PROGRAM
Get Ready for the Ultimate Cycling Experience: Challenge Yourself on Legendary Routes!
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day cycling adventure through the heart of Europe’s most iconic racing landscapes. The package includes thrilling rides on legendary routes like the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, VIP race experiences with front-row views of the pros, and immersive cultural excursions, including a visit to the Bastogne War Museum and a praline-making workshop. With expert support, luxurious accommodations, and exclusive access to the best cycling events, this is the ultimate trip for passionate cyclists looking to challenge themselves on the same roads as the sport’s greatest legends.
Friday: Meet & Greet at Brussels Airport or arrive at your own pace, followed by a warm-up ride on the Iconic Amstel Gold Course
Upon arrival, you’ll either be welcomed by our team at Brussels Airport or choose to make your way independently to the luxurious Van der Valk Hotel Maastricht, where we will spend the next 10 nights. Once settled, our expert staff will assist you in fine-tuning your rental bike or help you set up your personal bike for optimal performance. Then, we’ll kick-start the adventure with an invigorating loop ride on the famous Amstel Gold Race course. Leaving directly from the hotel, we’ll delve into the picturesque Limburg countryside, following the same roads and challenging climbs that have tested the best cyclists in the world. Along the way, we’ll stop for a coffee, before returning to the hotel for some well-deserved rest in preparation for tomorrow’s big event.
Saturday: Conquer the Tour Version of the Amstel Gold Race
The Amstel Gold Race Sportive gives amateur cyclists the chance to ride the same course as the pros, just one day before the official race. With six route options, ranging from a more relaxed ride to the challenging full 240 km course, this event is accessible to riders of all skill levels. The full route boasts 33 climbs, including iconic ones like the Cauberg, Geulhemmerberg, and Bemelerberg, amassing 3,706 meters of total elevation.
The sportive begins in Valkenburg, a cycling hub in the Netherlands, and winds through the beautiful, twisting roads of the Limburg region. Riders will test their legs on the same steep climbs faced by the professional peloton, culminating in an exhilarating experience that mirrors the intensity of the Amstel Gold Race itself.
The event draws thousands of participants, creating a festival-like atmosphere filled with cycling passion. Registration typically involves a lottery system to manage the demand for the 15,000 spots available. It’s an exceptional opportunity for cyclists to immerse themselves in the culture of one of cycling’s Spring Classics
Sunday: VIP Amstel Gold Race Experience—Chase the Pros in Style
Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding action of the Amstel Gold Race with our exclusive VIP experience. From the comfort of VIP minivans, you’ll be whisked around the course via special shortcuts, allowing you to catch the professional riders at multiple key points along the route. Relax as you are transported in style to the race’s most thrilling moments, including the grueling climbs and the electrifying final push up the Cauberg.
To make the day even more enjoyable, you’ll be treated to drinks à volonté throughout the day, keeping you refreshed as you witness the high-speed action. Plus, a delicious lunchbox will be provided, ensuring you’re well-nourished as you follow the race. The combination of incredible access, luxurious comfort, and delectable refreshments makes this a truly unforgettable day of world-class cycling from the best seats in the house.
Monday: Ride to Vaals and finish at Van der Valk Hotel in Spa
Check out from our hotel in Maastricht and ride to our next hotel in Spa. Cycle to the fascinating “Drielandenpunt” in Vaals, where Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands converge. Enjoy the scenic ride before indulging in a fun and creative workshop where you’ll learn to craft your own delicious Belgian pralines—because every great ride deserves a sweet reward!
Tuesday: Tackle the Epic Finale of the Flèche Wallonne
Ready for a challenge? Today, you’ll ride a part of the infamous Flèche Wallonne course, including the fearsome “Mur de Huy,” with its punishing 20% gradient. Eight more climbs await you in this grueling but rewarding ride—push your limits and experience what the pros endure as they battle for victory.
