Would you like to race at Unbound in 2025 but don’t want to take the risk of entering the lottery for a place? Heathland Gravel, which is being held in Belgium this August, is the “first and only” Official Unbound Gravel Qualifier and they will have 50 places up for grabs. Read on to find out all the details.

On August 9, 10, and 11, Heathland Gravel in Belgium will be the very first and only Official Unbound Gravel Qualifier on the calendar. For the first time in the 20-year history of the quintessential American gravel race, enthusiasts can qualify during a unique event in Belgium that will grant 50 participants access to Unbound Gravel 2025 in Emporia, Kansas.

For this event, Flanders Classics, the organiser of the Tour of Flanders and numerous cyclo-cross events, and Life Time Events, the organiser of Unbound Gravel, are joining forces. The exceptional collaboration results in a gravel weekend in August. Those who participate in the unique and brand-new event in Maasmechelen, Belgium on August 9, 10, and 11 and complete the 160 km ride can qualify for Unbound Gravel 2025.

The race consists of timed sections that will cover about 150 km of the total 160 km. Based on their performance, 25 participants from the 160km event will secure a spot at Unbound in 2025, while the remaining 25 spots will be given out via a raffle to randomly chosen participants, also from the 160km event. Those who qualify during Heathland Gravel can then purchase a ticket for Unbound Gravel 2025 without needing to participate in the normal lottery process.

The Heathland Gravel event takes place in Terhills, the gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park. The course takes participants through the beautifully green environment that Limburg is known for. The mine heaps and the Mechelse Heide provide a fantastic gravel backdrop and the necessary sporting challenge, with more than 85% of the route being held on unpaved roads.

On Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10, there are various social ride-outs, a hill climb challenge and a bike expo on the programme and the qualification takes place on Sunday, August 11.

All the details about the event can be found here: www.heathlandgravel.com