Koppenberg (Tour of Flanders)
Koppenberg (Tour of Flanders)
The toughest climbs in pro cycling don’t have to be long – in fact, the Koppenberg lasts for just 620 metres.
But the Tour of Flanders’ most iconic climb is 620 metres of climbing that can catch even the best Classics riders out, thanks to its steep pitches and cobbled surface. The rutted road offers little to no traction in the wet, while even in the dry, a mistimed mechanical or touch of wheels will force a rider to put a foot down, and the gradient makes it incredibly tough to get going again without assistance.
Though strategically not as important as the Oude Kwaremont or Paterberg in the Ronde, moving the ascent closer to the finish – this year it was 45km from the end – has made it more important in recent editions of the race.
Strategic or not, however, few can deny the punishing nature of the short but very steep cobbled ascent.
Key facts
Length: 0.62km
Average gradient: 10.2%
Maximum gradient: 22%