Bike racing on a beach, in December, next to the North Sea – where the only firm line in the sand is the wet edge of the tide, meaning that you’re riding in a peloton of salt spray and beach sand. Can you think of a worse way to spend a Sunday? We certainly can’t.
And yet, ‘beach racing’ is a big thing among our Dutch friends, with bike companies like Koga making specific bikes for the discipline. There’s enough interest in the sport that the UEC, the European Cycling body, has decided that it warrants a European Championships all of its own.
The press release states:
“First official European Championship bicycle beachrace 18th December, The Hague Netherlands.”
“During the winter period the beach is a perfect terrain for riding a bicycle. This kind of cycling is getting more popular every day. The bikers ride the hard surface on the floodmark. At the moment a few manufacturers have designed special bikes for this new kind of cycling, the so cold [sic] Beachracers. Specific geometry, fat tyres and specific gear ratio’s make these bicycles perfect for usage on the beach.”
“The bicycle beachrace events, where pro’s and recreational bikers meet, are getting more and more serious. Some countries already have their official national championships. Therefore it is right to come to the conclusion that bicycle beachracing has become a sport on its own.
“The UEC is adding the next level to the bicycle beachrace chapter by giving her agreement to the first official European Championship bicycle beachracing. This event will be held at The Hague in the Netherlands. Competition is open for bikers with a competition license, but also for recreational riders. The distance is 54 kilometer on two laps on the beach between The Hague and the village of Katwijk. For recreational riders it’s also possible to do 1 round of 27 kilometer. For recreational riders a license is not required.”
So, that’s a mere 54km of December salt spray that you’re going to have to suck up. Time to sell your bike right afterwards too, before it goes all rusty.
Despite our slight cynicism, there are a few riders in the UK who love this kind of stuff and Dirty Reiver organiser Paul Errington has already booked a ferry. We’d not be surprised to see some of the fast lot from Wales’s Battle on the Beach taking part too.
More information and registration details here: www.bicyclebeachrace.com
Comments (3)
Comments Closed
Do you really believe in what you have written in that first paragraph? I don’t race but have ridden on the beach in December with howling winds and it was great. The beach was mesmerising as the wind blew us all along and the sand danced along the ground .
Yes I do, Mr Shed. Yes I do…
I think if you tried a little harder you could think of worse things to do. But I understand that this race does not appeal to everyone. Cheers 1 shed.