310 km of gravel riding in homage to the soldiers of the Great War

On the occasion of the commemoration of November 11, the fifth edition of the Chemins de la Liberté invites cyclists to a gravel adventure between Paris and Verdun. A 310 km route, with 2,300 m of elevation gain, which links Fort d'Ivry to the Douaumont ossuary. A tribute to the fighters of the Great War (but also those of today). A gravel challenge with an ultra non-stop option or a route divided into two stages (and a road option).

A journey from Paris to Verdun in gravel in the footsteps of History

On Weelz!, we like gravel events. We especially appreciate them when they are made for a good cause. And when they add the duty of memory card, then it's the icing on the cake. This is the case of this Paris – Verdun gravel event organized by the Les Chemins de la Liberté association.

Support for victims and duty of memory

The Chemins de la Liberté route (#VOL.5) takes cyclists over 310 kilometers between Fort d'Ivry, in the Paris region, and the Douaumont ossuary, in Verdun. The event intends to honor the memory of the soldiers of the Great War, in commemoration of November 11.

This fifth edition supports Bleuet de France, an organization dedicated to war wounded and veterans. For its part, the Les Chemins de la Liberté association is made up of a group of enthusiasts, military and civilians, gathered around the same cause (support for war wounded). By creating sporting challenges accessible to all like this Paris – Verdun gravel, they raise awareness of physical and psychological reconstruction through sport.

This year, the collective, most of which are involved in ECPAD, the Communication and Audiovisual Production Establishment of Defense, carried out a Utah beach – Bastogne. 1,300 km by bike following the path taken by General Patton's 3rd American Army in 1944. You know, the famous kilometer markers decorated with a red flame, which got a makeover this year for the 80th anniversary of the landing of Normandy.

PGV – Three route options for all levels

The PGV (Paris Gravel Verdun), is a commemorative journey through Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France and the Grand-Est region, to be completed independently, in one go or in two stages, according to the preferences and condition of each person, solo or in a small group.

Participants will be able to take advantage of a collective departure on November 9 at 10 a.m., with the aim of reaching Douaumont in 30 hours maximum. Everyone will have until November 10, 4 p.m., to complete this historic challenge.

Ultra or two-step formula

The Chemins de la Liberté offer several options: ultra formula with a straight crossing to the Douaumont ossuary. For those who prefer to cut the journey, a stopover is planned in Épernay, with a friendly break to take a breather.

For a shortened version, it is possible to do only half of the route, either from Fort d'Ivry to Épernay, or from Épernay to Douaumont. In Epernay, the team will be there to welcome you. Room and board are not guaranteed, but an aperitif is offered. For more information, go to the association's Instagram account; and for registrations, click here.

Photo credits: © Lara Priolet / ECPAD (thanks for their kind permission).