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Tour of Flanders 2024: Mathieu van der Poel converts Koppenberg attack into third triumph

The 29-year-old broke clear from a chase group on the cobbled climb with around 45km to go on his way to victory, as Elisa Longo Borghini took the women's race.

World road cycling champion Mathieu van der Poel joined an exclusive club of three-time Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) winners after soloing to a comfortable victory in the 2024 race on Sunday (31 March).

Van der Poel had sat back in the peloton early, only bridging across to the lead group with around 87km to go. After another attack went clear, van der Poel caught the leaders on the penultimate ascent of the Oude Kwaremont at 45km to go.

Movistar's Iván García went clear on the descent but suffered two hills later on the slippery cobbled Koppenberg climb, on which Van der Poel launched his decisive attack.

From there, he was unmatched. The chasers had no answer for the world champion, who imposed himself on the race and opened an unassailable lead. Eventually, the chase group seemed to settle on racing for the minor podium spots.

The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider's lead grew close to two minutes, and while his advantage shrunk on the flat final 10km run to the line in Oudenaarde, no one was able to catch him.

Van der Poel crossed the line in six hours five minutes and 23 seconds, slowing up in the final metres before getting off his bike immediately after finishing to lift it into the cold, rainy air in celebration.

"My season is already a success. Winning the Tour of Flanders in the world champion jersey is a dream come true and I need a few moments to let it sink in," Van der Poel said after the race.

• Mathieu van der Poel on planning Olympic season: 'It's always a difficult puzzle to make'
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History for van der Poel and Longo Borghini

After previous wins in 2020 and 2022, the Dutchman became the seventh man to win the race a record three times. It was his second triumph of the season after winning the E3 Saxo Classic last Friday.

Behind him, Alberto Bettiol and Dylan Teuns both went clear of the remaining chasers with around 20km to go, and held off multiple attempts to bring them back until the final sprint, when they finally cracked.

A group of nine managed to catch Bettiol and Teuns, with Italy's Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) taking second place in a photo finish ahead of Michael Matthews . However, Matthews was later relegated by the race commisaires to the back of the group, giving third to German Nils Politt of UAE Team Emirates. Van der Poel's eventual gap to Mozzato and the chasers was 1:02.

After the race, the Dutchman was not ready to discuss the next crown in the classics calendar – Paris-Roubaix next weekend – quite yet.

"I cannot think about Roubaix yet… it was one of the hardest races I've ever done with the weather circumstances. I was really completely empty the last 10k to the finish line – I just closed my eyes and tried to get there as fast as possible."

The women's Tour of Flanders went to Elisa Longo Borghini in a race dominated by her Lidl-Trek team.

Shirin van Anrooij made a solo attack just over 20km from the finish and was joined by teammate Longo Borghini and Katarzyna Niewiadoma with 12km to go.

The three were together at the finish, and Italy's two-time Olympic bronze medallist won the sprint with Niewiadoma second and van Anrooij celebrating a team triumph in third.

Longo Borghini is the fifth woman to win two Tour of Flanders having been victorious in 2015. World road race champion Lotte Kopecky , who was seeking a third consecutive title, finished in fifth place.

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Oude Kwaremont, Koppenberg, Taaienberg: Tour of Flanders blue route

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The Blue Route runs to the south and west of Oudenaarde and is the shortest ride of the three signposted routes. But if you want to get straight into those famous cobbled climbs then start here because within the first hour or so you will have encountered none other then the cobbles of the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg and the famous Koppenberg climb – a short sharp welcome to a Flanders cycling route!

Having conquered these initial bergs you can’t help but feel captivated by Flandrien cycling and this part of the world – you feel you’ve arrived somewhere very special.

This ride also gives you your first introduction to a well used and worn cobbled road namely Mariaborerestraat – pan flat for nearly 2.4 kilometres and a completely different challenge to riding uphill as you’re travelling more quickly and as such balance and bike handling skills become more of a factor.

We felt the Blue loop was the perfect introduction to a cycling tour of Flanders and later celebrated with a bottle or two of the local Kwaremont beer which incidentally contains 6.6% of alcohol and apparently matches the gradient of a particular part of the climb!

All metrics in this article are approximate.

The high point for us can be summed up in one word – Koppenberg. We had heard so much about it, read about it, seen it each year on television and watched numerous videos about those famous 682 cobbled meters. We both felt our heartbeat increase and the hairs on our neck stand on end as we approached the village of Melden. And there it was – very understated and lacking any form of fanfare – a simple sign, white on brown that simply said ‘KOPPENBERG’. With a rush of adrenaline, we swung into the climb thinking of Cancellara, Sagan, van Avermaet and Boonen.

That was before the gradient hit, our speed decreased to a virtual standstill and our legs started screaming with every pedal stroke…

But around four (long) minutes later there was huge relief and exhilaration as we stopped at the summit. We had conquered the Koppenberg – and it felt great.

NB Incredibly, local professional Dries Devenyns of Quickstep took only 1 minute 40 seconds to complete the Koppenberg climb and at the time of writing holds the record. It took us “a little” longer.

Route notes

1. oudenaarde to oude kwaremont and koppenberg: 0-23 km.

The first few kilometres are flat and gentle and are perfect for getting into the ride. At just under 10 kilometres you leave the river path and swing left to approach the Oude Kwaremont.

Oude Kwaremont – this is a 2.5 km semi-cobbled climb at an average gradient of 3% with a maximum of 11%. 

