Registration for the 2017 edition of the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge is now open, offering amateur cyclists a chance to ride the iconic route of this notoriously tough Spring Classic the day before the professional race.
Known as La Doyenne ('the Oldest'), Liège-Bastogne-Liège has been running since 1892 and enjoys a revered status as one of the five Monuments of the European road racing season. The next edition of the LBL sportive takes place on Saturday 22 April 2017, and if you choose the long route you can look forward to 273km in the saddle with 4500m of climbing. To give you some idea, that's 100km longer than La Marmotte, with just 700m less climbing. And it'll probably be snowing. They don't call it a Monument for nothing...
While the pro peloton has to race the full distance, amateurs can choose from three options: the full 273km route, a middling 156km distance, or the shorter 75km option. Held in the Ardennes region of Belgium, the long route heads from Liège to Bastogne before - you guessed it - looping back to finish in Liège.
Yes it's tough, but a festival atmosphere surrounds the event with live music, food stalls and general merriment helping distract you from the pain. Best of all, the next day you get to relax by the roadside eating chips and watching the pro peloton make it look easy. If that sounds like your cup of beer, sign up via the website and get training!
The Spring Classic sportive challenges are run by ASO (organisers of the Tour de France) and offer great value for money. Entry to the full-length course starts at €45 for the first 500 riders to sign up, while you can book your place on the short course for €20 or €35 for the 156km route.
Prices rise by €5 for entries 501-1000 and another €5 for riders 1001 onwards. In other words, book early and save some cash for a beer at the finish!
For more info and to sign up, visit the official event website at www.sport.be/lblcyclo/2017.
0 Comments