After a year off, due to COVID the 2021 edition of the Belgian Waffle Ride was a much-anticipated event for cyclists and cycling fans to attend this past weekend. Held in San Diego’s North County, the Belgian Waffle Ride is a Euro-style Spring Classic that features challenges and unparalleled experiences that have made the event infamous. The BWR attracts world-class cyclists from around the world and has a cult following of fervent racers from cyclocross, road and mountain biking. It’s known as much for its difficulty, with all the glorious trappings of the Belgian Spring Classics, as it is for the celebratory atmosphere that pervades the event’s every funky facet.
The Belgian Waffle Ride covers 132 miles in distance and there is also be a shorter 71 mile Belgian Wafer Ride and 38 mile Wanna Belgian Waffle Ride, as well as an Expo Festival with a beer garden to enjoy.
Created by Michael Marckx, the 2021 edition of the Belgian Waffle Ride did not disappoint. Returning Champion Peter Stetina (Canyon) won the Belgian Waffle Ride with the fastest time and Katerina Nash (CLIF Pro Team) took the win in the Belgian Waffle Ride Women’s race.
Photos: Courtesy Belgian Waffle Ride