It is also one of the most famous Flemish hills due to the fact that it is often ridden three times during the Tour of Flanders so it is seen more than most climbs on television. The Oude Kwaremont climb is not the steepest of climbs, but the third ascent is strategically placed towards the end of the race. The road then meanders north through narrow and twisting country roads and lanes and within the space of the next 10 kilometres or so you will encounter:

Kalkhoveb erg – 250m asphalt descent at 14% (max 18%)

Paterberg – 361m cobbled climb at 12% (max 20%)

There is a 60 cm rainwater gutter that runs all the way up the left-hand side of the Paterberg. If you need a short break from the bone-shaking cobbles, then it’s an option! Unfortunately for the professionals, in the race, the crowd barriers are placed in this area meaning there is no escaping from the cobblestones.

The locals tell you that the reason the Paterberg was eventually included in the Tour of Flanders was that a wealthy farmer who lived on the berg was irritated that all the action and publicity in the race was centred on the nearby Koppenberg, so he decided to turn the Paterberg into a cobbled climb with a ferociously steep gradient! His wish came true as in 1986 the parcours of the Ronde van Vlaanderen first included the Paterberg and it has now become a regular feature in the race, with the second and final pass of the climb being only 13 kilometres away from the finish in Oudenaarde.

Koppenberg – 682m cobbled climb at 9% (max 19%)

Also known locally as the “Bump of Melden” (it’s just outside the village of Melden), we’d suggest a better name would be “Koppenberg Mountain”. In any event, Belgium’s Koppenberg has been listed as a national monument, is a highlight of the Ronde Van Vlaanderen and is considered by many cyclists from all over the world as ‘holy ground’. It’s recognised as one of the toughest cobbled climbs in Belgium. It has seen many trials and tribulations over the years with many crashes and accidents. If you watch the classics on TV, you will often see professional riders walking up to the top of the climb, as after a crash the gradient makes it impossible to remount and continue.

There is usually a race to the bottom of the hill purely for position. You are faced with a 90 degree turn in the village of Melden as you are about to enter the berg, so the pace slows to almost a standstill with riders funnelling onto the climb, all searching for the right gear.

The gradient increases sharply from 12 to 20% within the first 200 metres as you pray that the wheels in front don’t slow or stop because of the narrowness of the lane and as such if you get baulked then your momentum is likely lost.

2. Koppenberg to Taaienberg and ronse: 23-44 km

The cobbled fun continues as the route winds north and then turns abruptly south where just before the town of Maarkedal you are faced with Mariaborrestraat which is a 2.4kilometres stretch of flat cobbles which will test both your body and suspension (read our tips on riding the cobbles, here !). The climbs then come thick and fast as you head further south towards the town of Louise Marie;

Steenbeekdr ies – 700m cobbled climb at 6% (max 7%)

Stationsberg – 900m cobbled descent at 3% (max 10%)

Taaienberg – 530m cobbled climb at 6% (max 15%)

The Taaienberg, another listed monument, is known locally as “Boonenberg” after three-time Tour of Flanders winner Tom Boonen who used to use the Taaienberg to launch attacks upon his rivals in the race. As with the Paterberg there is a rainwater gutter (right-hand side) that can be used to climb this berg as an alternative to riding on the cobblestones.

Muziekberg – 625m asphalt climb at 5% (max 10%) 

This climb takes you through the Muziekbos Forest and up to high ground overlooking the town of Ronse. You will probably be glad to reach the Muziekberg as it is quite refreshing to actually get back to ascending on asphalt and giving yourself some temporary respite from the effect of the jarring cobbles.

Kanarieber g – 1050m asphalt descent  at 9% (max 13%)

Another famous berg, but on this occasion, you will be hurtling downhill as you continue your route into Ronse. Before you descend, however, you have the chance to stop at the Bistro Boekzitting for refreshments – it sits at the very top of this climb.

3. Ronse to Oudenaarde: 44-78 km

Ronse’s beautiful market square and surrounding art-deco houses provide a number of cafés and restaurants for a sit-down meal or simply to refuel (more details below).

As you leave the town the Kruisberg then hits you straight away, a 1875m cobbled climb which will test your legs after a café stop at an average gradient of 4% with a maximum of 9%. Four asphalt climbs remain as the journey takes you west to the River Schelde and back north to your starting point.

Hoogberg – 2975m asphalt climb at 3% (max 8%)

Knokteberg – 1100m asphalt descent at 8% (max 13%)

Mont de l’Enclus – 1025m asphalt climb at 7% (max 12%)

Kluisberg – 925m asphalt descent at 6% (max 14%)

A word of warning about Mont de l’Enclus, the penultimate climb of the day – it is a real leg tester. At a whisker over one kilometre long, it has an average pitch of 7% with a maximum of 12%. You will need to hold something in reserve but, once negotiated, you can enjoy a relatively flat 20 kilometres ride back into Oudenaarde where you’ll want to celebrate with a nice, cold Koppenberg beer!

Note: the climb stats in this section are taken from the local tourist board’s guide to the area.

The Kwaremont café at the top of the Oude Kwaremont gets great reviews but we didn’t stop as it was so close to the start of the ride. Have you been? Let us know in the comments below.

Brasserie Harmonie, Ronse at 42 kilometres. We chose the Harmonie and sat outside overlooking the square and enjoyed a cheese and ham omelette, followed by apple pie and plenty of coffee.

The Road House, Ronse at 42 kilometres – next door to the Brasserie Harmonie also with outside seating.

Accommodation

We did this ride from our base at the Hotel Leopold in Oudenaarde. It’s a great choice for cyclists – you can read our full review in the “where to stay” section of our guide to cycling in Flanders .

Read our tips for cycling in Flanders before you set out. Click here for our complete guide to planning a cycling holiday in Flanders.

• We suggest using the town of Ronse as an opportunity to refuel. The Flanders countryside is made up of country lanes, farmland and small rural communities – there are not that many places to stop to eat and drink and we found plenty that were closed when we were there on weekdays in the middle of March.
• Remember when picking your lines on the cobbled roads that they are open to normal vehicular traffic. Often the best line may appear to be on the other side of the road or even on the crown – so you need to remain vigilant.
• The Koppenberg is also very famous in the cyclocross world, for the Belgian Koppenbergcross which takes place each year here.
• You can find tips for the best times of year to visit Belgium, here.

