L’assaut du Maquisard

45K This is a course intended for very experienced trail runners (1636 D+ on trail tracks, a little less on other software). A first loop of 16km takes participants into one of the most beautiful valleys in Belgium, that of Ninglinspo (municipality of Aywaille) and passing through the superbly flowery hornbeam of Haut-Marêt, 573m long and 4500 hornbeams! From the foot of the Maquisard, at the 18th km, the participants enter the territory of the commune of Spa to tackle several “walls” offering impressive views of the Wayai valley or the town of Spa at their summit. The route then heads towards a piece of history and the Franchimont castle (indirectly linked to the tragic episode of the "Six hundred Franchimontois" of 1468), before descending to the very beautiful town and commune of Theux and climbing back up through the foothills of the Maquisard! This route is very varied (fir forest, GR, single track, steep path, river banks, short urban passages, etc.) and allows you to discover superb Ardennes landscapes. 28K This route is intended for experienced trail runners (1229m of D+ on trail track, a little less on other software). It starts with a descent towards the Wayai valley and a climb towards the town of Spa and its "walls" offering impressive views of the Wayai valley or the town of Spa at their summit. The route then heads towards a piece of history and the Franchimont castle (indirectly linked to the tragic episode of the "Six hundred Franchimontois" of 1468), before descending to the very beautiful town of Theux and climbing back up through the foothills of the Maquisard! It will also welcome participants in the duathlon (75km and 2000 D+ by bike, followed by this 26km trail and a good 1000 D+). 16K This is a course designed for trail runners looking for speed, intermediate level trail runners (494m of D+ on trail track) and experienced walkers. Participants dive into one of the most beautiful valleys in Belgium, that of Ninglinspo (municipality of Aywaille) and passing through the superb flowering hornbeam of Haut-Marêt, 573m long and 4500 hornbeams! 9K This route is intended for beginner trail runners and walkers (248m of D+ all the same). The hilly route crosses the superb flowering hornbeam of Haut-Marêt, 573m long and 4500 hornbeams! CYCLING The region is home to the most beautiful (and tough) Ardennes coasts which have made the reputation of the “Doyenne” of cycle races, Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The 74 km bike route may seem very accessible, but it is intended for experienced cyclists/cyclists, offering more than 2,104 D+. Participants will tackle legendary climbs such as the Chemin des Moutons (Spa), the Côte du Rosier-Nord II (via Berinzenne, 6.7 km!), the Côte de Neuville, the Stockeu (one of the longest and steepest in Belgium, with the statue of Eddy Merckx on its route), the Côte de Wanneranval, the Côte d'Hézalle, the Côte de Brume-Sud, and, finally, the Côte du Maquisard via its southern flank of the Haftay. These 8 climbs are timed (to be confirmed). At the top of these climbs, participants will enjoy exceptional views of the Ardennes, the Amblève valley, the city of Stavelot, Trois-Ponts, etc. The 50 km is more accessible with 24 km less and especially 4 fewer major climbs. The 50 km (1,426 m D+) also offers 4 timed climbs (to be confirmed) and very beautiful landscapes. A ranking will be established by timed climb. Beacons will be positioned before and after the “timed” sections (4 over 50km and 8 over 75km, subject to validation). Participation in cycling events (duathlons, 75km, 50km) is limited to 499 participants. DUATHLONS This is a first! A duathlon with a strange mix of genres: road cycling and forest running. But the proposal simply takes into account the region's assets, which are home to the most beautiful Ardennes coasts and forests ideal for trail running and road cycling (and also mountain biking). The 74 km bike route may seem accessible, but it is intended for experienced cyclists/cyclists, offering more than 2,104 D+. Participants will face legendary climbs such as the Chemin des Moutons (Spa), the Côte du Rosier-Nord II (via Berinzenne, 6.7 km!), the Côte de Neuville, the Stockeu (one of the longest and steepest in Belgium, with the statue of Eddy Merckx on its route), the Côte de Wanneranval, the Côte d'Hézalle, the Côte de Brume-Sud and, finally, the Côte du Maquisard via its southern flank of the Haftay. These 8 climbs are timed (currently being validated with the authorities). Unlike a classic duathlon, participants do not go straight into the race. The 28 km and 16 km starts are collective. Thus, after a moment of respite, the duathletes will start with the trail runners, early in the afternoon on the 28 km (for the 3,000 D duathlon) or on the 16 km (2,500 D duathlon or 1,500 D duathlon). The ranking of the 3 duathlons is done by adding the time of the cycling times on the hills and the time of the running course. The number of participants concerned by the "cycling" part is limited to 499 (municipal regulations).