Vélomédiane Grand Challenge 2025

The Grand Challenge is the ultimate route of the 2025 Vélomédiane. At 167 km and with significant elevation gain, this loop crosses some of the most beautiful areas of the Belgian Ardennes while tackling the region's most renowned climbs. Between deep valleys, forests, Ardennes villages, and legendary hills, this route is for the most experienced cyclists.

The race starts in La Roche-en-Ardenne, before tackling the first challenges near Hives and Warempage. The route quickly alternates between climbs and descents in the Ourthe valley before reaching the Nisramont dam area.

The first major challenge is the Mur de Maboge (more commonly known as "Le Pied Monti"), a formidable climb overlooking the Ourthe river. After this ascent, the route continues towards Filly, Wibrin and Samrée, where the climbs come one after another in the heart of the Ardennes forests.

The loop then continues towards Odeigne, Heyd and Beffe, with several long and steady climbs. The Roche à Frêne sector is one of the most demanding sections of the day with its sustained gradients.

After passing through Dochamps, Oster, Manhay and the area around Freyneux, the route gradually returns towards the south of the loop before tackling its last major challenge.

The hike concludes with the ascent of the Haussire, often considered one of the toughest climbs in Belgium. A long descent then leads back to La Roche-en-Ardenne, bringing this endurance challenge to a close.

• La Roche-en-Ardenne : Starting and finishing town of the route.

• The Ourthe valley : The common thread running through several sections of the circuit.

• Nisramont : Area of the dam and panoramas over the Ourthe.

• Maboge : Village dominated by the famous Maboge Wall.

• Filly, Wibrin and Samrée : A series of hills and forest landscapes typical of the Ardennes.

• Odeigne, Heyd and Beffe : Villages crossed on the heights of the route.

• Roche à Frêne : One of the most selective climbs of the day.

• Dochamps, Oster and Manhay : Hilly areas offering wide panoramas.

• La Haussire : An iconic climb and the last major challenge of the route.