Wednesday: VIP Experience at the Flèche Wallonne—A Day of Cycling Prestige
Get closer than ever to the electrifying action of the Flèche Wallonne with our exclusive VIP experience. You’ll be transported via VIP minivans to the heart of the race, with front-row access to the most iconic climb, the Mur de Huy. From this prime vantage point, watch both the women’s and men’s pelotons battle their way up this legendary ascent, renowned for its punishing gradient.
Your VIP day includes more than just spectacular views—enjoy drinks à volonté throughout the event and a delicious lunchbox to keep you energized as you take in the thrilling competition. The experience is enhanced with live race coverage on big screens, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the action. With multiple stops along the course, thanks to our efficient VIP minibus shortcuts, you’ll witness the race unfold from several prime locations, making this an unforgettable day for any cycling fan.
Thursday: Leisurely Ride through Haspengouw & Exclusive Museum Visit
Take a relaxing ride through the quiet, scenic roads of the Haspengouw region. We’ll stop for lunch at a local brewery, savoring Belgian beer before heading to an exclusive, private bicycle museum. Immerse yourself in cycling history as you explore rare bikes and cycling memorabilia.
Friday: A Journey Through History and the Ardennes
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Bastogne War Museum. This immersive experience will take you deep into the history of World War II, shedding light on the famous Battle of the Bulge. Wander through the museum’s powerful exhibits and learn about the courage and sacrifice that marked this turning point in history.
After your visit, we’ll drive to Vielsalm, a scenic spot in the heart of the Ardennes. Here, we’ll set off on an exhilarating ride along a portion of the Liège-Bastogne-Liège (LBL) course. Our ride will include tackling some of the pro race’s legendary climbs, including those not featured in the amateur challenge, such as the Col du Rosier. These tough yet rewarding ascents are sure to challenge your legs and inspire your spirit as you experience the beauty and intensity of the LBL terrain.
After a day full of history and cycling, return to the hotel to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s challenge.
Saturday: Ride the Legendary Liège-Bastogne-Liège Course
The Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge offers three course options, each testing cyclists’ endurance in the beautiful but demanding Ardennes region of Belgium. Participants can choose from 253 km, 155 km, or 79 km routes, with altitudes reaching up to 4,400 meters on the longest course. The event takes place one day before the professional race.
The challenge features some adjustments due to local restrictions on large cycling events, leading to a revised middle section of the route. Cyclists will still tackle iconic climbs like the Côte de La Redoute, Côte de Saint-Roch, and the legendary Côte de Bonnerue. New to the course are sections that include the Mur de Durbuy, Côte de Chambralles, and Côte de la Roche-en-Ardenne, among others. These additions offer fresh challenges while maintaining the race’s historical prestige.
The start and finish points remain in Banneux, and riders can expect to face a series of steep climbs that appear with relentless frequency, especially in the final kilometers, making this one of the toughest Spring Classics.
Sunday: VIP Experience at Liège-Bastogne-Liège—A Grand Finale to Your Cycling Adventure
End your incredible journey in style with a VIP experience at the historic Liège-Bastogne-Liège. You’ll be transported by VIP minivans to key spots along the racecourse, giving you multiple opportunities to watch the pros tackle the infamous hills of the Ardennes. Feel the excitement as the world’s best cyclists fight for glory in one of the toughest one-day races on the calendar.
Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to à volonté drinks and a delicious lunchbox to keep you refreshed as you chase the race. The VIP experience ensures you won’t miss a moment, with exclusive access to prime viewing locations and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. This unforgettable day is the perfect grand finale to your epic cycling adventure, giving you front-row seats to the action as the pros push their limits on the same roads you conquered.
Monday: Farewell
After an unforgettable adventure, it’s time to say goodbye. Our team will ensure you get to the airport safely, and who knows? Maybe we’ll see you on another ride of a lifetime!
Are you ready to conquer the roads where legends are made? Book now and turn your cycling dreams into reality!
