Egmond-Pier-Egmond: stay at Camperduinen
There's a reason the GP Groot Egmond-Pier-Egmond is known as the beach race of the Netherlands. Almost 3,500 riders lined up at the start of the previous edition. On Saturday 9 January 2027 you ride from the boulevard in Egmond aan Zee along the beach to the pier at Velsen-Noord and back again. Sand, wind and tide decide how tough it gets.
On race day you want to arrive at the start relaxed. The organisers expect heavy traffic heading to Egmond, so a short drive is a real plus. From Camperduinen you're in Egmond aan Zee in about 22 minutes. Staying on for Sunday? Then you can also take in the Egmond Half Marathon, or head out for a ride of your own through the Schoorl Dunes.
The course: 38 km of beach, pier and dune climbs
The start and finish are on Boulevard Noord in Egmond aan Zee. After a short turning loop, you ride along the beach towards the pier at Velsen-Noord. There you go up onto the pier, leave the beach for a moment and rejoin the sand a kilometre further on via a flight of steps. Along the way there are two fixed detours off the beach. At Wijk aan Zee a climb of around 800 metres awaits, with sections of up to 10 per cent. At Castricum aan Zee, after about 27 kilometres, you face soft sand and a steep climb. The final metres take you uphill past the lighthouse to the finish.
You have 3 hours, counted from the last start. A cycling helmet is compulsory. Alongside the beach race there is a gravel race, a Business Race and the Egmond Jeugd Strandrace (youth beach race). Running the half marathon on Sunday as well? Then you count towards the JOIN Combiklassement (combined ranking).
Practical: entry confirmation, parking and road closures
Your entry confirmation arrives by email in the week of the event, together with instructions for collection. The helpdesk and clothing drop-off are at Sporthal De Watertoren on the Watertorenweg. There are no lockers.
Egmond aan Zee stays open to cars, but from 6am to 5pm the Sportlaan, the boulevards and the Vuurtorenplein, among others, are closed. Free parking is available in Egmond Zuid, about 5 minutes by bike from the start. The organisers also suggest Egmond-Binnen, Egmond aan den Hoef and Sportpaleis Alkmaar as places to park and cycle the last stretch. That doubles as your warm-up. Leave in good time, as heavy traffic is expected.
Registration closes on 6 January 2027, or earlier if the race is full. You'll find prices and categories on the organiser's website.
Stay at Camperduinen: your beach race weekend
Our four apartments on the Munnikenweg have been recently renovated. A team of six can stay together in Duinbries. With four people, choose Duindroom or Duingeluk, with the bedrooms on the ground floor. Riding solo or as a pair? Duinroos suits up to 3 people.
Every apartment has its own enclosed terrace. On Friday, ride a short loop through the Schoorl Dunes straight from the door to loosen your legs. The beach is about 600 metres away, so you can also go and feel what the sand is like. After the race you have all the time you need to recover. On Sunday, cheer on the half marathon runners in Egmond, or head to Bergen or Alkmaar. Your dog is welcome too in Duindroom, Duingeluk and Duinroos, up to one per apartment.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Camperduinen from the start of Egmond-Pier-Egmond?
Egmond aan Zee is 16 kilometres away, about 22 minutes by car. You could, for example, park for free in Egmond Zuid and cycle the last stretch to Boulevard Noord.
What time does the beach race start?
At the previous edition, the first start groups set off at 10:30am and the recreational riders at 10:52am. The Jeugd Strandrace started at 12 noon. Check the organiser's website for the 2027 schedule.
Which bike can I ride?
The beach race is designed for mountain bikers, and there is a separate gravel race for gravel bikes. Whether your bike is allowed, a beach bike for example, is set out in the rules on the organiser's website.
Can I combine the beach race with the Egmond Half Marathon?
Yes. The half marathon is on Sunday 10 January 2027, and anyone who does both counts towards the JOIN Combiklassement. Please note: individual entries for the half marathon are sold out. With an overnight stay at Camperduinen, you don't need to go home between the two days.
Plan your beach race weekend
Arrive on Friday, race along the beach on Saturday and recover on the edge of the dunes on Sunday. See which apartments are available around 9 January 2027.