Opening ceremony

The opening of the Gravel World Championships will be carried out by the children of Primary School De Bron. The official start of the World Championships is also the starting signal for the Dikke Banden Race (Fat Tire Race) for primary school children from the Municipality of Beek.

The Dikke Banden Race is a cycling competition especially for primary school children from the Municipality of Beek. The unique aspect is that children can participate simply on their own bikes with wide tires—no special racing bike is required. The course will be set up around Sportlandgoed de Haamen and starts under the same arch where the professional riders will take off on Saturday and Sunday.

Program – Festive Opening
  • 14:00 | Arrival
  • 14:00 – 14:45 | Registration and t-shirt pickup
  • 14:30 | Welcome speech by Alderman of Beek Municipality, Raymond Dirx
  • 14:40 | Explanation of the bike helmet campaign by Marcel Anries (HersenStrijd Fund)

  • 14:45 | Festive opening dance by pupils of Primary School De Bron

  • 15:15 | Start of the Dikke Banden Race

    • 15:15 | Start for ages 5 & 6

    • 15:30 | Start for ages 7 & 8

    • 15:45 | Start for ages 9 & 10

    • 16:00 | Start for ages 11 & 12

    • 16:15 | Start of balance bike race (ages 2–4)

    • 16:30 | Second round, ages 5 & 6

    • 16:45 | Second round, ages 7 & 8

    • 17:00 | Second round, ages 9 & 10

    • 17:15 | Second round, ages 11 & 12

  • 17:15 | End of program

The Dikke Banden Race is designed to let children experience a real cycling race in an accessible way. Everything is arranged so that it is safe and fun for all ages.

Provided:

  • The course is completely closed off and supervised by volunteers.
  • First aid staff will be present during the race.
  • Each participant receives a t-shirt at the start and a medal at the finish.
  • Helmets can be borrowed from the organization.


Bring yourself:

  • Children participate with their own bike with wide tires (no racing bike required).
  • Make sure the bike is in good technical condition (brakes, tires, chain).
  • Preferably, each child brings their own helmet.


This way, the Dikke Banden Race is safe, festive, and above all fun to take part in!

REGISTRATION

Sign up for Session 1 or Session 2.