The fourth edition of the Gravel European Championships will take place in Belgium this summer. Houffalize, the mecca of off-road cycling in our country, will host the 2026 Bolero UEC Gravel European Championships on Sunday 30 August. Whether you are an elite rider or a recreational cyclist, young or not so young, anyone who loves gravel biking and a fun sporting challenge can take part. Registration is now open!
Since 2021, Houffalize has hosted the annual Bolero Houffa Gravel, a gravel event that, as part of the UCI Gravel World Series, has become a regular qualifying round for the Gravel World Championships. In 2026, Houffa Gravel will make way for an even bigger event as a one-off: the 2026 Bolero UEC Gravel European Championships.
Through the various European races of the UCI Gravel World Series, gravel cyclists have been able to earn a ticket to the 2026 Bolero UEC Gravel European Championships in Houffalize. But even those who have not ridden any qualifying rounds can line up at the start of the Gravel European Championships on 30 August. Just a few clicks is all it takes to register for an unforgettable sporting experience in the breathtaking Ardennes landscape.
The course in and around Houffalize winds its way along stunning gravel sections and easily rideable forest trails. Around 70% of the route is unpaved, with the toughest climbs – including the famous Côte de Saint-Roch – concentrated in the first half of the circuit. Depending on the age category, one, two or three laps will be completed, totalling 46 km (± 730 metres of elevation gain), 92 km (± 1460 metres of elevation gain) or 138 km (± 2190 metres of elevation gain) respectively.
Only those who have qualified for the 2026 Bolero UEC Gravel European Championships through a qualifying race and hold a valid competition licence (UCI ID) from a cycling federation affiliated with the European Cycling Union (UEC) are eligible for a European title. The defending champions in the elite category are Denmark’s Mads Würtz Schmidt and Italy’s Erica Magnaldi. In 2023, Jasper Stuyven was crowned the first European Gravel Champion.
[QUOTES]
Erwin Vervecken of organiser Golazo: “The route of the European Gravel Championships is traditionally tough, with the Côte de Saint Roch immediately after the start, but the rest of the course also features significant elevation gain and a revamped finale. The finish line will also be iconic, with the sloping stretch of Rue de Schaerbeek, which also doubles as the location of the start grids. If the race has not managed to break the peloton apart by then, it could still come down to a royal sprint here!”
Marc Knoden, Councillor for Sport in Houffalize: “Houffalize, the capital of mountain biking, is now also emerging as a true gravel hotspot. Our municipality, which has been familiar with major cycling events for years, is proud and delighted to welcome the 2026 Gravel European Championships. It will be a challenging course, right in the heart of the Ardennes. In a breathtaking landscape, carved out by the Ourthe, you will discover a little piece of paradise where nature undeniably plays the leading role.”
Enrico Della Casa, President of the European Cycling Union (UEC): “Gravel should no longer be considered a novelty, but rather a well-established reality in the European and international cycling landscape. In recent years, we have seen steady growth, both in terms of the number of participants and public interest, with cyclists of all ages taking up the sport. Gravel perfectly embodies the spirit of cycling: contact with nature, discovery of the land and a sporting approach focused on safety and participation. We are particularly pleased that the 2026 UEC Gravel European Championships will take place in Houffalize, in the heart of Wallonia, a region that has always been an ideal destination for cycling and the organisation of high-level events. The partnership with Golazo, which will continue until 2032, is a guarantee of quality, vision and continuity for the development of Gravel cycling in Europe. I would like to thank CEO Bob Verbeeck for his collaboration and commitment, Belgian Cycling and its President Tom Van Damme, as well as the town of Houffalize for its welcome and support in organising this important event.”
Massimo Van Lancker, Director of Sport at Belgian Cycling: “As a federation, we are incredibly delighted that, following several Belgian championships, a European championship and a gravel world championship in Flanders, a top-level international gravel event will now also take place in Wallonia. The Houffalize region, which is best known to many cyclists for its rich mountain biking history, provides an ideal setting for gravel sport at the highest level with its selective and challenging course. For Belgian Cycling, it is particularly valuable that such international championships are organised in our country, as they make an important contribution to the further development and popularity of gravel racing in Belgium.”
Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of the Walloon government: “Wallonia is increasingly establishing itself as a host region for major international events. These Gravel European Championships in Houffalize once again demonstrate our expertise and put our talents in the spotlight. It is therefore essential that we support the organisers. Our region must continue to make its mark on the international stage, reaching ever further and growing ever stronger.”
Dominique Gillard, Deputy for Sport for the Province of Luxembourg: “The Province of Luxembourg is proud to contribute to the success of the UEC Gravel European Championships in Houffalize, in the heart of our province. This prestigious international event allows our province to shine, not only in sporting terms, but also in terms of tourism and the economy.”
Céline Pfister, CEO Bolero: “Bolero is proud to once again be the main sponsor of the Gravel European Championships in Houffalize. As Belgium’s largest online investment platform, we make investing simple for anyone who wants to chart their own course on the stock market. We see that same spirit in gravel cyclists: they choose their path with confidence, supported by the right tools, and go all out for the challenge.”