Enjoyed our guide?

We’d love to hear from you – comment below!

Want more? Don’t miss our other guides to the best road cycling routes in the region (red route here , yellow route here ) and our tips for cycling in Flanders , below.

Want to check out some other destinations? Take a look at our guide to cycling Brussels or search by the month you want to travel or cycling destination you want to visit, here .

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John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe’s finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!

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Average gradient

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. There's no shame in having to stop. Better men than us have had to walk up here. Legend has it that the climb was introduced to the Tour of Flanders organisers by 2 time winner Walter Godefroot, but only after he'd retired so he wouldn't have to race up it.

This segment is a part of these routes

Ronde Van Vlaanderen - Blue Loop

Bergs, Cobbles & Beers with Sir Bradley Wiggings

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Gravel classics: De Ronde

Flandrien Challenge - 2 days - day 2

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Flanders, the heartland of cycling, is calling you for an unbelievable experience. Hit 59 iconic berg & cobble segments, marked on the road and tracked online, in less than 72 hours.

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Advantage Mathieu van der Poel and Lotte Kopecky at the Tour of Flanders

All the information you need ahead of the biggest Belgian Classic of the year

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• Riders to watch
• Men's start list
• Women's start list

Fans of the Tour of Flanders will be denied another showdown between Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease A Bike) this year, after the Belgian sustained multiple fractures in a heavy crash during Dwars door Vlaanderen.

It leaves Van der Poel as the clear favourite, with on-song Dane Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) stepping into the breach as the rider most likely to challenge the imperious Dutchman.

With reigning champion Tadej Pogačar from this year's startlist, the two men will feel more confident. But a Classics win is always reliant on a certain amount of luck, and Van der Poel and Pedersen certainly won't have it all their own way.

Meanwhile the women's race is also something of a clash of the titans, with two-time winner and defending champion Lotte Kopecky and her SD Worx-Protime team-mate forming a potent pairing who will nevertheless have to contend with the likes of Dwars door Vlaanderen winner Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease A Bike) and British hopeful Pfeiffer Georgi (dsm-firmenich PostNL) among others.

This year sees Antwerp take over from Bruges as the alternating host city of the race. The route remains broadly similar to previous years, with greater use of wider roads early on to help prevent crashes being the only change.

For the men, the first berg of 17 will be the Oude Kwaremont, tackled after 137km of racing, while the Wolvenberg at the 72km point is the first of 12 such tests in the women’s race. The Wolvenberg is where both men's and women's races converge, after which the climbs come thick and fast.

It's the final one-two punch of Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg that often proves the most decisive. Controversial when first devised in 2012, particularly as it meant the omission of the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen, this finale has since won fans over with its own unique character, which is also influenced by the double punch of the long, gradual Kwaremont and the short yet ultra-steep Paterberg.

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Tour of Flanders 2024 Key Info

Date: March 31 2024 Location: Antwerp 2023 winners: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates, men); Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx, women) TV: Discovery+ / Eurosport Distance: 270km (men); 163km (women)

Tour of Flanders 2024 route

This year's men's race continues the annual trading game between Bruges and Antwerp, with the latter hosting the start on Sunday. Riders will find bigger roads than before waiting for them as they begin the long haul south-west towards berg country.

The fun begins with the first of three passes of the Oude Kwaremont, and the climbs come thick and fast after that as the race follows a spaghetti-like parcours around the hills of Flanders just south-east of the finish town of Oudenaarde. On the way they take in famous climbs including the Wolvenberg, Molenberg, Berendries and the Koppenberg on the way to a total 17 climbs, finishing with the one-two of the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg with 13 flat kilometres to the line.

The women begin in Oudenaarde, where both races finish. They first head north-east away from the city to complete a circuit of the flatter terrain around Zottegem, looping back towards Oudenaarde to begin the day's climbing at 72km with the Wolvenberg. A similarly serpentine route to that of the men sees them tackle a total 12 classified climbs, including the Molenberg, Berendries and the Koppenberg, along with that final Kwaremont/Paterberg one-two at the end.

Tour of Flanders 2024: Riders to watch

Mathieu van der Poel Alpecin-Deceuninck ***** The Dutch rider looks imperious this season – always at or near the head of affairs in every race he has ridden and with a win at the E3 Saxo Classic and second at Gent-Wevelgem under his belt already. He's had a mercurial last couple of seasons, but covered himself in glory in the Classics last year and seems to be set to repeat the feat this time around. The fact that Wout van Aert has now been ruled out – albeit in very unfortunate circumstances that VDP would not have wished for – won't exactly hurt his chances either.

Tiesj Benoot Visma-Lease A Bike *** With Benoot's team-mate and compatriot Wout van Aert recovering from a nasty crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen and other team-mates like Dylan Van Baarle having been ill, this could be Benoot's opportunity to step up from nearly man to winner at Flanders. He has been fifth here before – back in 2015 – and won Strade Bianche in 2018 . With a following wind and a bit of luck a podium, or even a win, here is not beyond him.

Mads Pedersen Lidl-Trek **** The Dane was third here last year and eighth the year before that. Considering that he seems to be in the form of his life – and the absence of one of his main Classics rivals, Wout van Aert – what's to say that Pedersen cannot finally achieve victory in what is one of the most revered one-day races of the season. Pedersen proves himself to be ever-more versatile, with overall wins in the Etoile de Bessèges and Tour de la Provence stage races, plus the more recent Gent-Wevelgem already this season.

