Parks 3rd and Chelsee Pummel 5th

Photo: L to R - Melissa Aitken 4th, Courtney Sherwell 2nd, Stella Hobbs 1st, Flavia Oliveira Parks 3rd and Chelsee Pummel 5th

Rider Perks

Every rider will receive a BWR musette bag from Neversecond that contains essential race-day items and special swag:

- Sponsor Swag
- Race Number and RFID Tag (for official finishing time)
- Pre- and Post-Race Waffles, Coffee & Beverages
- Beer
- Finisher’s Trophy Beer
- Bragging Rights
- Podium Recognition for the Top 3 in each age category for Waffle & Wafer, and Top 5 Overall
- Official BWR t-shirts and branded gear will be available at registration and the Mumu booth inside the Expo.

Every rider will receive a BWR musette bag from Neversecond that contains essential race-day items and special swag:

Awards

- Pro and age group awards
- Category awards
- Prize money for Quad-Tripel Crown
- Prize Purse for Pros
- GC (overall General Classification winner/yellow jersey)
- Attaquer Award - most aggressive
- King/Queen of the Mountain
- King/Queen of the Sprint 
- King/Queen of the Dirt 
- Hardman/Hardwoman (strongest contributor/blue jersey)
- kUDOs Jersey (awarded to the rider(s) who is considered the most spirited, positive and happy rider, named in honor Udo Heinz/orange jersey)

- Age Group Categories: 18 & under, 19-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 , 50-54 , 55-59 , 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and over

Register Now

For more information please visit: https://www.belgianwaffleride.bike/pages/belgian-waffle-ride-montana or click the button below to register now: