European Cycling Classics Reborn on American Soil

In the realm of cycling, where passion intertwines with endurance, a movement is stirring across North America. Monuments of Cycling (MoC), a trailblazing event production firm, has been on a mission to bring the essence of classic one-day cycling races to the heart of the United States. The inspiration and raison d’être for these monumental undertakings arise from three timeless notions: necessity is the mother of invention, the child is the father of man, and absence makes the heart grow fonder.  The grandeur of the Monuments of Cycling extends beyond geographical boundaries, drawing inspiration from the five greatest one-day cycling events on the planet: Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and the Tour of Lombardy. These races, etched in history since before World War I, traverse roads laden with the echoes of the past, lined with memorials to the war dead. In the absence of such classics in the US, the yearning for these monumental feats of endurance only intensifies.

In a landscape devoid of classic one-day cycling events, MoC sought to fill the void, echoing the sentiments of countless American cyclists whose hearts yearn for the challenges and allure of iconic races. The Monuments of Cycling, akin to their European counterparts, embody a blend of necessity, heritage, and the indomitable spirit of the cycling community.  The inception of the Monuments of Cycling in the US found its catalyst in the form of the Belgian Waffle Ride California. Uniquely named and deceptively irreverent, the BWR stands as one of the most challenging bicycle races in the United States, covering approximately 140 miles, with half the journey navigating unroad sectors. Celebrating its 13th edition, the BWR has evolved into a symbol of cycling prowess, beckoning the need for new Monuments across North America.

Fast forward, and Monument has transformed the BWR into the Belgian Waffle Ride Series, including some of North America’s most prestigious one-day cycling experiences.  At the helm of Monuments of Cycling is Michael Marckx, a visionary who appreciates branding, Belgian ale, big rings, and the art of alliteration. Marckx envisions continuing to expand the Monuments of Cycling to cycling-rich communities throughout North America, including Mexico and Canada events.  Phil Tinstman, a seasoned racer and co-conspirator of the BWR, shares Marckx’s vision. Together, they weave dreams over beers, converting aspirations into a growing reality. Tinstman’s passion for bringing people together through cycling resonates with the ethos of Monuments of Cycling.

Belgian Waffle Ride Format

BWR events are unique because they are classic, long bicycle races that feature various off-road sectors emulating the pave or cobblestones of Europe, making the varied terrain a challenge for riders’ technical skills, equipment, endurance, luck, and versatility. While intentionally none of the events feature mountains, they utilize a never-ending collection of punchy climbs that take a sinister toll on riders’ physical and mental well-being… These are not races set up for freeloading sprinters or frail climbers. They are designed to challenge riders of all stripes and sizes in demented and glorious ways. Therein lies the allure of the Monuments of Cycling; extreme challenges that require months or years of training, the right equipment, tenacity, and karma.

Each BWR venue showcases a challenging ‘unroad’ multi-surface course that takes advantage of each beautiful location’s unique topography.  Each route is uniquely designed to include a multitude of technically challenging sectors. Waffle courses range in length from 120-144 miles, Wafer courses between roughly 68-84 miles, and Wanna Rides, which are typically around 40 miles. Elevation gain will range from 6,500 feet to 14,000 feet for the various Waffle courses.  The current roster of BWR events in 2024 includes BWR AZ (March 1-2), BWR UT (April 5-6), BWR CA (27-28), and BWR NC (June 21-22).  Monuments are also close to finalized details on several new events for 2024, including two special events in Mexico.

The Tripel Crown of Gravel Series

The Tripel Crown of Gravel Series is a special competition within the full Belgian Waffle Ride Series lineup that involves participation in BWR Arizona, BWR Utah, and BWR California.   It has been recreated to give riders, both professional and amateur alike, a chance to compete in three very different environments over a short period of time, offering the perfect blend of recovery and fitness gains for the early-season competition. The 2024 Tripel Crown will be contested for both Waffle and Wafer distances at BWR AZ (March 1-2), BWR UT (April 5-6), and BWR CA (April 27-28).  The competitive format is a points-based omnium for professionals and age-group riders alike.  Riders competing for the Tripel Crown honors and prize purse (for pros only) will be scored based on the total points achieved over the three races. The BWR CA will carry extra weighted points to complete the series.  There will be prize purses and prizes for the Male, Female, and Gender Diverse categories.

Strambecco provides detailed profiles of each BWR event below.  All BWR events are staples on our rankings of the Best-in-Class Regional and State Events:  Southwest, Southeast, California, Arizona, and Utah.