Lotte Kopecky SD Worx-Protime ***** Of all the cards the Belgian team could play, right now Kopecky looks like the most likely to bring them success. She has been a playmaker in pretty much every race she has entered this season and already has four wins under her belt, including Strade Bianche . Riding alongside her, and even for her, will be at least four other potential victors – Demi Vollering, Marlen Reusser and Lorena Wiebes – ready to take over if Kopecky falters.

Elisa Longo Borghini Lidl-Trek **** The Italian has amassed a huge palmarès across Classics and stage races alike, despite spending most of her career riding in the company (under the shadow?) of greats like Annemiek van Vleuten and Anna van der Breggen. She has Lotte Kopecky to deal with these days, but that hasn't stopped the 32-year-old from putting in a solid shift so far this season already, with podiums at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Strade Bianche, and a win at Trofeo Oro in Euro.

Kasia Niewiadoma Canyon-SRAM **** The reigning gravel world champion was left heartbroken after missing out on a podium spot at Strade Bianche earlier this month. That was her most recent result, and one she may be eager to atone for at the Tour of Flanders this weekend. She was fifth here last year – the latest in a litany of top-10s stretching back 10 years. The Polish rider looks to be on form, with five top-seven finishes out of six race days this season, though there is of course the small matter of the SD Worx team standing between her and a win at Flanders.

Tour of Flanders 2024 men's start list

Alpecin-Deceuninck VAN DER POEL Mathieu PHILIPSEN Jasper BALLERSTEDT Maurice GROVES Kaden KRAGH ANDERSEN Søren DILLIER Silvan VERMEERSCH Gianni

Intermarché-Wanty GIRMAY Biniam DE POOTER Dries PAGE Hugo PETIT Adrien REX Laurenz TEUNISSEN Mike ZIMMERMANN Georg

Soudal Quick-Step ALAPHILIPPE Julian ASGREEN Kasper LAMPAERT Yves MOSCON Gianni PEDERSEN Casper VANGHELUWE Warre WARLOP Jordi

Team Visma-Lease a Bike AFFINI Edoardo BENOOT Tiesj JORGENSON Matteo VAN DIJKE Mick VAN DIJKE Tim TRATNIK Jan VAN BAARLE Dylan

Arkéa-B&B Hotels SÉNÉCHAL Florian GRONDIN Donavan ALBANESE Vincenzo MCLAY Daniel MOZZATO Luca SCOTSON Miles

Astana Qazaqstan Team BOL Cees BRUSSENSKIY Gleb FEDOROV Yevgeniy GAZZOLI Michele GIDICH Yevgeniy GRUZDEV Dmitriy SYRITSA Gleb

Bahrain-Victorious MOHORIČ Matej GOVEKAR Matevž GRADEK Kamil MIHOLJEVIĆ Fran PASQUALON Andrea WRIGHT Fred BURATTI Nicolò

BORA-Hansgrohe KOCH Jonas MEEUS Jordi HALLER Marco HERZOG Emil LÜHRS Luis-Joe DENZ Nico MULLEN Ryan VAN POPPEL Danny

Cofidis ALLEGAERT Piet DE GENDT Aimé DEBEAUMARCHÉ Nicolas MAHOUDO Nolann NOPPE Christophe RENARD Alexis ZINGLE Axel

Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale GAUTHERAT Pierre BOASSON HAGEN Edvald NAESEN Oliver DE BONDT Dries DE PESTEL Sander POLLEFLIET Gianluca TOUZÉ Damien TRONCHON Bastien

EF Education-EasyPost BETTIOL Alberto BISSEGGER Stefan DOULL Owain HONORÉ Mikkel Frølich POWLESS Neilson RUTSCH Jonas VALGREN Michael

Groupama-FDJ KÜNG Stefan ASKEY Lewis BYSTRØM Sven Erik LE GAC Olivier MADOUAS Valentin RUSSO Clément WATSON Samuel

INEOS Grenadiers TARLING Joshua NARVÁEZ Jhonatan ROWE Luke SHEFFIELD Magnus SWIFT Ben SWIFT Connor TURNER Ben

Lidl-Trek HOOLE Daan PEDERSEN Mads DECLERCQ Tim KIRSCH Alex MILAN Jonathan SKUJIŅŠ Toms STUYVEN Jasper THEUNS Edward

Movistar LAZKANO Oier CANAL Carlos CAVAGNA Rémi GARCÍA CORTINA Iván JACOBS Johan MILESI Lorenzo ROMEO Iván

Team dsm-firmenich PostNL DEGENKOLB John BEVIN Patrick BITTNER Pavel EDDY Patrick EEKHOFF Nils FLYNN Sean MÄRKL Niklas

Team Jayco AlUla MATTHEWS Michael DURBRIDGE Luke JANSEN Amund Grøndahl MEZGEC Luka O'BRIEN Kelland REINDERS Elmar WALSCHEID Max

UAE Team Emirates WELLENS Tim OLIVEIRA Ivo BJERG Mikkel COVI Alessandro HIRSCHI Marc MORGADO António POLITT Nils

Israel-Premier Tech FUGLSANG Jakob BOIVIN Guillaume HOULE Hugo NEILANDS Krists STEWART Jake TEUNS Dylan VAN ASBROECK Tom

Lotto-Dstny BEULLENS Cedric CAMPENAERTS Victor DE BUYST Jasper EENKHOORN Pascal GRIGNARD Sébastien VAN MOER Brent BERCKMOES Jenno

Uno-X Mobility KRISTOFF Alexander ABRAHAMSEN Jonas HOELGAARD Markus BLUME LEVY William RESELL Erik Nordsæter TILLER Rasmus WÆRENSKJOLD Søren

Bingoal-WB DE MEESTER Luca DE TIER Floris DESAL Ceriel VAN BOVEN Luca VAN ROOY Kenneth VAN DER BEKEN Aaron VERMOOTE Jelle

Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team CHRISTEN Fabio DEVRIENDT Tom LUDVIGSSON Tobias STEIMLE Jannik ZUKOWSKY Nickolas

Team Flanders-Baloise CLAEYS Arno COLMAN Alex DE VYLDER Lindsay DE WILDE Gilles DEWEIRDT Siebe VAN HEMELEN Vincent VANHOOF Ward VANDENSTORME Dylan

Tudor Pro Cycling Team TRENTIN Matteo BOHLI Tom ERIKSSON Jacob KELEMEN Petr KRIEGER Alexander MAYRHOFER Marius PLUIMERS Rick

Tour of Flanders 2024 women's start list

Team SD Worx-Protime VOLLERING Demi KOPECKY Lotte BREDEWOLD Mischa REUSSER Marlen MAJERUS Christine WIEBES Lorena

AG Insurance-Soudal Team BOOGAARD Maaike BORGSTRÖM Julia GOOSSENS Marthe (LE COURT) PIENAAR Kimberley PLUIMERS Ilse RIJNBEEK Maud

Canyon//SRAM Racing NIEWIADOMA Katarzyna CROMWELL Tiffany CHABBEY Elise DYGERT Chloe PALADIN Soraya TOWERS Alice

CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team ARZUFFI Alice Maria BERTON Nina FIDANZA Arianna JASKULSKA Marta KERBAOL Cédrine LACH Marta

FDJ-SUEZ GUAZZINI Vittoria ADEGEEST Loes CURINIER Léa KRAAK Amber VERHULST-WILD Gladys WIEL Jade

Fenix-Deceuninck PIETERSE Puck CANT Sanne COUZENS Millie DE WILDE Julie KASTELIJN Yara KUIJPERS Evy SCHWEINBERGER Christina

Human Powered Health CORDON-RAGOT Audrey EDWARDS Ruth GROSSETÊTE Maëlle KASPER Romy WILLIAMS Lily RAGUSA Katia

Lidl-Trek LONGO BORGHINI Elisa BALSAMO Elisa BRAND Lucinda DEIGNAN Elizabeth HANSON Lauretta VAN ANROOIJ Shirin

Liv AlUla Jayco HOWE Georgie KOREVAAR Jeanne MANLY Alexandra PATE Amber PATERNOSTER Letizia SMULDERS Silke

Movistar SIERRA Arlenis BIANNIC Aude NORSGAARD Emma GUTIÉRREZ Sheyla MACKAIJ Floortje RUIZ PÉREZ Lucía

Roland CHRISTOFOROU Antri COLES-LYSTER Maggie COLLINELLI Sofia DRONOVA-BALABOLINA Tamara NGUYỄN Thị Thật PIRRONE Elena

Team dsm-firmenich PostNL GEORGI Pfeiffer BARALE Francesca KOCH Franziska NELSON Josie SMITH Abi CIABOCCO Eleonora

Team Visma-Lease a Bike VOS Marianne ACHTEREEKTE Carlijn NOOIJEN Lieke RIEDMANN Linda VAN EMPEL Fem VIGIE Margaux

Uno-X Mobility CONFALONIERI Maria Giulia ANDERSEN Susanne BARKER Elinor BERG EDSETH Marte BOILARD Simone KOSTER Anouska 

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After cutting his teeth on local and national newspapers, James began at Cycling Weekly as a sub-editor in 2000 when the current office was literally all fields. 

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A lifelong cyclist and cycling fan, James's racing days (and most of his fitness) are now behind him. But he still rides regularly, both on the road and on the gravelly stuff.

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I’m Not Ashamed That I Walked This Famous Climb in Belgium—Because So Did This Guy!

The Koppenberg once defeated Eddy Merckx. Why did I think it would be different for me?

From a flat Belgian side street, the road becomes a wall. The hill is only 600 meters long (less than half a mile), but from its base it looks insurmountable. I’ve been in the saddle for more than six hours already. I crane my neck to see the summit, and tremble.

“What the fuck is that?” asks Andrea.

“Koppenberg,” I answer quickly, trying to limit the breath I use.

“Oh, Jesus,” he says. Somebody laughs.

I’m riding one of the world’s hardest sportives, the We Ride Flanders, a 229km odyssey through the cobbled Flemish Ardennes in Belgium. The route follows the same roads that professional riders will tackle the next day in the Ronde van Vlaanderen, or the Tour of Flanders. By my side are three of my best friends: Andrea Sala from Italy, Mateus Pimenta from Brazil, and Michel Radermecker from Belgium. After riding 160 kilometers, a mix of flat terrain and some nasty hills, we suddenly face the hardest climb of the day.

It’s just rained gently, and the sharp, irregularly shaped cobblestones are covered in a greasy film. The road looks like a war trench dug into the side of a hill. Dozens of people are walking up the edges. Some riders have mud-splattered calves as if they just ran a cross-country race. A few have mud on their faces.

I shift to a low gear from the start, but my muscles burn right away. The freshness and the agility that I felt on the day’s first climbs are a washed-out memory.

I shift once more, but the lever mushes against the end of its throw. I’ve reached the lowest cog of my cassette, my 32. I am only 50 or 60 meters in, and I am out of string in my bow already.

My journey to this muddy hill in the Ardennes began five months earlier in a gloomy pub in West London. It was November, and Andrea, Mateus, Michel, and I had gone out for a couple of beers. Several drinks in, we had a brilliant idea: We each picked two big cycling events that would take place in 2018, wrote them on a piece of paper, and put the slips into a hat. We asked a stranger—a woman who was drunker than we were—to pick one. When we unfolded the chosen slip, we knew we had a fight ahead.

Of course, my group went for the big one.

