Program Marly Grav
From May 8–10, the Shimano Experience Center in Valkenburg turns into the ultimate playground for Europe’s biggest gravel weekend.
A weekend full of action, experiences, and enjoyment for the entire gravel community. With activities for young and old, there is something for everyone, so come together with friends and family. Check out the (preliminary) program.
FRIDAY 8 MAY
FOOD & DRINKS
Marly Grav is open! Visit the Shimano Experience Center and enjoy delicious drinks at the La Marzocco x Blanche Dael Coffee bar.
Feeling like having a nice meal? Valkenhof provides a tasty selection that you can enjoy with care and attention.
REGISTRATION EXPERIENCE
Participants of Marly Grav Experience can register and drop off their luggage at Hotel Valkenburg by Mercure, located right next to the Shimano Experience Center, between 10:30 and 11:45. In the meantime, enjoy a good cup of coffee and Limburg pie. Ready for departure!
EXPERIENCE
Marly Grav Experience is a two-day gravel adventure full of challenge and experience.
You ride two beautiful routes of 90 km each: from the Shimano Experience Center in Valkenburg to Hellenthal in the Eifel and back the next day. Including a comfortable overnight stay, so you can fully enjoy both stages.
REGISTRATION FEST & RACE
Participants of Marly Grav Fest and Marly Grav Race can collect their starter package and register between 12:00 and 18:00 at Hotel Valkenburg by Mercure, located directly next to the Shimano Experience Center.
SATURDAY 9 May
REGISTRATION FEST & RACE
Participants of the Marly Grav Fest and Marly Grav Race can collect their starter pack and register between 07:00 and 09:00 at Hotel Valkenburg by Mercure, located directly next to the Shimano Experience Center.
La Marzocco x Blanche Dael Coffee bar
Enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee at the La Marzocco x Blanche Dael Coffee bar on the terrace of the Shimano Experience Center. Perfect for a calm start or after your ride. As a participant of Marly Grav Fest, you will receive a free cup of coffee before the start.
FOOD & DRINKS
Before or after your ride, it’s time to enjoy together. Grab a cold beer, a soft drink, or an alcohol-free beverage and choose something tasty to eat, provided by Valkenhof. From quick bites to hearty meals: there is something for everyone, just as you would expect within the gravel community.
FAMILY COURT & BIKE EXPO
At the Par'Course car park, you can discover the best that the gravel world has to offer during the bike expo: from the finest gravel bikes to the latest gear. There’s plenty to enjoy at the Family Court, including a pump track, food trucks, a cozy terrace with food and drinks, and plenty of activities for kids. Everyone is welcome!
FEST
The start of Marly Grav Fest takes place between 09:00 and 09:45. Choose your distance 50, 85, 100, or 135 km and set off on a beautiful gravel ride through the hilly landscape of South Limburg. Enjoy the surroundings, the atmosphere, and of course every kilometre. Have fun!
FEst x IRIS social ride
This one is for women: start Marly Grav Fest with the IRIS x Shimano Social Ride. A relaxed 50 km gravel ride full of good vibes, starting and finishing together, including a pleasant afterparty. Get your ticket until 23 April with a €5.00 discount. Ladies only!
DIKKE BANDEN RACE
The Dikke Banden Races start at 10:00, divided by age category from 2 to 12 years, with awards after each series. Registration is from 09:00 at the fishing pond, next to the Shimano Experience Center.
Marly Grav Kids is part of the Shimano Kids Series, where every child receives a medal and there are trophies and final prizes to be won.
SAMPLING ZONE and collecting medals
On the grass field next to the Shimano Experience Center, you will find the sampling zone: the place where the gravel world comes together. After your ride, you can enjoy a free beer here and receive a medal as a keepsake of a great day.
RACE REGISTRATION
Participants of Marly Grav Race can collect their starter package and register between 13:00 and 18:00 at Hotel Valkenburg by Mercure, located directly next to the Shimano Experience Center.
TOMBOLA
This year, you once again have a chance to win fantastic prizes during the tombola! Stay around, because who knows, you might go home with a cool prize. Made possible by our partners.
RACE REGISTRATION
Participants of Marly Grav Race can collect their starting package and register between 07:00 and 08:30 at Hotel Valkenburg by Mercure, located directly next to the Shimano Experience Center.
La Marzocco x Blanche Dael Coffee bar
Enjoy a delicious, high-quality cup of coffee at the La Marzocco x Blanche Dael Coffee bar on the terrace of the Shimano Experience Center. Whether you have just returned from your race or want to start your day leisurely: here you can taste quality in every sip.
FOOD & DRINKS
Before or after the race, it's time to enjoy together. Grab a cold beer, a soft drink, or a non-alcoholic beverage and choose something tasty to eat, provided by Valkenhof. From quick bites to well-filled meals: there's something for everyone, just as you would expect within the gravel community.
FAMILY COURT & BIKE EXPO
At the Par'Course car park, you can discover the best that the gravel world has to offer during the bike expo: from the finest gravel bikes to the latest gear. There’s plenty to enjoy at the Family Court, including a pump track, food trucks, a cozy terrace with food and drinks, and plenty of activities for kids. Everyone is welcome!
RACE
Race time! At 09:00, the elite men will start and the battle will begin. The start times and order of the other categories will be announced at a later time, so keep an eye on the website.
SAMPLING ZONE and collecting medals
On the grass field next to the Shimano Experience Center, you will find the sampling zone: the place where the gravel world comes together. After your ride, you can enjoy a free drink here and receive a medal if you have won one.
ELITE CEREMONY
Between 13:30 and 14:00, the podium ceremony takes place for the elite men and women. After an unprecedented battle, the fastest riders are celebrated on the podium. Who will follow in the footsteps of Tim Wellens and Lorena Wiebes?
Wielerflits Podcast After Race Talk
During the WielerFlits Podcast After Race Talk, we reflect on the Marly Grav Race. Together with well-known names from the gravel world, we dive into the race and discuss the highlights of the day. Come by the grassy area next to the Shimano Experience Center and join in the fun!
AGE CATEGORIES CEREMONY
Between 16:00 and 17:00, the podium ceremony will take place for the different age categories. After a beautiful and sporting battle, the fastest riders in each category will be honoured on the podium and put in the spotlight. A wonderful moment to reflect together on the achievements of the day!
