🔴 LIVE: Track Matt During The Race
Race Day (October 12): Watch Matt's real-time location on the course below. The map updates automatically as he rides. Bookmark this page to follow along during the race!
📱 Note: Live tracking depends on cellular data coverage on the course. If the tracker goes offline temporarily, it will reconnect when Matt enters an area with coverage. The tracker activates when Matt starts his Garmin device on race day.
🚗 RACE DAY PARKING STRATEGY
Morning/Start: Park together in Beek near De Haamen start area - everyone together at the race start!
Finish Line Parking: Reserve parking at MECC for the finish
• Book at: parkeren.mecc.nl
• Use code: DEELNEMER2025 for €7 discount
• Regular cost: €4/hour, €19 max per day (€12 with discount code)
Morning/Start: Park together in Beek near De Haamen start area - everyone together at the race start!
Finish Line Parking: Reserve parking at MECC for the finish
• Book at: parkeren.mecc.nl
• Use code: DEELNEMER2025 for €7 discount
• Regular cost: €4/hour, €19 max per day (€12 with discount code)
🔗 Useful Links - Save These!
📍 Track Matt Live
Garmin LiveTrack
Follow Matt's real-time location during the race (also embedded above!)
Follow Matt's real-time location during the race (also embedded above!)
🗺️ Race Route
View on Strava
See the full course profile and elevation
See the full course profile and elevation
🏁 Official Race Info
UCI Gravel Worlds 2025
Live results, updates, and race info
Live results, updates, and race info
📋 Technical Guide
Download PDF
Complete race information and rules
Complete race information and rules
🅿️ Reserve Finish Parking
MECC P1 Garage
Use code: DEELNEMER2025 for €7 off
Use code: DEELNEMER2025 for €7 off
🌤️ Weather Forecast
Maastricht 10-Day
Check conditions before race day
Check conditions before race day
🗺️ Start Location
De Haamen, Beek
Navigate to race start area
Navigate to race start area
🏰 Valkenburg Tourism
Visit Valkenburg
More activities and info
More activities and info
🏛️ Maastricht Tourism
Visit Maastricht
City guide and attractions
City guide and attractions
🚨 Emergency
112
Police, ambulance, fire (Netherlands)
Police, ambulance, fire (Netherlands)
⚡ QUICK REFERENCE - Race Day Essentials
📅 RACE DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025
📍 Matt's Bottle Hand-Up Locations:
1. Beek (near start) - Shortly after race starts (~12:00-12:15pm)
2. Valkenburg (Multiple laps) - ~1:00-1:30pm, ~2:30-3:00pm, ~4:00-4:30pm
3. Groene Loper Finish - 5:00-6:00pm+
2. Valkenburg (Multiple laps) - ~1:00-1:30pm, ~2:30-3:00pm, ~4:00-4:30pm
3. Groene Loper Finish - 5:00-6:00pm+
⏰ Timeline:
• 10:00-11:30am: Arrive Beek, explore start area
• 11:53-11:59am: Matt's race start
• 12:00-12:45pm: Lunch in Beek + Hand-Up #1
• 1:00-2:30pm: Valkenburg Castle + Hand-Up #2
• 3:00-5:00pm: Maastricht exploration
• 5:00pm+: Race finish at Groene Loper
• 11:53-11:59am: Matt's race start
• 12:00-12:45pm: Lunch in Beek + Hand-Up #1
• 1:00-2:30pm: Valkenburg Castle + Hand-Up #2
• 3:00-5:00pm: Maastricht exploration
• 5:00pm+: Race finish at Groene Loper
🚗 Parking Strategy:
• Beek Start: Park together near De Haamen start area
• Valkenburg: Castle parking (GPS: 50.8644° N, 5.8308° E)
• Maastricht Finish: MECC P1 Garage (GPS: 50.8456° N, 5.7047° E)
→ Use code DEELNEMER2025 for €7 discount
→ Book at: parkeren.mecc.nl
• Valkenburg: Castle parking (GPS: 50.8644° N, 5.8308° E)
• Maastricht Finish: MECC P1 Garage (GPS: 50.8456° N, 5.7047° E)
→ Use code DEELNEMER2025 for €7 discount
→ Book at: parkeren.mecc.nl
🚙 Driving Times:
• Beek → Valkenburg: 15 min (12 km)
• Valkenburg → Maastricht: 20 min (18 km)
• Maastricht → Finish: 10 min (5 km)
• Valkenburg → Maastricht: 20 min (18 km)
• Maastricht → Finish: 10 min (5 km)
🏁 Race Details:
• Distance: 181km (3.5 laps)
• Start: 11:53-11:59am (age group 35-49)
• Expected finish: 5:00-6:00pm
• Start: 11:53-11:59am (age group 35-49)
• Expected finish: 5:00-6:00pm
10:00am-11:50am | BEEK - Arrive at Start Area 🏁
⚠️ PARKING & LOGISTICS
Park together in Beek near De Haamen start area - everyone together at the start!