We thought we were prepared. We’d double-taped our handlebars and installed wider tires. We’d watched old editions of the race on YouTube. For months, while playing back race videos, I had focused almost obsessively on the Koppenberg, the steepest hill on the route, and often the one in the worst condition.

The first time the hill was featured, in 1976, even Eddy Merckx (who won Flanders in 1969 and 1975) had to dismount his bike and push. In 1985—still remembered as the toughest edition of the race, thanks to a storm that blew in torrential rain and winter temperatures—only two of the 173 riders were able to pedal to the top (and only 24 got to the finish line).

Want to fly up hills? Climb! gives you the workouts and mental strategies to conquer your nearest peak.

Part of me knew that I should be humble and should fear this iconic climb. But a combination of hubris, the flattening visual effect of camera angles, and my confidence in modern-day equipment made me think it didn’t look that bad. I considered the numbers: At 600 meters long, the Koppenberg has an average gradient of 11.6 percent, with a max of 22 percent. Having climbed the famed Monte Zoncolan in Italy (10km at a 12 percent average grade, with a 22 percent max), I thought the climb would be doable if approached with the right gear and at the right pace.

The Koppenberg had different plans.

I am on the hardest part of the climb. The road seems to get narrower. I start to zigzag left and right to slalom around riders, overtaking a few. My legs ask other parts of my body for help in pushing. My shoulders respond and start to move left and right, attempting to put more weight on the pedals. My computer says my heart rate is almost at 180 bpm. But I am determined to stay on my bike.

The repetitive impact of the sharp cobbles makes my muscles feel like they are detaching from my bones. The person in front of me cuts left. I have no other choice—I swerve left as well. I was already at my limit, crawling, and I don’t have enough strength to sprint around him. Suddenly, both wheels are in the mud. To keep from tipping over, I put my right foot down.

I unclip my other shoe and get off. I feel drained, disappointed, and embarrassed. Voices whisper in my head as I imagine friends asking about the ride: “How was the Koppenberg?” “What? You didn’t make it?” “Did you put your foot down?” “He went all the way out to Belgium and walked up the Koppenberg!” I try to get back on my bike, but the road is too crowded and slippery. Within two pedal strokes, I am off again.

Walking uphill is probably trickier than riding. The sound of carbon soles scrabbling against the slick cobbles mocks us, and a dark cloud of dismay descends over me. I feel stupid and defeated.

At the top, we pull over and regroup. “Who actually made it?” asks Michel. What he really means: Who rode it the whole way? I shake my head.

“I had to walk for a bit, and then got back on the bike after,” says Andrea.

The only breath Mateus musters is invested in a loud curse.

We all laugh.

Since the beginning of the day, a silly Brazilian samba song has been stuck in our heads (“E Samba” by Junior Jack). As we roll off, I start to sing it out loud, though I don’t know the lyrics, so my version sounds like gibberish. We laugh again. The jingle gives us some spirit with which to fight the Flemish roads.

A gray mantle of mist decorates the green hills of Oudenaarde. The air starts to get crisp—it is almost 4 p.m. in late March—and it is getting dark. The last 32km turns into a silent procession.

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We hit the Oude Kwaremont (2.2km of rolling, bone-rattling cobblestones), then the road turns to smoother asphalt. An event marshal appears, waving for us to slow down. I look to my right and see the other cobbled climb we’ve been anticipating: the Paterberg.

The Paterberg is a little less steep than the Koppenberg and the surface is in better condition. Once more, people are walking. And again, I find myself struggling up the cobbles. The voices in my head begin whispering again.

As I grind up the steepest section, a guy in front of me starts to lose his balance. He manages to stay upright but swerves toward me. I forget about being polite and yell, “Your left!” Remarkably, he actually swerves left again, squeezing me into a narrow stretch of road between him and the mud off to the side. I suck it all in, yell again—and squeeze through.

I make it to the top on my bike. It feels like redemption.

Before I signed up for the sportive, a friend had suggested riding one of the shorter options instead, because the first 100km of long course was, as he described it, “flat and not interesting.” Maybe without all those kilometers in my legs already, I would have been able to ride the Koppenberg. But after battling all 229km of the long course, I think the real meaning of Flanders is to ride those cobbles with the legs smashed.

Some pros, I later learn, will also walk it the next day. I’d rather walk the Koppenberg on a 229km day than ride it on an easier route. To walk is to meet your cycling limit. There’s pride in pushing to that point.

We cross the finish with nine hours in the saddle. After a bus ride back to the town where we’re staying, a short ride through the dark to find our Airbnb, and long-awaited showers, it’s 10 p.m. by the time we finally sit down and sift through the emotions of the day. But with eight pizzas and 20 beers in front of us, it doesn’t take long to start looking ahead.

“So,” Michel says. “Next year Roubaix?”

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Rides

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Share this climb

Koppenberg is a climb in the region Flemish Ardennes . It is 0.6km long and bridges 63 vertical meters with an average gradient of 11.1%, resulting in a difficulty score of 155. The top of the ascent is located at 75 meters above sea level. Climbfinder users shared 36 reviews of this climb and uploaded 24 photos.

Road name: Steengat

5.0 by Velosan This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. A magnificent climb, both athletically and aesthetically. Don't give up on the steepest part, because once you have passed this passage, the summit becomes accessible.... read more

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Muur van Geraardsbergen

Oude Kwaremont

Reviews (36)

For me, the toughest climb in the whole of the Flemish Ardennes. Primal steepness, bad cobbles and fairly long anyway. In short, a fantastic climb. I will never forget that first time!

Voor mij de zwaarste klim van heel de Vlaamse Ardennen. Oersteil, slechte kasseien en toch wel redelijk lang. Kortom een fantastische klim. Ik ga die eerste keer nooit meer vergeten!

