Heathland Gravel ready for its third edition in Maasmechelen
On August 7, 8 and 9, the third edition of Heathland Gravel will take place. Terhills in Maasmechelen will once again host the gravel race, which was won last year by Jasper Ockeloen and Lucia Gonzalez Blanco. Register now, as Heathland Gravel gives 50 participants the chance to qualify for Unbound Gravel, the biggest gravel event of the year in Emporia, Kansas (USA).
Heathland Gravel once again focuses on a full gravel weekend in the heart of Limburg. On Friday and Saturday, the event kicks off with several social rides and a course recon ride. Besides the rides, there is plenty happening on and around the event site, including a bike expo and movie nights. On Saturday, the weekend really comes alive with a yoga and stretch session, as well as a cosy pasta party in preparation for race day.
Sunday marks the sporting highlight. The 160, 110 and 70 km distances take participants over the mining terrils and through the Hoge Kempen National Park. Participants can count on well-stocked feed zones along the route, followed by time to relax together after the finish during the afterbike and the award ceremony.
Gravel in abundance
Does your heart already beat faster when you hear names like ‘Terril Terror’ and ‘Coal Crusher’? These are just two of the many gravel sections you can enjoy in August. With no less than 85% of the course on unpaved roads, Heathland Gravel is a true gravel adventure.
To qualify for Unbound Gravel, riders need to take on the longest distance of 160 km. However, recreational riders can also fully enjoy the shorter distances of 110 and 70 km.
Beyond the gravel sections, Heathland Gravel also takes you into the heart of Limburg. The route runs through the Hoge Kempen National Park, the first national park in Belgium, covering 127 square kilometres of nature. Along the way, participants pass iconic mining terrils that give the landscape its unique character. The Oudsberg is also part of the course, the highest and largest dune in Flanders. An ideal route for those who love gravel and nature.
How to qualify?
Interest in Unbound Gravel is high, with only 4,000 athletes on the start line. Heathland Gravel once again offers a unique chance to qualify directly for the biggest gravel event of the year in Kansas. Riders taking part in the 160 km have a chance to secure one of 50 coveted coins, which grant automatic entry to Unbound Gravel 2026.
The start spots are allocated in two ways:
- Half of the coins go to the fastest riders in their age category based on the timed sections.
- The other half is allocated through a lottery among all 160 km participants.
This way, both the strongest riders and a number of lucky ones secure a spot for Unbound Gravel 2027 and can already set their sights on Kansas.
More info and tickets for Heathland Gravel 2026 (August 7–9) can be found via the button below.
