Gravel Series Limburg

Gravel Series Limburg is a day on the unpaved paths of the South Limburg hills, the closest thing the Netherlands has to real gravel country. From the village of Banholt the routes range from a gentle introduction through the hill country of Eijsden-Margraten, to a tougher loop that crosses the borders into Belgium and Germany, to the returning Grenspaal12 Ultimate ride, which strings together the most demanding sectors of Limburg and its border region past woods, farm tracks and historic spots.

It is a navigated ride rather than a race: the routes are followed on a GPS device with files sent out beforehand, and the day is built around good support on the course, Limburg hospitality and a burger with music at the finish. Gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes and mountain bikes are all welcome, so it suits first-time gravel riders as much as experienced ones.

The series is run by Stichting Crossborder Cycling Limburg, a local foundation that also organises kids' mountain bike races in the region, and 2027 brings its eleventh edition.