Roc d ‘Ardennes and Belgium Mountain Bike Challenge Adventure starts here

Share on Facebook  Share on Twitter

BY: Melanie Alexander

Published: 3rd May, 2019

We have arrived in Belgium for the Roc d ‘Ardennes and BEMC (Belgium Mountain Bike Challenge). The Roc de Ardennes (in Houffalize) this coming weekend is a question mark for me due to a sprained ankle but I am feeling hopeful for BEMC the following weekend.

Last year I struggled through BEMC, finishing some way down, I needed a break from racing. I decided to make more time to explore new skills such as throwing on the wheel, stone carving and bronze casting. Throwing grabbed me much more than I was expecting so after a six week course I became a member at Cardiff pottery foundation, allowing me to make “Puffin Pot” for an exhibition in Permbrokeshire and cups for the winners and on sale at Battle on the Beach.




 
This year I am keen to see where the ceramics goes and I am also motivated to have a couple of stage races to aim for, the first being BEMC from the 9th to 12th May and then Appenninica MTB stage race in July which I’ll race with Sophie Halhead (more of that in a separate blog).


The BEMC is tough, previously a 3 day stage race it has now been extended to four days though covers the same distance of 260kms. The race now starts with a 18km Time trial on the Thursday afternoon / evening before embarking on three marathon stages which are 68 to 95 kms long. We climb a lot - 8000 meters of climbing in total over the four days – as much as you will find in an alpine stage race. The terrain is hilly rather than mountainous and the route takes you up many steep climbs followed by fast descents one after the other. The distance and the continual up and down with little respite makes this race particularly tough.

This is my fourth time and Mark’s third and Sophie is also returning to race BEMC for her second time. There are many reasons why we keep returning, in particular the Ardennes is a fantastic place to visit and race, it’s very outdoorsy and hilly.

With each stage starting and finishing in the small town of Roche-en-Ardenne accommodation and transport are easy to arrange. With the Ardennes being 3 to 4 hours from Calais it is easy for us to get there for a long weekend though this year with the Roc d’Ardennes being held the weekend before BEMC it gives us an opportunity to extend our Belgium trip and relax in the Ardennes for a couple of days in between. I am sure this will involve some exploring of the local trails.
Being on the UCI calendar BEMC attracts a strong field of XC and marathon specific racers, around 25 are in the women’s field. I enjoy my racing best when it is close and the race invites close racing, at times it is about racing in groups and other times the single track helps space us out.
I am looking at 4.5 to 6 hours for each stage. Not only are the stages long in distance but they’re also constantly up and down with little respite. This may sound strange but this is also an attraction of the race for me. It can not be underestimated and even if you feel out of the race it is a great achievement to complete. 

And finally the BeMC is well organised and friendly and at the end of each stage there are always plenty of pancakes and chilling on the grass (if not raining). The time trial will be a good addition, spacing the riders ahead of the first marathon stage.

I am looking forward to a good week in Belgium (though the weather is not looking good with snow forecast for Marks race tomorrow), with lots of riding, racing and a sneaky beer or two with chips.