As of 2023, the format of The Netherland's most popular MTB event has changed. Due to permit issues, the event is now split into two parts: a marathon and a sportive. CycloWorld had four participants at the start, and all returned home with big smiles. Here are five reasons why you’ll want to ride the Bart Brentjens Challenge next year.
Photo: Axel and Michelle in action.
I've spent my life riding countless events on road, MTB, and gravel bikes. Without exaggerating: the organization of the BBC is next level. It wasn’t just the excellent marshals (who weren’t glued to their phones, believe it or not) that stood out. The fantastic feed stations, clear signposting, beautiful route, and smooth start procedure were equally impressive. At the finish, there was a cosy atmosphere where you could enjoy a nice chat over a beer and a hamburger. The only minor downside was the wait time to clean the bike, but that was easily taken care of at home!
The Bart Brentjens Challenge used to be a race for all participants. Nowadays, the competition (Dutch Nationals XCM, results here) is separate from the sportive. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows riders who prefer a relaxed ride to enjoy the course at their own pace. But they still get to ride the same challenging course as the race participants. Only 750 tickets are available for the sportive, which means you never have to deal with crowds. Riders were also spread out, thanks to a late start option, with the start window open until 10:30. Ideal for those who had a bit of a drive to get there.
This year, a starting ticket cost just over 50 euros. A bargain, if you ask me.
Photo: Beautiful vistas are never far away in South Limburg.
In the new format, there is only one route available—so no decision stress! The course was 90 km long with around 1500 meters of elevation, divided into 19 short climbs of about 1 km each. The route consisted of 90% unpaved roads. The variety was fantastic: gravel roads, singletracks, meadows, shortcuts, duo tracks, MTB trails, and even some technical climbing sections. Throughout the ride, you are constantly treated to the stunning views of South Limburg. In short: a beautiful, challenging route that's not too overwhelming.
Like La Marmotte, the Bart Brentjens Challenge seems to have a subscription to good weather. This year was a bit chilly, but it stayed dry, and in the morning, there was even a fair amount of sunshine. The trails had been hit by rain in the days leading up to the event, but in the end, most of them were just fine.
Photo: most of the trails were just dry. © Sportograf
The conclusion? A fantastic course, excellent atmosphere, and top-notch organization. Will we see you next year? The date hasn’t been announced yet, but it will likely be on the Sunday of the first or second weekend of October. If you want to be there, keep an eye on our site, as tickets will sell out quickly.
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