Vers L'avesnois, Pays De Mormal - Marly

Vers L'avesnois, Pays De Mormal - Marly is a road cycling event starting in Marly, Nord, France, with routes available in July. Participants can select from 22 km, 43 km, 60 km, or 90 km options, accommodating short local rides or longer excursions into the Avesnois countryside. The prominent local landscape is the Forêt de Mormal, situated 10 km southwest of Maubeuge. Covering 9,163 hectares, it is the largest forest in Nord. The forest spans approximately 16.5 km by 6.5 km and is managed by the National Forests Office. It contains stands of oak, beech, hornbeam, and ash. The forest experienced significant logging during World War I and World War II, resulting in many of its trees being younger. Historical maps indicate it was once a single large area, but roads and logging paths have divided it into 101 sections. Its straight western boundary aligns with the ancient Roman road, the chaussée Brunehaut.