XC Racer Blog Post

The 6th edition - Belgian MountainBike Challenge (BeMC)

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BY: Melanie Alexander

Published: 26th January, 2017


The Belgian Mountainbike challenge, a three day stage race for solo riders, based in the beautiful Ardennes was a highlight for me in 2016. I raced it for the first time last year and am returning this year.

In its 6th year, the BEMC has a great reputation, in fact so good that the open category filled up within days of opening though there are still some UCI Elite places available. It’s a good opportunity for Elite racers to compete for some valuable UCI points, you can therefore expect a strong field of xc and marathon specific racers taking part.





The stages kick off each day from La Roche town centre. Le Roche is a beautiful small town surrounded by hills and vast countryside - the Ardennes. The race dates are the 12th to the 14th May and over the three days it covers 259kms and 7950 meters of climbing. A lot of climbing for a so called flat country. The 2017 route is based on last year’s, though there are some changes in the order of the stages. 

Stage 1: 87 km - 2450 m+ meters of climbing I remember this stage suiting me more because although there was plenty of climbing, the climbs were more gradual. It was a day for close racing, in groups at times and and on the whole felt like a fast stage.

Stage 2: 100 km - 3050 m+ meters of climbing. The stats say it all, it is as tough as expected. Sharp climbs one after another make it tough going . Lots of single track plus the Houffalize World Cup course which is great fun.

Stage 3: 72 km - 2450 m+ meters of climbing, Although the shortest stage, the stats are still showing lots of steep climbing, fast descents. There is a also the addition of some cool new technical parts.
More details on the stages can be found on the website (with a small description of the course and profiles)





What to expect and why it is so popular

Great Location = stunning and fun route
The Ardennes is an amazing place to visit /race /ride. The terrain is varied - steep climbs, fast descents and in contrast some more gradual climbs. There was natural single track, the old Houffalize World Cup course, woodland and open land with stunning views. It is a gem of a place.

Strong international field
It is a competitive race with plenty of women to race against. There were 27 elite women last year and although I was mid-field I always had others to race against, helping to keep my focus and my pace up. Last year I finished the stages in 10th, 7th and 9th resulting in 7th overall in a strong international field of women. Other than having a race it is always great to meet new people – which you tend to do when spending hours in the saddle around racers of similar strength.

I enjoyed my first experience of solo stage racing, I think you’ll enjoy it too.




3 tough stages
I am looking at 4 to 6 hours for each stage. Last year I had not anticipated how tough on the body this race would be, although shorter than all other stage races I have done it is a tough three stages. Not only are the stages long in distance but they’re also constantly up and down with little respite. This may sound strange but it’s also an attraction of the race.



The BeMC is well organised and friendly. The route is clearly marked and an effective bottle drop /collect services at the feed zones was well organised and quick to use, perfect for those who do not have a support person bottling for them.
At the end of each stage there were waffles and pancakes and this year there will additionally be a pasta party at the end of the last stage.
It is easy for us to get to on eurotunnel and suitable for a long weekend break. Also at a reasonable price I suspect it will be one I keep returning to. I loved this race last year and my race experience can be read here.
I am looking forward to returning to the Ardennes, this time with Mark to race the BeMC and see how I get on.

I am really grateful for continual support n 2017 from Cyclopaedia Shop, Mojo suspensionLezyneWTB SaddlesOTE SportLe Col and Fit In No Time





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Melanie
 

Melanie Alexander

Elite XC and endurance racer. Riding for Cyclopaedia, Fit in No Time, OTE Sport, Mojo, WTB, Le Col

www.melaniealexander.co.uk

Read More By Melanie
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This blog post was written by a third party and their views do not necessarily reflect the views of XCRacer.com

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