Course
You can choose from 4 different distances: 80km, 144km, 179km or 242km. * The longest distance (242km) starts like the pros from Bruges and heads to the Flemish Ardennes to conquer the legendary hills and cobbles. The other distances (80, 144 179km) start from Oudenaarde and include the Koppenberg, Taaienberg, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. Alle distances finish in Oudenaarde. All distances finish in Oudenaarde.
More info about the course will be communicated here later.
* These are approximate distances. The final distances will be announced when the four courses have been confirmed.
237 km | |
 | Antwerpen |
 | Lippenhovestraat |
 | Marlboroughstraat |
| Haaghoek |
| Leberg |
| Berendries |
| Tenbosse |
| Parikeberg |
| Muur van Geraardsbergen |
| Valkenberg |
| Kapelleberg |
| Koppenberg |
| Mariaborrestraat |
| Steenbeekdries |
| Taaienberg |
| Berg Ten Houte |
| Oude Kruisberg |
| Hotond |
| Karnemelkbeekstraat |
| Oude Kwaremont |
| Paterberg |
| Oudenaarde |
159 km | |
| Oudenaarde |
| Wolvenberg |
| Kerkgate |
| Molenberg |
| Paddestraat |
| Marlboroughstraat |
| Haaghoek |
| Leberg |
| Berendries |
| Tenbosse |
| Parikeberg |
| Muur van Geraardsbergen |
| Valkenberg |
| Kapelleberg |
| Koppenberg |
| Mariaborrestraat |
| Steenbeekdries |
| Taaienberg |
| Berg Ten Houte |
| Oude Kruisberg |
| Hotond |
| Karnemelkbeekstraat |
| Oude Kwaremont |
| Paterberg |
| Oudenaarde |
128 km | |
| Oudenaarde |
| Wolvenberg |
| Kerkgate |
| Molenberg |
| Paddestraat |
| Marlboroughstraat |
| Haaghoek |
| Leberg |
| Berendries |
| Valkenberg |
| Kapelleberg |
| Koppenberg |
| Mariaborrestraat |
| Steenbeekdries |
| Taaienberg |
| Berg Ten Houte |
| Oude Kruisberg |
| Hotond |
| Karnemelkbeekstraat |
| Oude Kwaremont |
| Paterberg |
| Oudenaarde |
74 km | |
| Oudenaarde |
| Wolvenberg |
| Kerkgate |
| Karel Martelstraat |
| Holleweg |
| Koppenberg |
| Mariaborrestraat |
| Steenbeekdries |
| Taaienberg |
| Berg Ten Houte |
| Oude Kruisberg |
| Hotond |
| Karnemelkbeekstraat |
| Oude Kwaremont |
| Paterberg |
| Oudenaarde |
Awaiting the full course, you can find more info on some of the main slopes below.
Oude Kwaremont
The Oude Kwaremont may not be the most difficult climb in the Flemish Ardennes, but it wins the prize for most beautiful name. Moreover, this long climb is of immeasurable beauty. Since 2012, the Oude Kwaremont has been given a leading role in the final of Tour of Flanders, with it being climbed several times.
Paterberg
Near Kwaremont is the ultra-short but super-steep climb over cobblestones of the Paterberg. A climb less than 400 meters long, yet according to experts one of the most difficult climbs in Flanders. How is that possible? Simple, mix a cobbled section with an average gradient of almost 12%! When the concrete slabs were replaced by cobblestones in 1986, the Paterberg was immediately included in the Tour of Flanders.
Taaienberg
This hill lives up to its name. Taaienberg literally means ‘tough hill’ and the reason for this name will become clear when you ascend its 530m stretch of cobblestones. This wasTom Boonen’s favourite hill to test his early season form on with an annual attack in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad earning it the name of ‘Boonenberg’.
Koppenberg
The ‘bump’ of Melden, as the Koppenberg is locally known, is guaranteed to add suspense to the Ronde, every year. Not surprisingly it has been listed as a national monument. This hill and over 100 acres of surrounding countryside add up to one the most beautiful natural hotspots in the Flemish Ardennes. The Koppenberg is also probably the most difficult climb in the region, combining maximum gradient of 20% with rutted, worn cobbles and a constantly greasy surface.
