2026 UEC Gravel European Championships
📍 Houffalize, Belgium
gravel
Date
30 August 2026
Distance
94km · 141km
Elevation
2,100 m
Difficulty
mtbgravel
Arden2Eifel 2026
Ardennes to Eifel, Belgium · 20 August 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
Covering 660km from Namur to Trier, this demanding bikepacking event takes riders over challenging Belgian Ardennes and German Eifel terrain. It is a non-stop, self-supported adventure featuring broad gravel roads, steep rocky paths, and technical singletracks.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 660km
- Surface
- gravel, singletrack, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 3–4.2
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is designed for self-reliant bikepackers who enjoy rugged, multi-day point-to-point journeys and have solid off-road bike handling skills.
Who will struggle
Cyclists expecting a pure gravel road experience or those who struggle with steep hike-a-bike sections and technical singletracks will find this route highly taxing.
Training focus
Prioritize long-distance endurance, loaded technical off-road riding, and core strength for walking with a loaded bicycle.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
Where does the Arden2Eifel challenge start and finish?+
The route starts in Namur, Belgium, passes through the South-West Belgian Ardennes and the Eifel region, and finishes in the historic city of Trier, Germany.
What type of bike is recommended for this route?+
A mountain bike is the recommended setup due to the technical singletracks, rocky paths, and steep hiking trails along the course.
Is this a multi-stage race with daily support?+
No, it is a non-stop, self-supported bikepacking challenge with a group start. While there are two staffed checkpoints and GPS tracking, riders must be self-sufficient.
Will I have opportunities to buy food and supplies?+
Yes, resupply should not be highly problematic as the route travels past tourist areas, historic landmarks, and sleepy villages.
How difficult is the riding on the trail?+
The terrain is purposely demanding, ranging from gentle gravel roads to technical singletracks and steep, rocky hiking trails that require walking.