Hel van de Heuvelrug

Hel van de Heuvelrug is a Dutch cycling challenge held in Driebergen, Utrecht, on the first Sunday of August. Participants select from various road distances, with options from around 30 or 35 km to routes of about 170 or 180 km. The event is listed in both road-bike and mountain-bike calendars. The name translates to “Hell of the Heuvelrug,” with a straightforward objective: ascend, then ascend again. The routes traverse the forests north of Driebergen, utilizing the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and Zuid-Veluwe for numerous short, steep ascents. The initial named climb is near the Pyramid, succeeded by Maarnse Berg and the frequently cited Hel van Leersum. Depending on the chosen distance, riders encounter approximately 7 to 41 climbs, positioned closely enough to create a continuous sequence of ramps rather than a single major mountain challenge. Organizers refer to it as their classic, a description fitting its format: local roads, significant elevation gain, and a demanding summer ride designed for cyclists who favor punchy climbs.