Done in the Ronde van Flaanderen edition of 2024 (159km) in the rain and also the day before in dry training. From the village below Melden when you see it, it looks like a trampoline rising up through the forest. With rain (and mud) and people putting their foot down in the race you don't do it. You don't even do it if it's dry but the post office truck comes towards you :-)

Fatto nell'edizione Ronde van Flaanderen del 2024 (159km) con la pioggia e anche il giorno prima in allenamento con asciutto. Dal paesino di sotto Melden quando lo vedi sembra un trampolino che si innalza nel bosco. Con la pioggia (e il fango) e le persone che in gara mettono il piede in terra non si fa. Non lo si fa neppure se è asciutto ma ti arriva incontro il camioncino delle poste :-)

At the foot of the climb, at first you don't understand why this climb is described as tough, but as soon as you cycle into the forest you hit a wall of cobblestones and it becomes stomping uphill, where you have to keep sufficient pace to avoid getting stuck with your front wheel in between the shot-and-skewed cobblestones. I cycled the climb in dry weather, but would discourage anyone from riding it in wet conditions. As you come out of the forest, don't forget to take a look back as the views are stunning!

Aan de voet van de klim begrijp je eerst niet waarom deze klim als zwaar wordt omschreven, maar zodra je het bos infietst rijd je tegen een kasseien muur aan en wordt het stoempen naar boven toe, waarbij je voldoende tempo moet houden om niet met je voorwiel tussen de schots-en-scheve kasseien tr blijven steken. Ik heb de klim met droog weer gefietst, maar zou eenieder ontraden om deze klim met een nat wegdek te rijden. Vergeet als je het bos uitkomt niet om even achterom te kijken want het uitzicht is prachtig!

What a killer this is. As if the steepness wasn't enough, there are also the bad stones. Keep the front wheel on the ground and keep pushing. Once over the steepest part you see another small wall. Don't lose heart here and keep pushing and you will be there.

Wat een killer is dit toch. Alsof de steilte nog niet genoeg is, komen er ook nog eens de slechte stenen bij. Voorwiel op de grond houden en blijven duwen. Eenmaal over het steilste stuk zie je nog een klein muurtje liggen. Hier de moed niet verliezen en nog even doorbijten en je bent er.

I did this on a very wet day. Despite taking pressure out of my tyres, I simply could get no traction on the rear wheel so ended up walking! even that was difficult! I saw a car do the same and had to slide/ reverse backdown!Crazy but fun!

I personally think this is the toughest climb in Flanders. I've done it about six times already, still remains a tough one. Just get going and rake to the top.

Ik vind dit persoonlijk de zwaarste klim in Vlaanderen. Ik heb hem al een zestal keer gedaan, blijft toch een zware. Gewoon er aan beginnen en harken tot boven.

Climbed in August 2022, with my 6 year old daughter on the bike (front seat) and a bag on the carrier. Not easy to find the balance, between the front wheel lifting due to the excessive slope, and the rear wheel skidding on the cobbles. It was a close call, but it passed, with a 30*25 gear ratio (you don't have to put everything on the left side, to stay on the cobbles). Even harder than the Patterberg, but really enjoyable when you get to the top. A unique experience in a cyclist's life.

Grimpé en août 2022, avec ma fille de 6 ans sur le vélo (siège avant) et un sac sur le porte bagage. Pas évident de trouver la l'équilibre, entre la roue avant qui se soulève du fait de la pente excessive, et la roue arrière qui patine sur les pavés. C'est passé de justesse, mais c'est passé, avec un braquet de 30*25 (nécessité de ne pas tout mettre à gauche, pour rester en prise sur les pavés). Encore plus dur que le Patterberg, mais vraiment jouissif quand on arrive en haut. Expérience unique dans la vie d'un cycliste.

The Koppenberg starts quietly but quickly becomes very steep, especially when you ride into the forest. The cobbles are so bad there that it looked like I was climbing a flight of stairs. Start calmly, put enough pressure on your front wheel on the steep part, break and above all enjoy!

De Koppenberg begint rustig maar wordt al snel heel erg steil, met name als je het bos in rijdt. De kasseien zijn daar zo slecht dat het leek alsof ik een trap aan het oprijden was. Rustig beginnen, genoeg druk op je voorwiel geven op het steile stuk, kapot gaan en vooral genieten!

A magnificent climb, both athletically and aesthetically. Don't give up on the steepest part, because once you have passed this passage, the summit becomes accessible.

Magnifique montée, tant sur le plan sportif qu'esthétique. Ne rien lâcher dans la partie la plus raide car une fois ce passage franchi, le sommet devient accessible.

Quite a challenge! Once you did it more than once, it starts getting easier to find the places where the cobbles are the best, so be prepared the first time you go up!

I started the nice steep climb on the cobbles and before I knew it, it was done. Eager for more, I climbed it again.

Ik begon aan de mooie steile klim op de kasseien en voor ik het wist, was het al gedaan. Ijverig voor meer, beklom ik hem maar weer.

After turning onto Steengat, this climb immediately looms before you. The most difficult part is in the forest, with percentages up to 25％ in the inner curve. This is where you run the greatest risk of having to put your feet on the ground, especially if it has been raining. After this, it is uphill all the way.

Na het opdraaien van Steengat doemt deze klim onmiddellijk voor je op. Het lastigste stuk is in het bos, met in de binnenbocht wel percentages tot 25％. Hier heb je dan ook het meeste risco om de voeten aan de grond te moeten zetten, zeker als het geregend heeft. Hierna is het stampen tot boven.

I was surprised to be able to climb this mythical climb without having to put my foot down because I had already done a good 100kms. This climb is a bit harder than the Paterberg at a few kms because it is a bit longer and the very steep parts are longer. The surface is slippery. I climbed it on a dry day after a few nice days. I don't think I would venture up it in winter or after rainy days, it would be too slippery.

