Gravel team aims for cycling history with an unprecedented tour around Belgium

For the first time in cycling history, a mixed team of four gravel riders will cover the entire borders of Belgium in eight intense stages, good for nearly 1,500 kilometres and 12,000 metres of elevation gain, across Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg.

The team consists of none other than current world and Belgian gravel champion Kim Knaeps, adventurer and content creator Koen Darras, Café Vitesse founder Alexander Claeys, and West Flanders champion Kevin Semerano.

Along the way, they will stay in unique locations such as boats, castles, treehouses and in the wild. Everything will be captured in powerful visual stories and daily podcasts that portray the raw soul of the country.

This is more than a bike ride. It is a test of endurance, a tribute to friendship and a deep dive into the hidden sides of their homeland.

The project is called The Belgian Borders and is a unique initiative in the world of cycling. Not only because of the physical challenge - 1,500 kilometres, 12,000 metres of elevation gain, 5 countries, 8 stages in 1 week - but also because the team will cross the borders of four neighbouring countries along the way: the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg.

The adventure is about more than just cycling: it is a tribute to simplicity, friendship and the unknown right next door.

What is gravel biking? And why now?

Gravel biking is a rapidly growing form of cycling that focuses on exploring unpaved roads - such as country tracks, forest paths, gravel roads, agricultural routes or forgotten towpaths. It combines the speed of a road bike with the robustness of a mountain bike, making it particularly suitable for long, adventurous rides far from traditional asphalt.

The sport is gaining popularity very quickly, both domestically and internationally. Not only because of its adventurous nature, but also because the quiet, low-traffic routes offer a sense of freedom that is sometimes missing in traditional road cycling.

During The Belgian Borders, the team will deliberately ride approximately 80% unpaved and only 20% paved roads. Each ride thus becomes a small expedition in itself, where the landscape is not just a backdrop, but the main character.

Conceptual – A new story every day

Each stage of The Belgian Borders is given its own name and character. For example, there is the Coastal Ride, which winds along the Belgian coastline, and The Longest Ride, a monster stage of 302 kilometres. The Queen Stage is also impressive, with 181 kilometres and no less than 2,629 metres of elevation gain.

The route always remains within a radius of a maximum of 20 kilometres inside or outside Belgium’s national borders and winds through five countries: Belgium itself, and the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg. This unique geographical setup turns the journey into a cross-border exploration full of contrasts, from hilly Wallonia to sandy paths in northern France, from Luxembourg forests to German gravel tracks.

Along the way, playful and connecting challenges are carried out daily, such as a “Dip of the Day” in open water, a mandatory coffee stop, and tasting local specialties from each country. Everything is recorded and shared via social media, with a nod to the simplicity of travelling and enjoying.

Current world champion Kim Knaeps confirms participation

It is more than clear that this is no ordinary gravel team taking on the challenge. The current world champion Kim Knaeps confirmed her participation with full conviction.

“I had been playing with the idea of doing an ultra for a while, but I was missing the ‘push’. When I was contacted to take part, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It will definitely be painful, but it’s a unique opportunity that we will look back on with many great memories.”

Koen Darras, Kevin Semerano and Alexander Claeys on The Belgian Borders

Koen Darras opens with a quote from Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

“This project has been in my mind for more than ten years. And now, with the right people and the right moment, it is finally becoming reality. It is a deep desire that is now coming to life. I love travelling through the eyes of the bike. Gravel biking takes me to places I would otherwise never reach.”

Kevin Semerano adds: “People always want to travel, preferably far from home. But what if you could satisfy that urge for discovery within the borders of your own country? With this project, we are on the road for eight days, we touch four neighbouring countries, and yet we stay close to home. That combination, the familiar and the unknown at the same time, fascinates me.”

Alexander Claeys concludes with poetic words: “Gravel is raw, honest and unpolished, just like this project. Eight days of cycling along the borders of your country, and of yourself… that is poetry on two wheels.”

Sleeping in castles, boats, treehouses and in the wild

The team members stay in unique locations: castles, boats, treehouses and wild spots in nature. This makes each day not only athletic, but also rich in storytelling and connection.

Podcasts from the border: raw conversations in unique locations

Podcasts are recorded daily along the route in special places: around a campfire, under a tree at the border, on a fishing boat or on a farm. Themes such as boundaries, friendship, resilience and simplicity are discussed in open conversations between the riders.

“We don’t want heroic voices or epic soundtracks. Just four people staying true to themselves, on the road. Real conversations, in real places.”5623

More than sport: a community in motion

The Belgian Borders aims to inspire adventure close to home. It is an invitation to everyone—young or old, sporty or simply curious—to push boundaries, both literally and figuratively.

Final stage on August 3: ride along!

On Sunday, August 3, the public will have the opportunity to ride along the final stage. A unique chance to be part of this historic adventure. The start is at Café Vitesse at 8 a.m.