Ardennes Spring Camp 2026
HARDENNES
Discover the roads and local excitement that makes the Ardennes Spring Classics a favourite with both the pro peloton and the fans.
Stay on to explore the quality of the Alpine-like climbs of unknown Luxemburg.
ardennes spring classics
When: 20th - 29th April 2026 Duration: 8 days riding | 9 nights
After a successful 2025 edition, Matka Cycling is returning with another Ardennes Spring Camp. Phil Deeker, creator of Cent Cols Challenge, conceived this schedule of intense riding to offer a way for the riders of the first ever CCC, back in 2009, to prepare for hard back-to-back riding. The riders loved it so much that it has become an annual fixture ever since, and we are excited to continue the tradition of hArdennes in 2026.
It's more a training camp than a ‘journey' - “For the last 15 years I have used these roads for my winter training and preparation for riding in the mountains on the CCC events. I have a fascination for this area and an appetite for the challenge of each climb that has never diminished over the years. The climbs are intense, often iconic, and varied. The forests work their magic on you easily. There is never a dull section of road. Sharing this dense road network that I know so well is more than enough to keep me riding through the tough winters here. To conclude the “camp” with two days of riding in Luxemburg, with its smooth tarmac and deserted roads, makes the perfect celebration of what’s best about being out on your bike in spring and knocking yourself into shape for a new season of riding!”.
- Phil Deeker
On this trip, you’ll have the opportunity to be guided along the finest roads of the Ardennes by none other than Phil himself, who will be joining us as our guest rider.
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Day 0 - Arrivals
Day 1 - Introducing Adrennes - 160km / 2600m
Day 2 - Flèche Wallonne Race - watch & ride - 120km / 1800m
Day 3 - Flèche Wallonne Big Ride - 200km / 3300m
Day 4 - Forest Ride ‘For-Rest’ - 135km / 2200m
Day 5 - Liege-Bastogne-Liege - 250km / 5200m
Day 6 - Road Transition - Luxemburg - 85km / 1200m
Day 7 - Luxembourg Chapter 1 - 180km / 3800m
Day 8 - Luxembourg Chapter 2 - 170km / 3300m
Day 9 - Departure
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Included in your trip:
9 overnight stays (8 riding days) in single occupation (breakfasts and dinners included). *Standards of the hotels vary between three and four star Hotels.
Fully supported rides: on-bike guide and vehicle support (*Ride food, basic spare parts and riders wet weather kit will be carried in the support car) - accessible throughout the day.
Mechanical support during and post rides - daily wash and spare parts provided.
Ride food - energy bars and drinks, hand crafted snacks. Coffee, lunches/picnic stops.
Not included:
Flights
Airport transfers - we will help with arranging taxi service on request.
We do not provide or include personal travel insurance, but it is mandatory for all guests to have suitable coverage for the activities that you are undertaking with us.
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The difficulty level of this trip is rated ★★★★☆
A good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy this event.
This training camp is designed to challenge riders with full-day riding, though an optional shortened route is available each day. Please feel free to ask for further details.
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Arrivals - April 20th
We will welcome you to La Roche-en-Ardenne, our base for the first part of the event, where you will be greeted by our team at the four-star Hotel La Claire Fontaine.
Our team mechanic will assist you with your accommodation and help prepare your bike for the camp. Later that day, before the inaugural dinner, we will hold the event briefing.
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Introducing Adrennes - 160km / 2600m
A looping ride around La Roche en Ardenne taking in 'hidden' climbs, riverside lanes and expansive views to show you why this particular part of the Belgian Ardennes is so special.
A perfect appetizer for the week ahead with a seated mid-ride lunch in La Roche.
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Flèche Wallonne Race - watch & ride - 120km / 1800m
A gentler ride to and back from the pro race where we’ll stop for lunch in the best café in Huy. We can catch the pro’s coming up the wall three times in all. Often considered one of the best race-roadside experiences you can find anywhere, the MUR never fails to deliver pure drama.
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Flèche Wallonne Big Ride - 200km / 3300m
Our own version of the pro race. It includes the main climbs of the race as well as six other “MUR”s in the Huy area. All carefully curated by mr Deeker.
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Forest Ride - ‘For-Rest’ - 135km / 2200m
In between our two Big Days, this is a much gentler, but very beautiful, day out which includes a lunch in a charming Ardennes auberge in the middle of one of the largest hunting forests of the region.
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Liege-Bastogne-Liege - 250km / 5200m
Liege-Bastogne-Liege is widely considered within the pro peloton as the most beautiful race of their calendar. Also one of the hardest. Over the years Phil Deeker has worked out his own optimal version of this race route, including many of his favorite ‘hidden pearls’. He calls this route his "signature stage"! Beware!! It makes an exceptional day out on the bike.
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Road Transition - Luxemburg - 85km / 1200m
A transfer day to Luxembourg which includes the option to ride. You can watch the LBL pro race in two different places. You can ride part of the route down. You can hop into our transfer vehicle to our second base, the magical medieval town of Vianden, where we stay in charming little hotel Victor Hugo. Any or all of these options will be open to each of you.
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Luxembourg Chapter 1 - 180km / 3800m
Heading south towards a remarkable geological area known as “La Petite Suisse” and including lunch in the pleasant town of Larochette.
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Luxembourg Chapter 2 - 170km / 3300m
A perfect way to end our whole adventure which includes some of the steepest roads in Luxembourg. Lunch in Esch-sur-Sure, one of Luxembourg’s most popular tourist spots.
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Departure Day - April 29th
Vehicle transfer back to La Roche en Ardenne.
After breakfast, team cars will transfer riders and their bikes back to the start hotel, where we can pack and say our final goodbyes as our spring camp comes to an end.
"it’s the journey that matters"
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