__Race Around The Netherlands__ is a solo bike packing race that’s been going since 2018 mainly on the road. Since 2023 Adventure Bike Racing, the organizer, introduced a __gravel version__. Since this got introduced it one year gravel one year road. This weekend the second edition of the RATN GX will be held. 

__RATN GX__ a fully self-supported bikepacking event across mixed terrain on a mandatory route. Approximately two-thirds of the route is paved, while the remaining third consists of gravel roads, singletrack, and some cyclocross sections.

![Map drawing](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6JvQ9aPPg9ArWTdy9sSDnz/6f11ffaf1ef3f66e338c4602c0c88541/3_Map_groot.jpeg)

__THE ROUTE__

There are two route options:
Full Route: 1,915 km & Sprint Route: 1,212 km

*The full route* is a rough outline of the Netherlands and it’s borders, roughly cause gravel sections had to be build in to make it challenging enough. The sprint route only covers the northern part of the country.

Although the Netherlands is a small country, this route will show riders just how diverse this tiny country can be. Below is a chronological overview of some of the highlights along the way.
After departing from Amerongen, riders head toward *De Veluwe*, one of the largest forested areas in the country. First, they travel north to *Het Kroondomein*, a true gravel paradise, before turning south into *De Veluwezoom*, where the some notable elevation gains begin.
Leaving the Veluwe behind, the route moves east into *De Achterhoek*, a region gravel enthusiasts often refer to as the *Dutch Strade Bianche*. From there, the course heads north through the “Drentsche Aa National Park” and continues on to the legendary *Wadden Sea* stretch, well-known from the original RATN. This section is long and straight, occasionally interrupted by sheep gates.

From the Wadden Sea coast, the route turns south into *Friesland*, leading to the first ferry of the race, located in *Stavoren*. This ferry doesn’t run frequently, and during the night, a detour via the *Houtribdijk* is permitted—but it takes time and adds extra miles. After crossing the water, the route heads north again for a loop around the island of *Texel*. Another ferry crossing is required here—potentially two suspenseful moments for dotwatchers, as ferries only operate during daylight hours.

![Schaap](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6J8Bq0RST3zdoUF7XetACn/925e906deb1ae4c0b2a6491f657a79fe/4_Schaap_2_groot.jpeg)

Once Texel is behind them, riders travel south along the Dutch coastline. At this point, the Sprint Route diverges, cutting inland through *’t Gooi* and the *Utrechtse Heuvelrug* on its way back to Amerongen.

Riders on the Full Route, however, continue south all the way to *Zeeland*, where another ferry crossing awaits in the *Rotterdam harbor region*—again only available during the day. A nighttime detour is possible but adds significant extra kilometers.

From Zeeland, the course heads east through the province of *Noord-Brabant*, crossing the Brabantse Wal, known for its winter cyclocross races, and the Kempen, a sandy southern region. But the ride isn’t over yet—riders must continue even further south.

Most of the climbing has been done in the Veluwe, but the toughest climbs await in *Zuid-Limburg*. This region is home to the steepest hills in the Netherlands, including the country's highest point, which riders must conquer before they can think about heading back north.

The return journey includes more quality gravel, notably in *De Meinweg* and *De Maasduinen*, before the finish line at *Café De Proloog* in Amerongen. 
The route passes through several protected nature reserves managed by organizations such as *Staatsbosbeheer* and *Natuurmonumenten*. These areas are subject to access restrictions. Many segments of the route are off-limits between sunset and sunrise to protect wildlife. During these hours, no cyclists or hikers are allowed. During the event, sunset is around 10:00 PM and sunrise is around 5:30 AM. For riders who choose to ride at night, mandatory 'Dark Detours' have been created for sections where night access is prohibited. 

__WEATHER__

At the time of writing, it’s raining in Utrecht. After months of dry weather, the rain has finally returned over the past few days. Fortunately for the riders, the rain is falling now—ahead of the race—and might actually benefit the course. The extended dry spell had left some sandy sections very loose, so a bit of moisture could help firm up the off-road terrain.
The weather forecast is looking promising. There may be some rain on Saturday, but temperatures are expected to reach 27°C during the day and drop to 13°C at night. The following days appear to be mostly dry, or with only light rain at most. Daytime temperatures will stay above 20°C, with nighttime lows again around 13°C.

![5 zand groot](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1CMzBhYv4bBFfSA7RMbt05/282696f6cc47779f1f2f71f33b5d9a8a/5_zand_groot.jpeg)

Wind conditions also seem favorable. With a moderate breeze (force 3), it could certainly be worse—especially in the Netherlands. Winds will come from the west during the first three days, shifting to the northwest later on. For the slower participants, this shift could actually work in their favor.

