When it comes to niche cycling disciplines, beach racing stands out as both unique and geographically exclusive. It’s a sport that thrives along the coastlines, offering a high-adrenaline experience for cyclists looking to embrace the challenge of wind, sand, and speed during the winter months.
A casual scroll through Instagram recently brought beach racing into the spotlight, showcasing highlights from a race on the Belgian coast. Among the riders were WorldTour professionals from teams like Soudal-Quick Step and Alpecin-Deceuninck. Tim Merlier of Soudal-Quick Step caught attention racing on a creatively modified drop-bar Specialized Chisel HT. This glimpse into beach racing’s intensity opened a rabbit hole, revealing its rich and surprisingly influential history.
What is Beach Racing?
As the name implies, beach racing takes place on sandy shorelines, primarily along the Dutch and Belgian coasts. Over the years, however, this unique discipline has started spreading to other coastal regions, each adding its own flavor to the sport.
Typically, beach races follow an out-and-back format, spanning 30 to 40 kilometers. Riders must contend with high coastal winds, which are often defining elements of the race. These winds can be both friend and foe—depending on whether you’re battling a headwind or flying with the assistance of an Atlantic tailwind.
The racecourse is fast, with wet, compacted sand creating a natural drag strip that allows riders to hit exhilarating speeds of over 70 km/h when conditions align. But beach racing isn’t just about speed; it demands technical skill. Riders must navigate transitions between firm and soft sand, especially at beach entry and exit points, where the terrain can be unpredictable.
The Appeal of Beach Racing
Beach racing is more than just a niche—it’s an exhilarating combination of raw power, strategy, and adaptability. The wet sand offers an unusual surface, firm enough to maintain speed but tricky enough to challenge even seasoned riders. The sheer variety of conditions, from swirling winds to shifting sands, ensures no two races are the same.
This unique blend of elements makes beach racing a perfect winter discipline for cyclists, offering an alternative to the traditional road or gravel scene. It allows riders to stay sharp, build strength, and experience the thrill of competition in a completely different setting.
A Discipline with Historical Roots
Interestingly, many of the trends seen in today’s gravel racing have been staples of beach racing for years. From wide tires to creative bike modifications, the innovations in beach racing continue to influence other disciplines. Riders like Tim Merlier experimenting with unconventional setups reflect this crossover, blending the best of mountain, gravel, and road cycling technology.
Why You Should Watch (or Try) Beach Racing
If you’re near the coast—or even just a fan of unique cycling events—beach racing is worth exploring. The spectacle of riders tearing down the sand at blistering speeds, battling the elements and each other, offers a fresh take on competitive cycling.
For those daring enough to try it, beach racing is a test of endurance, skill, and adaptability. It’s a chance to experience the raw beauty of nature while pushing the limits of what a bike—and its rider—can achieve.
So, next time you’re scrolling through Instagram or planning your next cycling adventure, keep an eye out for beach racing. It’s a fast, thrilling ride that’s carving its own niche in the cycling world.
