Entering the cycling unknown
Belle de Gast rides her first endurance race
As a former rider in the women’s pro peloton, Lake Ambassador, Belle De Gast knows about hard cycling and long days on the bike. However, endurance racing is something else; there is no real rest, until you cross the finishing line – maybe hundreds of kilometers after setting off, days before.
Now retired from professional cycling and being the Cycling Mayor of Utrecht in the Netherlands, Belle could be enjoying relaxing coffee rides or taking people on rides in the region. However, seeking a new challenge is in her blood, which is why she suddenly found herself entered into the 1000-kilometre Utrecht Ultra, endurance cycling race in September 2024 – ready to experience a new level of mental and physical challenges. Thankfully, as a Lake cycling shoe ambassador, at least she’d be looking forward to riding in comfortable feet, all the way! Time then to hear how Belle got on…
“Life Lessons and an Unforgettable Adventure”
Going for a nice bike ride, taking a break, and seeking for a new adventure - this was how the spontaneous idea to participate in the Utrecht Ultra came about for me. My experience with the ultra-cycling scene? Not really – absolutely none! However, I had a good fitness level, a wealth of cycling experience as a former pro rider, and a love for cycling and adventures on two-wheels – let’s see how it goes. Naively, I thought the preparation wouldn’t require much. Essentials: a bike, food, warm clothing, some spare parts, and then just ride and take things as they come. A few days before the event, I realized that part of the route had to be self-mapped - a key aspect of preparation I had overlooked. Using Komoot, I duly pieced together the missing sections and prepared my bike and kit for the event.
The race started on Saturday evening, and the feeling reminded me of my first professional race: an unfamiliar world, not knowing what to expect, and a certain nervous excitement. Over 150 riders of all varieties were ready for a multi-day cycling adventure. What united everyone was the goal of pushing boundaries, enduring setbacks, navigating the unexpected, and ultimately making it back to the start/finish. Time to ride!
The starting signal was given, and unlike the hectic sprints of professional races, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly as we were riding along the canal toward Nieuwegein. As dusk fell, we switched on our bike lights and the view was surreal: a seemingly endless line of lights from the cyclists into the distance. Eventually, everyone stopped to refill water, but I decided to ride on. In hindsight, this wasn’t the smartest decision - it turned out to be the last water stop for a while. Suddenly, the casual coffee ride transformed into a lonely journey through the night; the adventure had truly begun. As night progressed, I debated the alternative sleeping options of a night under the stars or Booking.com, only to realize that there weren’t many hotels around - let alone 24-hour ones! The idea of continuing to ride felt more appealing than lying in the rain in a sleeping bag; and, within a few seconds and the quickly thought, ‘Why not just keep going?’The decision was made. I would ride through the night, with no idea how it would go; but that was part of the adventure - the unknown. Making the decision gave me an unexpected sense of peace.
Through the Night & Welcoming the Dawn
The solitude of the night brought a mix of deep thoughts and moments of mental stillness. I wondered why people do this, why I was doing this, and then stopped thinking – instead, just existing in the moment. The feeling of being completely self-reliant and alone in the world gave me a strange sense of confidence. I know, also from riding in the peloton, that drinking and eating was one of the most important things, but I had no water left and only soggy peanut butter, banana, chocolate bread, and no team support car - but something was better than nothing. No food and water for the next hours – it was going to be a challenge, both mentally and physically.
As the hours passed, I experienced something we often take for granted: the arrival of a new day. The sun rose in the east, transforming the night into morning - a magical moment that filled me with energy. I began imagining the day ahead as we approached the Huy region, an area I knew well from my racing days. The first checkpoint was in Huy, I really had to eat and drink something. My power bank and USB-C cable were not working anymore; probably because of the rain, so I also hoped to find a gas station along the way for a new cable. The checkpoint, located across from a bakery, came just in time for me. Wet, hungry, and for the first time in 22 hours not enjoying the bike ride; I bought croissants, several chocolate rolls, two coffee and I took time to relax for a moment - it feels like precious gift! With new energy, I climbed up the Mur de Huy. It was slow going - perhaps 8 km/h. However, I wasn’t racing anyone, and so I had the freedom to stop, to eat, and to enjoy the climb and the view at my own pace. Then, the Ardennes awaited me, and I spent the day chatting to random riders, focusing on the road ahead and reaching the second checkpoint, 150 km further along the road.
Fatigue can be Mental & Physical
Because of fatigue, my ability to think clearly and to decide turned out to be extremely difficult. The result -I just kept pedalling, along the roads that weave through the Belgian Ardennes. Eating well is relatively easyand was going fine, but maintaining a positive mindset seemed almost impossible. Despite it all, I had no real problems; no pain, no lack of food or water, no mechanical issues, and no serious setbacks. So, I really had nothing to complain about. Ultimately, negative thoughts will pass, if we focus and set ourselves continual goals as we ride.
I eventually reached familiar terrain - Eupen, Monschau, and even road signs to Maastricht and Liège. It felt like coming home, almost euphoric. Descending from Baraque Michel in the twilight and darkness, heading toward Eupen, was a true experience. “What an adventure,” I thought as I rode down toward Eupen after more than 600 kilometres in the saddle. Soon enough, the second night of cycling arrived, and as I descended toward Eupen, I felt that I needed to sleep soon, only to change my mind as I chatted to another crazy rider, who told me that they were heading straight to checkpoint 3 – off we go then! All I need to do is to keep turning the pedals!
The Euphoria of Racing Returns
At checkpoint 3, an unexpected surprise; hoping to go into bed within minutes, there were standing a small,enthusiastic group who excitedly people informed me that I was the first woman to arrive. “The first woman?!” I exclaimed in disbelief. I looked around, realizing, “Oh, that’s me.” This helped with my focus, and after a few hours of sleep, I was back onto my bike and racing once more – now as a potential winner! My body was willing, my bike and my kit were all good, and my feet – wrapped in Lake’s legendary comfort, were fine. The Last 100 Kilometers Felt Eternal, and the signs for Nijmegen appeared - wow, I was close. However, my body disagreed. I had run out of food, water and energy. How could this be? I had expected the final 100 kilometers to fly by -instead, it was the opposite - “Just keep pedalling’’.
Cycling along, often in a daze, I thought about my old team’s slogan, Pushing Dreams. At this moment: winning this ultra was my dream/ goal. The final 50 kilometres felt longer than the 950 I’d already completed. The climb up the Ruiterberg felt harder than the Mur de Huy. The route passed through Driebergen, practically past my own house. The temptation to stop, fill my bottles and rest was overwhelming - but I didn’t, it was no option. Eventually, the finish was in sight, and after 1000km of hard riding, suddenly, the moment I had longed for was there. I crossed the line as the first woman! I got off the bike, a few photos were made and shared a quick race report. Then, I joined the post-race gathering. The suffering and emotional instability of the past hours disappeared as I chatted casually about work, cycling, and bits of the journey. It felt like a regular Tuesday evening hangout, and for a moment, I forgot that I had spent nearly 50 hours on a bike!
Post-Race Reflections
Competing in an ultra-race opened up a new world for me. Cycling isn’t just a tool for a healthier, more sustainable society; it also connects to fundamental values and challenges. The bike, and ultra racing, represents ultimate freedom and autonomy. In a complex world where we often rely on convenience, it’spowerful to experience being entirely self-reliant. Ultra racing pushes you beyond limits, helps you understand yourself better, and takes you far outside your comfort zone.
Thankfully, my experience, my drive, fitness and mental strength, when combined with the right kit from the brands that continue to support me – such as Lake cycling shoes – it all comes together with you, and anything becomes possible.
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