Timing: Arrive by 10:00-10:30am to secure parking and explore
Race Start: 11:53-11:59am (Matt's age group)
Park together in Beek near De Haamen start area - everyone together at the start!
Timing: Arrive by 10:00-10:30am to secure parking and explore
Race Start: 11:53-11:59am (Matt's age group)
Race Start: De Haamen, Beek
General Area: Beek town center near De HaamenRegistration: 8:00-10:00am at Sportpark De Haamen 1, 6191 HV Beek
Call-Up: 11:15am (riders starting 11:45-11:59am)
Matt's Start Time: 11:53-11:59am (age group 35-49)
Parking: Find parking in Beek near the start - street parking or public lots in town
Activities: Watch call-up, see race start, perfect photo opportunity!
While Waiting for Start:
- Explore Expo Area - Located at De Haamen in Beek
- Watch Elite Start - Men Elite starts at 11:45am (before age groups)
- Pre-Race Photos - Get family photos at the start line area
- Track Matt Live - Scroll to top of this page to see live tracking when race starts
12:00pm-12:45pm | BEEK - Lunch & Hand-Up #1 🍽️
⚠️ CRITICAL: First Bottle Hand-Up at Beek
After Matt starts (11:53-11:59am), position near the race route in Beek to hand him a bottle shortly after he passes through the start area (around 12:00-12:15pm).
Strategy: Watch the start, then quickly position for hand-up as riders come through Beek on first lap.
📍 Track Matt Live: Scroll to top of page to see live tracking map
After Matt starts (11:53-11:59am), position near the race route in Beek to hand him a bottle shortly after he passes through the start area (around 12:00-12:15pm).
Strategy: Watch the start, then quickly position for hand-up as riders come through Beek on first lap.
📍 Track Matt Live: Scroll to top of page to see live tracking map
Restaurant: Aan de Meule (Optional Post-Hand-Up Lunch)
Address: Schimmerterweg 17, 6191 NR Beek, NetherlandsGPS: 50.9391° N, 5.7997° E
Phone: +31 46 437 1260
Why this place: Extensive playground with slides, climbing frames, football pitch, and sandbox
Features: Kids menu available, outdoor seating, family-friendly atmosphere
Timing: Quick lunch after hand-up (~12:15-12:45pm) before driving to Valkenburg
After Lunch: Drive to Valkenburg (15 min) for second hand-up and castle exploration
1:00pm-2:30pm | VALKENBURG - Castle & Hand-Up #2 🏰
⚠️ CRITICAL: Second Bottle Hand-Up ~1:00-1:30pm
Position near main road through Valkenburg by castle area. Matt will be coming through on an early lap around 1:00-1:30pm. The 181km course includes 3.5 laps, so he'll pass through Valkenburg multiple times - you can catch him at ~1:00pm, ~2:30pm, or ~4:00pm.