__PREVIOUS RACE__

In 2023, *Gereon Tewes* claimed victory in the inaugural GX edition, delivering a dominant performance throughout the race. *Niels Ihrman* finished as runner-up, with *Lukáš Klement* rounding out the podium. Unfortunately, none of them will be at the starting line this year.

The Sprint Race was won by *Laurens Dhaese*, followed by *Ingmar Sluiter* and *Ed Schinkel*. Fortunately, Laurens will be back at the start this year—this time taking on the full route. Let’s see what he can do over the full distance.

Unfortunately, there were no female solo finishers in last year’s edition. Let’s hope that changes in 2025.

In the pairs category, the full route was won by *Bart Van De Water & Bart Verheijen*, while *Jamie Clowes & Sean Harrison* took the win in the sprint version.

![2 gravel groot](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4ftRHx1MEhLd92k7srpA8e/cbe25a22e475b87fc7d06b0c7b154062/2_gravel_groot.jpeg)

__2025 RIDERS Full Route__

There are four race categories: *the Full Race* and *the Sprint Race*, each with both a *solo* and a *pairs* category. A total of 102 riders from 13 nationalities have signed up to take on the Dutch dirt—80 solo riders and 11 pairs.

In the Full Race, we can expect a potential showdown between *Laurens ten Dam*, *Bas Vlaskamp*, and *Casper van Wijck*.
Laurens ten Dam, well-known as a former professional cyclist, just returned from *Unbound XL*, where he finished 4th. If he's recovered well, he’ll likely be the main favorite for this edition—although in his podcast, he downplayed expectations, saying he's riding primarily to enjoy the experience.
Both Bas and Casper have also raced earlier this month, so they might either arrive fatigued—or perfectly primed thanks to super compensation. Bas Vlaskamp, who won the road edition of RATN, brings a wealth of ultra-racing experience, though he’s relatively new to gravel. Casper van Wijck had a DNF in 2023, but his recent performance at the *ASA Epic* showed he has the power to be a serious contender.

The start list includes several riders returning after a DNF in 2024. Among them is *Hans van Bohemen*, who was battling for a top-5 position last year until he was forced to abandon due to severe saddle sores. *Jurjen Draaier* and *Joeri Van Ginneken* are also making his return to Amerongen.
Also keep an eye on some of the veterans: *Lars Götzenberger*, a two-time TCR (*Transcontinental Race*) finisher; *Tobias Midderhof*, who took 1st place in the pairs category at this year’s *Race Around Rwanda*; and *Ben Steurbaut*, who has been competing in endurance races since 2015.

In the Full Race, two female riders have signed up: *Marjan van Galen* and *Sabrina Belotti*. Keep an eye out for some serious girl power on the course.

The pairs category features six teams. Among them is *Matthias Petkau*, an experienced mountain bike rider, who has teamed up with *Franz Ruben Penner*.
And last but not least, a special mention goes to *Wandert Benthem*, who, at 70 years old, is the oldest competitor in the race, and to *Pablo Velt*, the youngest, at just 22 years old.

![koeien 2 groot](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ArYo4MotdfpN4EmHkBCGt/4a047f63cd4d567a3b8b0fd0f76dc75b/koeien_2_groot.jpeg)

__2025 RIDERS - Sprint__ 

The Sprint Race features 26 solo riders, many of whom are newcomers—making this category particularly exciting. It will be interesting to see how the field develops throughout the race.
Special attention goes to the female riders signed up for the Sprint Race. Among them is *Julia Freeman*, well known for writing all previous RATN Dotwatcher reports, and *Kim Linstra*, who is making her return after recovering from a concussion. Also on the start list are *Maureen van den Wijngaart* and *Baptistine Smets*. Maureen will be back to take revenge after a DNF in last year’s edition and Baptistine will make her debut in the GX edition after riding the *Classic RATN* (road version) twice. 

To everyone riding: have a great race. Push hard if you're racing, enjoy the ride if you're in it for the adventure—or do both!


Let's get excited for RATN GX

Jair Hoogland

Gereon Tewes

Race Around the Netherlands 2025: Fast and flat; what the Netherlands lacks in elevation and terrain it more than makes up for with its wind and characterful villages. Don't let the elevation profile fool you, this is not an easy race. What doesn't go up, can't come down.

Race Around the Netherlands GX 2025 Tracking and Commentary

Fast and flat, but far from easy. The Dutch gravel delivers wind instead of climbs. In its second year, the race sticks to its roots—quick, flat sections—though this time riders will need a bit more tyre to handle the tougher gravel.

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Race Around the Netherlands GX 2025

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