CYCLING – He needed the necessary patience, but Johan Wekema from Peize succeeded in bringing the new UCI Gravel World Series to North Drenthe. The gravel race will be held around Veenhuizen on 17 September. Cycling on unpaved roads is becoming more and more popular, September will show how popular it is.
For two years he has been talking about the event with three-time cyclocross world champion Erwin Vervecken, who works for sports events organizer Golazo. But because of corona, the plans were repeatedly postponed. Last Friday, the UCI announced the calendar, which includes the starting place of Veenhuizen.
trail
“I have in mind a long course of 150 kilometers and there will also be a shortened version of 75 kilometers. These are mainly wide paths on which a 4×4 car should in principle also be able to drive and on which riders can easily overtake each other”, responds weekma.
“The intended course mainly goes through the municipalities of Noordenveld and Tynaarlo, but still has to be approved. As it seems now, almost seventy percent of the course is unpaved.”
Start Prison Museum
“We start at the Prison Museum in Veenhuizen. We thought that was a beautiful location with the World Heritage status that it obtained. And they were immediately enthusiastic. The participants will start there in age groups. The first group varies from 19 to 34 years old and after that it runs smoothly. every five years,” explains Wekema.
What kind of bike?
Anyone with a suitable bicycle (gravel bike, mountain bike or cross bike) can register. “But I would definitely come to this course with a bike that would fit tires with a minimum thickness of 35 millimeters,” warns Wekema. “The front fork of a normal racing bike is actually too narrow.”
Interest
He himself has not the faintest idea how great the interest in the match in Drenthe will be. Registration opens in April or May.
“That could be five hundred, but maybe even fifteen hundred. We just have to see that. I already hear from some professional cyclists that they are also interested. In addition, it is a worldwide cycle of twelve competitions. So participants from other countries can also participate.” come to Drenthe.”
World Cup tickets are available for the fastest 25 percent of each age group, for both men and women. That World Cup will probably be held in October. Where is not yet known.
kicking
Wekema has already gained a lot of experience in organizing cycling races. He is responsible for the gravel cycling race Battle of Norg and the mountain bike events: Veldslag om Norg, the Bartje 200 and the Drenthe 200. He is also a gifted gravel rider himself.
“I like this more than mountain biking. This is a bit less technical. Here you can pedal a bit better,” concludes Wekema.