📍 Track Matt: Scroll to top of page to see live tracking map
Position near main road through Valkenburg by castle area. Matt will be coming through on an early lap around 1:00-1:30pm. The 181km course includes 3.5 laps, so he'll pass through Valkenburg multiple times - you can catch him at ~1:00pm, ~2:30pm, or ~4:00pm.
📍 Track Matt: Scroll to top of page to see live tracking map
Valkenburg Castle Ruins (Kasteel Ruïne Valkenburg)
Address: Daalhemerweg 27, 6301 BK Valkenburg, NetherlandsGPS: 50.8644° N, 5.8308° E
Parking: On-site parking available at castle
Hand-up location: Race route passes through central Valkenburg - position along Cauberg or main streets
Drive from Beek: 15 minutes (12 km)
While Waiting for Matt / After Hand-Up:
- Velvet Cave Tours (50 min) - Underground limestone caves with 60-80 million-year-old fossils and 18th-century chapel
- Castle Restaurant - Panoramic views over Valkenburg and surrounding valleys
- Explore Castle Ruins - Only hilltop castle in Netherlands, dates to 11th century (30 min exploration)
- Race Viewing: Valkenburg is a key spectator area - multiple viewing spots through town
- Option: Stay until ~2:30pm or ~4:00pm to see Matt pass through again for another hand-up opportunity
- ⚠️ Note: Leave strollers in van - extensive steps throughout ruins and caves
3:00pm-5:00pm | MAASTRICHT - City Exploration 🌆
Parking: MECC P1 Garage (RECOMMENDED FOR FINISH)
Address: Forum 100, 6229 GV Maastricht, NetherlandsGPS: 50.8456° N, 5.7047° E
Regular Cost: €4/hour, €19 maximum per day
DISCOUNT CODE: DEELNEMER2025 saves €7 (final cost €12/day)
Book Online: parkeren.mecc.nl
Why book ahead: Reserved parking spot for race finish area
Bus to City Center: Every 5 minutes from MECC to Maastricht centrum
Drive from Valkenburg: 20 minutes (18 km)
📍 Get Directions to MECC Parking
Option A: Vrijthof Square (Historic Center)
Address: Vrijthof, 6211 Maastricht, Netherlands
GPS: 50.8486° N, 5.6886° E
What's Here: Maastricht's largest public square with cobblestones, pruned trees, and café culture
Walking: 5-10 min walk from bus drop-off in city center
GPS: 50.8486° N, 5.6886° E
What's Here: Maastricht's largest public square with cobblestones, pruned trees, and café culture
Walking: 5-10 min walk from bus drop-off in city center
- Basilica of Saint Servatius
- Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11:30am-5pm
- Admission: Adults €7, Students €4, Kids under 18 FREE
- Features: 10th-century Romanesque architecture, Saint Servatius's tomb (384 AD), medieval treasury with skull relics
- Sint Janskerk (St. John's Church) - Distinctive red tower, climb for panoramic city views
- Outdoor Cafés:
- In Den Ouden Vogelstruys - Oldest café in Netherlands
- Il Bacaro - Italian atmosphere
- Luster - Cocktails and shared plates
📍 Get Directions to Vrijthof Square
Option B: Riverside Maas
Café Zuid - Premium riverside terrace
Address: Maasboulevard 95, 6211 JW Maastricht, Netherlands
GPS: 50.8475° N, 5.7094° E
Features: Beach chairs, tapas-style dining, views of Maas River and modern Céramique district
Nearby: Walking paths along river, Charles Eyck park, Bonnefanten Museum (modern art)
Address: Maasboulevard 95, 6211 JW Maastricht, Netherlands
GPS: 50.8475° N, 5.7094° E
Features: Beach chairs, tapas-style dining, views of Maas River and modern Céramique district
Nearby: Walking paths along river, Charles Eyck park, Bonnefanten Museum (modern art)
⚠️ OPTIONAL THIRD HAND-UP (Lap 2 or 3 in Valkenburg)
If you stay in Valkenburg area, Matt will pass through again around 2:30pm and 4:00pm for potential additional hand-ups. Otherwise, head to Maastricht around 3:00pm and then to Groene Loper finish by 4:45pm to secure good viewing position.
