Is the Ethias Hell of Flanders gravel ride a competition?

No, the gravel ride is a fun, recreational ride. We do start in a group, but after the start you ride at your own pace. Time is not kept and there are no results at the end.

Can I participate in the gravel ride with a mountain bike?

No, you may not. This will be monitored in the start zone. The course is optimized specifically for gravel bikes. For mountain bikers, there are plenty of other possibilities in the Mountain Bike of Flanders program.

Can I participate in the gravel ride with a cyclocross bike?

Yes.

Is pre-registration mandatory for the gravel ride?

Yes, this must be done in advance, via this website. If last-minute or day-of registration become available, we will communicate this via our social media channels as well as here on this site.

Which tires are best to use?

Tires with sufficient grip are best since some of the farm roads in the Flemish Ardennes are not covered with gravel. This means that there’s a chance of mud if it rains before or during the event.

Why is it mandatory to have a GPS device?

This is because there are no signs posted along the route of the gravel ride. The whole course is ridden instead by following a GPX route that you receive in the week before the event.

Are there feed zones?

Yes, there are two large feed zones located along the route.

Can I choose my own starting time?

No, the group start is at 10:15. The feed zones close after the last group participant has passed.

Can I use the GPX route on another day?

No. This is because there are several private land sections that are only allowed to be ridden during this event. For this reason, the GPX routes are not allowed to be shared with non-participants.