The steep grades of Planche des Belles Filles have hosted many memorable Tour de France moments, but on Saturday 1 June 2700 amateurs tackled the famous climb at Les 3 Ballons Chef de File cyclo in Ronchamp, France.

On a 178km route with over 4000m vertical, including numerous gradients up to 20% that had some participants switchbacking (or even walking) up, Belgians claimed the Top 5 overall placings. 35 year-old Sven Van Luyck finished first in 5:28:22, followed by Vince Mattens (5:28:37), Andreas Derweduwen (5:33:27), Frederic Glorieux (5:33:35) and Tim Alleman (5:33:41).

For the women Stephanie Meder, also from Belgium, won in 6:31:54, with Ils Van Der Moeren placing second at 6:32:33 and Sylvia Hermans third in 6:38:37.

The 93km “short” route with 2200m of climbing saw Etienne Maillard finish first in 2:59:20 for the men and Stefanie Adam do the same for the women in 3:39:13.

Complete Les 3 Ballons results HERE.

Photo Credit: Guillaume Minaux

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