📍 Track Matt's Progress: Scroll to top of page to see live tracking map
If you stay in Valkenburg area, Matt will pass through again around 2:30pm and 4:00pm for potential additional hand-ups. Otherwise, head to Maastricht around 3:00pm and then to Groene Loper finish by 4:45pm to secure good viewing position.
📍 Track Matt's Progress: Scroll to top of page to see live tracking map
5:00pm+ | GROENE LOPER - Race Finish 🏁
Finish Line Location: Groene Loper
Address: Scharnerweg at Koningsplein, Maastricht, NetherlandsGPS: 50.8520° N, 5.7140° E
What is it: The "Green Carpet" - Wide, hard-packed gravel pathway built on top of the old A2 highway (now underground in tunnel)
Spectating: Multiple vantage points along the finish stretch - excellent viewing
Parking: Use pre-booked MECC P1 garage spot (code DEELNEMER2025) - 10 min drive to finish area
Drive from Maastricht Center: 10 minutes (5 km)
Arrive By: 4:45pm to secure good viewing spot
Race Finish Information:
- Elite finish time: ~16:15pm (4:15pm)
- Age group expected finish: 5:00-6:00pm+ (depending on race pace)
- Finish line setup: Clear spectator areas along Groene Loper
- The Groene Loper: Unique urban transformation project - former highway now green corridor connecting neighborhoods
- Photos: Great backdrop for finish line photos with unique infrastructure
- Live Results: Check official race website for real-time standings
- Track Matt: Scroll to top of page to watch him approach the finish on live tracking!
Post-Race:
- Meet-up: Matt will meet family at finish area after crossing the line
- Celebration area at finish line with food and beverages
- Podium ceremonies: 5:00-6:00pm for age groups (upon arrival of top 3)
- After-party: 5:00-9:00pm cool-down/after-party at Koningsplein Maastricht
- Drive back together - Everyone heads back to accommodations in family vehicle
🌧️ Backup Plans (If Weather is Bad)
- Bonnefanten Museum - Near Café Zuid at Avenue Céramique 250. Modern and contemporary art collection, family-friendly
- Basilica Treasuries - Spend more time indoors at Saint Servatius exploring medieval artifacts
- Indoor Shopping Districts - Maastricht Binnenstad area has covered shopping streets
- Extended Lunch/Café Time - All recommended restaurants have indoor seating with play areas
- Velvet Caves - Underground tours are weather-proof and fascinating for all ages
October Weather: South Limburg weather can be variable. Temperature typically 10-15°C (50-59°F). Bring layers, rain jackets, and comfortable walking shoes.
🚴 Race Technical Information
- Race Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
- Race Format: UCI Gravel World Championships - Age Group category
- Distance: 181km (3.5 laps)
- Course Profile: View on Strava
- Start Times:
- 11:45am - Men Elite
- 11:50am - Men age group 19-34
- 11:53am - Men age group 35-39
- 11:56am - Men age group 40-44
- 11:59am - Men age group 45-49
- Expected Finish Times:
- Elite: ~16:15 (4:15pm)
- Age Groups: ~17:00-18:00 (5:00-6:00pm)
- Key Spectator Locations:
- Beek (start area) - Shortly after 11:53-11:59am start
- Valkenburg (Matt passes through 3+ times) - ~1:00pm, ~2:30pm, ~4:00pm
- Groene Loper (finish) - 5:00pm+
- Parking Strategy:
- Start: Park together in Beek near De Haamen
- Finish: Pre-book MECC parking with code DEELNEMER2025 for €7 discount
- Track Matt Live: Scroll to top of page to see live tracking map (also at live.garmin.com/gomattkundo)
- Official Website: ucigravel2025.com
