One of the world’s most famous cycling monuments will also become of the triathlon’s most famous monuments as the Belgian city of Geraardsbergen becomes the newest member of the Challenge Family world series of triathlons.
The inaugural Challenge Geraardsbergen will take place in Belgium on July 2, 2017 with the bike leg seeing athletes racing over the “MUUR”, famous all over the world for the many heroic cycling stories that have been told on this incredible climb.
Challenge Geraardsbergen joins forty-nine existing Challenge Family races across the globe and will be an official qualifier for The Championship, which is Challenge Family’s championship event at the half-distance.
“Challenge Family always strives to provide our athletes with truly memorable experiences and I can’t think of anything more unforgettable than racing across the Muur. I have no doubt that Challenge Geraardsbergen will become a bucket list race for athletes across the globe and the imagery of athletes climbing the Muur will become renowned worldwide in triathlon”, said ZIbi Szlufcik, CEO of Challenge Family.
The chance to ride over the “MUUR” is just one of the many Challenge Geraardsbergen course highlights.
The 1.9km swim takes place in a unique lake-to-lake course with a rolling beach start. The 90km cycle leg is a mix of rolling roads through quiet rural areas and spectator hotspots with true Flemisch hills. The double passage over the “MUUR” will no doubt test the legs, but will be one of the most unforgettable experiences in all of triathlon. The 21.1km run will take athletes through the main city square surrounded by ancient heritage buildings, through City Abbey Park before reaching the incredible finish line located between the Negotic Town Hall and Old Basilic Church.
Kris Torrekens, President of local triathlon club GETT, is excited at the prospect of such a significant triathlon taking place in Geraardsbergen.
“The city of Geraardsbergen has always been the home for multisport-athletes. Thanks to the various landscapes and different sport infrastructures the combinations are unending. For the last five years triathlon as a sport is expanding rapidly in the city and the region of South Flanders. The fact that Challenge Family is coming to town is really a blessing and a unique opportunity to race over famous cycling hills and introduce more people to triathlon”.
Jens Heyman, organiser of Challenge Geraardsbergen is committed to delivering a world-class event.
“It’s an honor to be part of Challenge Family and launch this event. We hope to convey the cycling history of the Wall of Geraardsbergen across to triathlon and create a new legacy. A first-class athlete experience and athlete safety are the pillars of our organization and it is going to be our privilege to host all athletes and spectators at Challenge Geraardsbergen”, said Heyman.
For international visitors to Challenge Geraardsbergen, Geraardsbergen offers plenty for athletes and their families. Geraardsbergen’s central position in Belgium makes a must-do trip to Bruge or Ghent a breeze and there are lots of family activities in the nearby “Gavers” area.
For those food and wine lovers and athletes who want to celebrate after the race there’s a plethora of options available. Be overwhelmed by the unique taste of the local specialty de Mattentaart or uncover the endless range of Belgian beers, including many local brewers. For those wanting an extended stay after the race athletes can relax in the many B&Bs found spread throughout the surrounding countryside.
Registrations for the inaugural Challenge Geraardsbergen are now open. Athletes can register on-line at www.challenge-geraardsbergen.com.
