Beach racing, a niche cycling discipline, has gained popularity due to its geographical restriction to coastal areas. Despite this, it offers an exhilarating way to ride during winter months. Recent social media posts from a Belgium coast race caught the author’s attention, featuring WorldTour pros on specially adapted bikes.
To understand beach racing, let’s start with its basics. Typically held along the Dutch or Belgian coast, these races are out-and-back, spanning 30-40 km in length. The high coastal winds play a crucial role, while riders can reach speeds of over 70 km/h due to Atlantic tailwinds. However, navigating through the softer sands poses technical challenges.
The unique combination of wet, hard-packed sand and strong winds creates an intense racing experience. Riders must skillfully handle their bikes to transition between the beach surface and other terrain, showcasing both physical endurance and cycling prowess.
Source: https://escapecollective.com/beach-racing-may-be-the-source-of-future-gravel-tech