Ardenne Gravel Stages
Key facts
- Date:
- 3-5 jul 2026
- Type:
- Stage race
- Vielsalm · Ardenas (Lieja) · Belgium
- Distances:
- 70/105 km por etapa
- Elevation:
- ~4.270 m total
- Series:
- Dusty Gravel Series
About
Vielsalm hosts Belgium's only gravel stage race, a three-day event within the Dusty Gravel Series that demands a fundamentally different approach compared to single-day competition. Each stage covers between 70 and 105 km across the Ardennes hills of Liege province, with a combined elevation gain of around 4,270 metres through dense forests, exposed plateaus and technical gravel trails. Managing cumulative fatigue between stages, optimising overnight recovery and reading the race across three days sets this apart from every other event on the Belgian calendar. Push Rider training blocks specifically develop multi-day recovery capacity so that athletes can maintain performance from stage one through to the final day. Under the Push Training 360 method, the coach uses weekly reviews to calibrate nutrition phasing and FTP targets across consecutive sessions, ensuring watts on day three match those on day one despite accumulated load.
Frequently asked questions
When and where does Ardenne Gravel Stages 2026 take place?
From 3 to 5 July 2026 in Vielsalm, in the Ardennes region of the province of Liege, Belgium.
What distances and elevation gain does Ardenne Gravel Stages offer?
Each stage offers 70 km or 105 km. The total accumulated elevation gain over the three stages is approximately 4,270 metres.
What format does the event have and which series does it belong to?
It is the only gravel stage race in the Belgian calendar, featuring three stages, and belongs to the Dusty Gravel Series.
Where is the start?
Each stage starts in Vielsalm, a town in the Ardennes in the province of Liege.
How to prepare for Ardenne Gravel Stages with PUSH Training 360?
The PUSH Training 360 12-week program with weekly review and four phases is especially suited to managing three stages with 4,270 m of total elevation gain. Phase 1 aerobic base develops the endurance needed to chain several days of effort in the Ardennes. Phase 2 threshold development works on inter-session recovery and the ability to start each stage with fresh legs. Phase 3 specificity includes consecutive training day blocks with high loads simulating the accumulated stage effort. Phase 4 tapering ensures arrival in Vielsalm with full energy reserves. Nutrition is structured in three phases: loading before the first stage, stage-specific nutrition with emphasis on overnight recovery between stages, and final recovery. Pacing recommends a conservative start to each stage given accumulated elevation and residual fatigue from previous days.
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