Gallery: 2019 Belgian Waffle Ride

The traditional waffle breakfast at BWR helps riders prepare for a long day. A total of 4,000 meals were prepared by on-site catering for breakfast and post-ride. Photo: Wil Matthews

The 133-mile course was divided into pavement, dirt, and climbing sectors for the top-tube sticker. Photo: Wil Matthews

This year’s BWR fell on Cinco de Mayo, and the race organizers did not let that go unrecognized. Photo: Wil Matthews

Michael Marcks founded BWR eight years ago, and has built the race into a significant event for the San Diego cycling community. Photo: Wil Matthews

The 2019 BWR cut off registration at 1,800 riders. Photo: Wil Matthews

Before the race, Ted King said there was one rider he was concerned about, but declined to say who. Photo: Wil Matthews

There aren’t many similarities between Belgium and San Diego, except the opportunity for a punishing tough ride and beer at the finish. Photo: Wil Matthews

The front line of the women’s field featured riders with a wide spectrum of career accomplishments. Photo: Wil Matthews

Hanna Muegge was one of the many elite riders at BWR with an established road career. Photo: Wil Matthews

Much of the opening road section is technically neutral, but the 200-plus riders in the first wave were hitting 45mph on the way. Photo: Wil Matthews

The entrance to Lemontwistenberg, the first dirt section, got a little crowded in 2019. Photo: Chris Cox

Just a few miles after the start of the first dirt section, fire road climbs let the riders spread out a little. Photo: Wil Matthews

Former pro road rider Bryan Lewis on the climb up from Lake Hodges Dam. Wil Matthews

Ted King motions the lead riders to keep working as they head along Del Dios Road to the second dirt sector. Photo: Wil Matthews

The first singletrack wound through Del Dios Gorge recreation area. Photo: Danny Munson

Highland Valley Road is the first significant BWR climb and test for the elite riders, ascending over the local orchards for a steep mile. Photo: Wil Matthews

Challenges faced in good spirits are a hallmark of BWR. Photo: Wil Matthews

Black Canyon sector started with a decepively easy and scenic entrance. Photo: Wil Matthews

Alison Tetrick at the 2019 BWR, crashed twice in the opening chaos on the dirt, and persevere to finish the 133-mile route. Photo: Wil Matthews

Drew Dillman put his cyclocross experience to use leading the elite men through the rock gardens near Lake Hodges.

Hanna Muegge attempted to close ground on the women’s leader heading to Black Canyon, with Rashan Bahati following close behind.

Sarah Max heads out of the Sandy Bandy dirt section on way to second place in the women’s field. Photo: Steve Driscoll

Road miles don’t always equal recovery miles at BWR, where long canyon climbs after technical dirt sectors can test every part of a rider.

At Belgian Waffle Ride, Sturm established her lead in the women’s race on the dirt sectors but continued to push the pace over Sutherland Dam. Photo: Chris Cox

At Belgian Waffle Ride, Sturm crested the highest point on the course, Double Peak, with more than three minutes on her closest competitor. Photo: Steve Driscoll

The front group heads east toward the longest dirt sections of the race, Black Canyon. Photo: Wil Matthews

Turning the 13 upside down wasn’t enough to protect local pro Justin Oien from double-flatting in a remote area while riding with the front group. Photo: Wil Matthews

The climb out of Black Canyon is a steep mix of sand and washboard surfaces, but the front group stayed together all the way out. Photo: Wil Matthews

Peter Stetina reached into the snack bin offered to the lead riders by the race. The long course riders can burn 6,000 calories over 133 miles.

The select group at BWR descends from Sutherland Dam. Photo: Craig Huffman

The lead group was whittled down to just Eddie Anderson and Peter Stetina as they approached the last and most significant climb of the day. Photo: Wil Matthews

At the base of Double Peak, Peter Stetina left Eddie Anderson for good to head in for the win. Photo: Wil Matthews

Peter Stetina won the 2019 Belgian Waffle Ride while still also racing in the WorldTour. Photo: Danny Munson

Olivia Dillon on way to her third-place finish. Dillon is a seven-time national road champion for Ireland. Photo: Steve Driscoll

Drew Dillman pulled off his glasses at the finish. Photo: Danny Munson

Sarah Strum crossed the finish line after just under six and half hours on course. Photo: Jake Orness

Riding 133 miles, with a significant amount of those over dirt, enevtably leads to mechanical problems. Photo: Wil Matthews

Kevin Gerkins wipes away the crust following a hard day at the front. Gerkins set tempo for much of the day for the lead group. Photo: Wil Matthews

Each rider completing BWR is rewarded with a special ale brewed by the location host and sponsor Lost Abbey. Photo: Wil Matthews

Sarah Max traveled from Bend, OR and put in a tremendous ride to finish 2nd in the Belgian Waffle Ride. Photo: Jake Orness

Mass-start events like BWR largely become an individual effort, but many look to see how their ride compared to others. Photo: Wil Matthews

Alison Tetrick prepped winner Sarah Strum for post-race photos. Photo: Wil Matthews

Sarah Sturm before and after 136 miles at the Belgian Waffle Ride. Photo: Jake Orness

Olivia Dillon from Fairfax, CA enjoys a Lost Abbey brew within minutes of finishing 3rd place in the Belgian Waffle Ride. Photo: Jake Orness

Peter Stetina remarked after finish that BWR “I’ve done a lot of classics, and I don’t think I ever suffered that bad in a decade of being a pro.” Photo: Jake Orness

Eddie Anderson after his second place finish. Photo: Jake Orness

The finish line doesn’t close until the final finisher crosses the line, and this year it was Sunceray Rickard, in just over 13 hours. Photo: Jake Orness

Photo: Wil Matthews

Gallery: 2019 Belgian Waffle Ride

Dirt, grit, and syrup: A look at the 2019 edition of Belgian Waffle Ride in North San Diego County.

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