The Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) is elevating the gravel cycling world in 2025 with the launch of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series and the relocation of the legendary Belgian Waffle Ride California (BWR CA) to the spectacular Del Mar Polo Fields at Surf Sports Park. This exciting new venue, located near the ocean and Del Mar Fairgrounds, just minutes from the San Diego airport, will host Southern California’s largest cycling festival from April 25-27, 2025. The festival includes multiple events like the 14th Annual BWR CA (the Unroad Race), the inaugural Belgian Waffle Run**, and the new Belgian Waffle Roadie-Oh, a gran fondo road event. All proceeds from the festival will benefit Curebound supporting cancer research.
Introducing the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel
The Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series presents a fierce challenge for cyclists across four iconic races in Arizona, California, Utah, and the newest addition in Montana. To earn the prestigious Quad-Tripel Crown title, riders must complete at least three of the four races, which are renowned for their diversity and difficulty.
Highlighted by Global Cycling Network (GCN) as a top must-do event, and with BWR AZ named the second-best gravel event in North America by Gran Fondo Guide, the series offers elite competition and immense prestige within the gravel community. The races take place across some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes, with the Bozeman, Montana addition offering riders a rugged new challenge.
Quad-Tripel Crown Series Details:
- Four Races: BWR AZ (March 1), BWR CA (April 27), BWR UT (May 24), BWR MT (June 29)
- Varied Terrains: From desert singletrack to coastal views, and mountainous backdrops, each race provides a unique challenge.
- Elite Field: Top cyclists from around the globe competing for lofty prize purses.
- Series Recognition: Completing the Quad-Tripel Crown offers a unique gravel cycling distinction. Winnaars take their best three of the four races for category placing in both the Waffle and Wafer races for both elite and age group competitors.
New Venue for BWR California: The Del Mar Polo Fields
The move to Del Mar Polo Fields brings a fresh and exciting atmosphere to the 14th Annual BWR CA. This scenic venue offers expansive festival grounds and stunning coastal routes, making it the perfect location for an unforgettable experience. Riders will encounter fresh road and unroad sectors through coastal canyons, Rancho Santa Fe’s bucolic landscapes, the Coast to Crest Trail, and the Del Dios Gorge; plus, many of event’s infamous unroads.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Belgian Waffle Ride Festival to the Del Mar Polo Fields,” said Michael Marckx, founder of BWR. “This venue is not only beautiful, but it offers accessibility and the community vibe we’ve always wanted for this event. It’s more than just a change of scenery; it’s an opportunity to elevate the BWR experience while supporting a great cause in Curebound.”
Three Days of Epic Cycling and Celebration
The Belgian Waffle Ride Festival at the Del Mar Polo Fields will be a three-day extravaganza celebrating cycling, endurance, and community spirit.
- Friday, April 25: The BWR Festival Opens with course previews, registration, and an expo featuring 75 vendors showcasing the latest in cycling gear and lifestyle products.
- Saturday, April 26: The debut of the Belgian Waffle Roadie-Oh, a Gran Fondo event with routes of 100-miles, 100-km, and 50km, followed by the inaugural Belgian Waffle Run, a fast and fun 5km race with a post-run celebration at the Lost Abbey Beer Garden.
- Sunday, April 27: The main event—BWR California—with multiple ride categories, including the Waffle, Wafer, and Wanna Rides. These rides traverse some of the most scenic and challenging routes ever on offer for the BWR in San Diego.
A Celebration with a Cause: Supporting Curebound
The 2025 BWR Festival proudly partners with Curebound, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating life-saving cancer research. Every ride, run, and festival moment will contribute to this vital cause, turning each mile ridden into a step closer to finding a cure.
More Than Just Cycling: A True Festival of Fun
The Belgian Waffle Ride Festival is a celebration for riders and spectators alike. With Belgian waffles, beer, food, family fun, and an expansive expo featuring 75 vendors, there’s something for everyone.
Festival Highlights Include:
- Belgian Waffles and Ale: Celebrate your ride with the event’s signature Belgian waffles and craft beer.
- Expansive Expo: Explore the latest in cycling gear and innovation.
- Gran Fondo: Enjoy the beautiful road routes off the Belgian Waffle Roadie-Oh!
- BWR Run: A fast and fun 5km run with costumes, perfect for both competitive runners looking for a PR, families, and casual participants.
- The 14th annual Belgian Waffle Ride with all new courses.
- BWR Beer Garden: A gathering space to share stories and camaraderie that embodies the spirit of the BWR, hosted by The Lost Abbey.
Photos courtesy Belgian Waffle Ride
