Monumental Gravel
15–18 May 2027 · Oud-Heverlee, Belgium
About Monumental Gravel
Monumental Gravel is a self-supported bikepacking adventure celebrating Belgium’s rich cycling heritage. Taking place from 15–18 May 2027, the third edition brings together the legendary landscapes and cobbled climbs of three of cycling’s great Monuments: the Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix and Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
Starting and finishing at Camping De Kluis in Oud-Heverlee, riders choose from four routes ranging from 300 km to 1,000 km. The courses combine gravel tracks, forest roads, cobbled sectors, singletrack and quiet tarmac roads, taking riders through Flanders, the Ardennes and, on the longer routes, towards the famous cobbled roads around Roubaix.
Monumental is not a race. There are no rankings, podiums or prizes. Instead, the emphasis is on personal challenge, self-sufficiency and experiencing Belgium’s cycling culture at your own pace.
Riders must follow the organiser’s GPX route, carry their own equipment and arrange food, accommodation and resupply along the way. GPS tracking is mandatory, and riders may travel individually or in small groups, provided each participant remains self-supported.
Camping at the event headquarters before and after the ride is included in the entry fee, together with a GPS tracker, validated GPX route and rider briefing.
Routes & Races
Flandrien Tour — 300 km
Distance: 300 km · Elevation: 3,500 m · Terrain: Approx 50% tarmac and 50% mixed surfaces
The shortest Monumental route explores the famous cobbled climbs of the Tour of Flanders, including the Kluisberg, Paterberg and Koppenberg.
For 2027, the route runs in the opposite direction to previous editions. After tackling the steep climbs and cobbled sectors of the Flemish Ardennes, riders travel through the rolling countryside of Pajottenland before returning through the Sonian Forest.
With gravel tracks, hardpack, doubletrack, singletrack and cobbles, this is an accessible introduction to self-supported bikepacking, although the distance and climbing still present a substantial endurance challenge.
Pavé Tour — 400 km
Distance: 400 km · Elevation: 4,000 m · Terrain: Mixed surfaces including extensive cobbled sections
New for 2027, the Pavé Tour extends the Flandrien route with an additional 100 km towards Roubaix and the famous cobbled sectors associated with Paris–Roubaix.
Approximately 75% of the course follows the Flandrien Tour, while the additional loop introduces flatter but particularly rough terrain, including long farm roads and demanding stretches of cobblestones.
This option is designed for riders who want a longer mixed-surface adventure combining the iconic climbs of Flanders with the cobbled roads of northern France.
Ardennais Tour — 600 km
Distance: 600 km · Elevation: 8,500 m · Terrain: Forest roads, hardpack, farm tracks and tarmac climbs
The Ardennais Tour heads into the hills, forests and river valleys of the Belgian Ardennes, linking the celebrated climbs associated with Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
The route features longer and steeper climbs than the Flandrien Tour, with more remote sections and greater distances between resupply opportunities.
Most riders plan three to four days to complete this demanding self-supported adventure, making preparation, equipment choice and overnight planning especially important.
Grand Tour — 1,000 km
Distance: Approx 1,000 km · Elevation: 12,000 m · Terrain: Mixed gravel, cobbles, forest tracks and roads
The Grand Tour combines the Flandrien, Pavé and Ardennais routes into one continuous ultra-distance bikepacking adventure.
Riders experience all three cycling Monuments, from the cobbled climbs of Flanders and Roubaix to the challenging hills of the Ardennes.
This is Monumental’s longest and most demanding option, requiring substantial endurance, self-sufficiency and careful logistical planning.
The Grand Tour has no specific finish cut-off. Riders who finish after the official event window must return their GPS tracker to the organiser by post.
Age Groups/Eligibility
Monumental Gravel is a non-competitive event with no elite classifications, race rankings or age-group awards.
Participants must be self-sufficient, follow the official route and comply with the organiser’s safety and equipment requirements.
The organiser requires a helmet, lights and spare lighting, reflective equipment for night riding, appropriate insurance and mandatory GPS tracking.
Registration documentation includes identification, proof of insurance, a health certificate and a signed liability waiver.
The organiser also offers reserved and discounted entry allocations for FLINTA riders and people of colour as part of its participation and inclusion programme.
