The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx - an annual cyclosportive held in its namesake's homeland of Belgium - will this year start and finish in the town of Andenne. Entries are still open for the event, which will take place on Sunday 22 June.
The 162 km route takes in no fewer than 18 steep hills with a total elevation of 2,644m. At the start, participants immediately climb the Côte de Peu d'Eau (2.7 km) in Andenne. This hill is an established name on the track of La Flèche Wallonne. Amongst others, the Triple Mur de Monty, known as one of Belgium's toughest climbs, also features as part of the ride. Just before the finish in Andenne the 18th hill of the day, the Côte de Coutisse, has yet to be conquered. This hill has been part of the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx course for several years.
It's a little known fact on these shores that sportive riders - or cyclo tourists, as they are known on the continent - have their own world championships. The UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) comprises a series of competitions leading up to the official UCI World Championships for amateurs in two disciplines, road-racing and time trial. The best 25% in each age category qualify to compete for the coveted rainbow jersey at the finals, which this year take place in the Slovenian town of Ljubljana in August. As in previous years, the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx counts as a qualification event for the finals.
In addition to the sportive, two other great rides are offered to cyclo tourists free of charge. Those not aiming for a fast time, but looking for a challenging recreational trip, should find something to their liking in the shorter distances of 80 or 120 km.
Entry to the 162 km Gran Fondo is available at a special advance rate of €44, with the shorter routes priced €10. To book your place and be in with a chance of competing for your very own rainbow jersey, visit the official event website.
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