Heathland Gravel becomes the first ever official Unbound Gravel qualifier
Flanders Classics is going to be joining forces with the American Life Time Events, the organisation behind the number one gravel event: Life Time Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas. During the weekend of 9 to 11 August, Flanders Classics organises Heathland Gravel in Maasmechelen: the very first official Unbound Gravel qualifier. It’s a first-of-its-kind partnership between Flanders Classics and Life Time Events and a first in the 20+ year history of Unbound Gravel. The unique event will give at least 50 participants access to the popular Unbound Gravel in 2025.
The collaboration between Flanders Classics and Life Time Events is an exceptional one between two companies which both have a substantial track record in event organisation. Even more, it’s the first time two main event organisers, in Belgium and the USA, choose to join forces on a new gravel project. A deliberate choice says Flanders Classics CEO Tomas Van Den Spiegel: “By combining our experience, we are building a unique concept. Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas is for gravellers what Kona in Hawaii is for the triathlete. A sporting goal and an exceptional experience. And it is filling up fast; Heathland Gravel in 2024 is the very first and moreover the only official European qualifier for Unbound Gravel 2025. In Maasmechelen, at least 50 participants will be able to claim their spot for 2025, either based on performance or as a lucky winner. Everyone has a chance. Very exceptional.”
Life Time Events is also looking ahead enthusiastically. “We are honored to be working with such a prestigious partner as Flanders Classics to expand the accessibility to Life Time Unbound Gravel through the first European qualifying event", said Kimo Seymour, President of Life Time Events. “Tomas and the entire Flanders Classics team produce incredible cycling experiences, and we are excited to grow the reach and appeal of Unbound Gravel to Europe.”
Unbound Gravel is for gravellers what Kona is for triathletes. At least 50 participants can claim their spot for 2025. Very exceptional.
From 9 to 11 August, Flanders Classics, the organiser of Heathland Gravel, will be pitching its tents in Limburg in the shadow of the Maasmechelen mine shaft. A three-day event awaits on the Terhills domain which is a world first as an official qualifier for Unbound Gravel. The Heathland Gravel programme will include social rides, a unique gravel atmosphere, live music and of course a fantastic race on the final day, right through Hoge Kempen National Park.
“We have found in Maasmechelen what a gravel event and course needs,” says Flanders Classics CEO Tomas Van Den Spiegel. “From the start site, we immediately dive into the greenery for which the province of Limburg is so well known. We head over the slagheaps to the Mechelse Heide and the tourist attraction Cycling through the Heathland. This also explains the choice of the name Heathland Gravel, because ‘heide’ is Dutch for ‘heathland’.”
We are excited to grow the reach and appeal of Unbound Gravel to Europe.
50 spots
The offer contains rides of different distances, but this event features a real first: anyone who participates in the longest distance has the chance to win a spot in Life Time Unbound Gravel 2025. Not insignificant, given the great popularity of the American gravel event. “If you want to participate in Unbound Gravel, you always needed a little bit of luck,” adds Van Den Spiegel. “That’s because tickets up until now could only be obtained via a lottery. On Thursday 25/01, tickets for the 2024 edition were allocated to 4,000 lucky people, but the demand for participation is much higher than that. As the first ever official Unboud Gravel Qualifier in the 20+ year history, Heathland Gravel is now the only other way to gain access to every graveller’s bucket list event.”
How to qualify and bag one of the minimum 50 spots? If you want to have a chance, you have to take part in the longest distance of Heathland Gravel (160 km). 50% of the spots to be allocated are distributed on the basis of performance on the course, depending on times on the timed sections. The other 50% will be allocated at random. In other words, anyone who participates in the qualifier distance has a chance to secure a spot in Emporia, Kansas.
There is also plenty for those who are not looking for an American gravel adventure, but just want to enjoy the best gravel paths that Limburg has to offer. In addition to the qualifier distance (160 km), courses of 110 km and 70 km will also be offered. Tickets are available now and can be purchased in three different waves.
On 9, 10 and 11 August not only the first edition of Heathland Gravel awaits, it will also mark a new step in Unbound Gravel history being the first ever Official Qualifier. The gravel weekend will also showcase the exceptional partnership between Flanders Classics and Life Time, who’s intention is to expand the number of official qualifiers for Unbound Gravel internationally.
All information can be found at www.heathlandgravel.com.
