Feel Like a Pro Cyclist and Take On the Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge The Day Before The Pro Race

Liege-Bastogne-Liege is one of the oldest and most prestigious of the spring classics. First held in 1892, the race is also one of the five main monuments that pro riders can compete in during April. Its nickname is La Doyenne (the old lady), and the route travels through the Ardennes mountain range in southeastern Belgium for 250 kilometers (155 miles).

Many races on the European UCI calendar host sportives (gran fondos) the day before, the day of, or the day after a race. So, if you want to experience the importance of cycling in Europe, see Belgium in the best way possible, and ride the same route the pros do, then you should sign up for the Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge.

About the Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge

While Liege Bastogne Liege started in the 19th century, the Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge is more contemporary with the first edition taking place in 2017. The challenge is for amateur racers and covers the same course that the pros ride the next day.

The challenge is a popular event and usually sells out with up to 8000 cyclists able to participate. The whole course, as already mentioned, is 250 kilometers. But if that feels like too much for your legs, then you can choose from two other courses for the event.

There is a 163 kilometer (101 miles) or an 80 kilometer (50 miles) option. But these options don’t excuse you from the big climbs of the day, so come prepared.

Registration and Inclusions for the Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge

The Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge is not only popular among cyclists but also affordable for what is included with your registration fee. See the graphic below, which indicates that this event is completely sold out.

Your registration includes several items, plus an event t-shirt for an additional 25 euros ($30.00).

• Extensive supply at each checkpoint with sports nutrition and drinks from Maurten and a wide range of biscuits and fruit from Lidl
• Nice pair of socks in the starter pack
• Unique LBL Challenge medal for every finisher
• Accident insurance (no helmet = not insured)
• Signallers on the course and at the start/finish location
• Technical assistance
• A frame plate with chip for tracking points
• A frame sticker showing the climbs and feed stations
• Perfect signage on the course
• Medical service at each feed station and at the finish

Additionally, this event functions as a charity ride for diabetes. The sponsors state that by 2030, 1 million people will be diagnosed with this disease. The hope is that cyclists will set aside 5 euros for this cause during registration.

Fanzone and BBQ for Riders and Non-Riders

Are you a cycling fan with plans to watch the Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge or the girlfriend, wife, or family of a participant in the event? Then, the good news is that you can watch the cyclists ride the big climb of the day from a designated fan zone.

The Fanzone experience also includes a barbecue, a dessert buffet, and live music. The barbecue starts at 6 PM and runs until 9 pm. Cost for the Fanzone experience is 45 euros, which can be paid before the event or during. Here are the main details.

• Fan zone opens: from 11:00 AM
• Parking: to easily access the fan zone, you can park at the exit of the N633 highway (Rue Redoute).
• Access to the panoramic terrace on top of La Redoute, where you can cheer on the participants of the ‘LBL Challenge’.
• In the spacious festival tent, various cycling-related activities are organized, including exhibitions and lectures in collaboration with La Maison du Cyclisme, bike trial demonstrations, beginner sessions and ‘discover cycling’ activities for children, as well as various stands with shirts, accessories, and equipment.
• From 6:00 PM, the festivities kick off with an extensive BBQ
• From 9:00 PM: music & entertainment – experience La Redoute in a unique setting!

Last Thoughts

The Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge is a popular and challenging event for amateur cyclists. But if you ride the course marked out for the pros, then you should consider yourself a pro for the day. Still, to select one of the other two courses and complete them is no small feat.

Registration is very affordable, but keep in mind that you’ll be mixing it up with 8,000 participants. So, if you don’t like riding with big crowds of cyclists, this event might not be for you. But if you are up for the challenge, then sign up early for next year and start training, then come to Europe early in April and watch some of the other spring classics, or stay after the pro race and check out more of Belgium.