Je me suis étonné de pouvoir gravir cette côte mythique sans devoir mettre pied à terre car j'avais déjà fait un bon 100kms. Cette ascencion est un peu plus dure que le Paterberg à quelques kms car elle est un petit peu plus longue et les parties très raides sont plus longues. Le revêtement est glissant. Je l'ai monté par un jour sec après quelques beaux jours. Je ne pense pas que je m'y aventurerais en hiver ou après des jours d'averse, ce serait trop glissant.

Very tough climb with cobblestones that are very bad, personally find the paterberg or old kwaremont much nicer than this climb but it is like all climbs in the round terribly heavy

Zeer zware beklimming met kasseien die heel slecht liggen vind persoonlijk de paterberg of oude kwaremont wel veel leuker dan deze beklimming maar het is zoals alle beklimmingen in de ronde verschrikkelijk zwaar

Yesterday 22 July 2021 I took on the ultimate challenge, climbing the Koppenberg with my recumbent Challenge Hurricane. It was a hell of an undertaking but I managed to get up anyway, my toughest climbing challenge so far. I have climbed many times before but always with a racing or a trekking bike, it was time to try it with the recumbent. I've climbed a lot with the girder and I had prepared myself by cycling up other very steep mountains (e.g. Schapenberg, Kluisberg, Mont-Saint-Aubert) and cobblestone hills (e.g. Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg). The steepest part of the Koppenberg with its 22 ％ and slippery cobblestones was a real test which I could barely manage at a slow 5 km per hour but with the necessary perseverance and character I managed. It tastes like more to do this first experience again. Unfortunately there was no one around to film the exploit, so I took a selfie at the bench just before the summit while cycling back down, perhaps even more challenging than cycling up these cobblestones with such a steep gradient. I thought I'd earned a bit of a breather from the hard work and the beautiful view.

Gisteren 22 juli 2021 de ultieme uitdaging aangegaan, de Koppenberg opgeligfietst met mijn ligfiets Challenge Hurricane. Het was een helse onderneming maar ik ben toch al fietsend bovengekomen, mijn zwaarste klimuitdaging tot nu toe. Al dikwijls opgefietst maar altijd met een koersfiets of een trekkingfiets, het werd tijd om het met de ligger te proberen. Met de ligger heb ik al heel wat geklommen en ik had me voorbereid door het omhoog fietsen van andere heel steile bergjes (o.a. Schapenberg, Kluisberg, Mont-Saint-Aubert) en kasseibergjes (o.a. Oude Kwaremont en Paterberg). Het steilste stuk van de Koppenberg met zijn 22 ％ en schots en scheef liggende gladde kasseien was een ware beproeving die ik amper aan een slome 5 km per uur kon nemen maar met het nodige doorzettingsvermogen en karakter toch gelukt. Het smaakt naar meer om deze eerste ervaring nog eens over te doen. Jammer genoeg was er niemand in de buurt die het exploot kon filmen, dan heb ik maar een selfie genomen aan het zitbankje vlak voor de top bij het terug naar beneden fietsen, misschien nog uitdagender dan omhoog fietsen op deze kasseien met dergelijke steiltegraad. Daar een beetje uitblazen van de zware krachtinspanning en genieten van het prachtige uitzicht had ik naar mijn gevoel wel verdiend.

In the pouring rain it was impossible to get to the top; the rear wheel kept skidding. Even on foot it was a challenge with cleats... Go back again with better weather!

In de stromende regen onmogelijk om boven te komen; achterwiel slipte continu door. Zelfs lopend een uitdaging met schoenplaatjes... Ga nog eens terug met beter weer!

I've ridden it dozens of times, in dry weather I've always made it to the top, in wet weather however I had to put my feet up a few times because of a pattering rear wheel, the mountain is pretty unrelenting when the cobblestones are wet for a racing bike with thin smooth tires, especially on the steepest part, once the rear wheel starts to slip you can forget it, tires with a rough profile like a mountain bike are recommended. You can also break your equipment if you have to use too much power, once I had a derailleur that went off at an angle and ended up right in the spokes. It's a ruthless calf biter that attracts and repels at the same time.

Al tientallen keren opgereden, bij droog weer altijd boven geraakt, bij nat weer daarentegen een paar keer vanwege een patinerend achterwiel de voeten moeten aan de grond zetten, de berg is wanneer de kasseien nat liggen voor een koersfiets met dunne gladde bandjes behoorlijk onverbiddelijk, zeker op het steilste stuk, éénmaal het achterwiel begint te slippen mag je het vergeten, banden met ruw profiel zoals van een mountainbike zijn dan aan te raden. Je kan er ook je materiaal op stuk rijden als je teveel kracht moet zitten, één keer een scheefgeslagen derailleur gehad die vlak in de spaken terechtkwam en één keer het binnenblad vooraan gewoon geplooid van de krachtinspanning, toen stond ik natuurlijk ook te voet. Het is een meedogenloze kuitenbijter die tegelijk aantrekt en afstoot.

This cobblestone wall is in my opinion the most difficult climb of the Flemish Ardennes. The Koppenberg is so bad that it is almost impossible to get a decent grip on the road surface. I rode it when there was a light rain shower and my rear wheel kept skidding. The steepest part is on the tree-covered part of the climb. Very tricky if you add this one at the end of a long ride.

Deze kasseimuur is in mijn ogen de moeilijkste beklimming van de Vlaamse Ardennen. De Koppenberg ligt er zo slecht bij dat het haast onmogelijk is om ergens deftige grip op het wegdek te krijgen. Ik reed hem toen er juist een lichte regenbui gepasseerd was waardoor mijn achterwiel steeds weg slipte. Het steilste stuk ligt op het met bomen overdekte deel van de klim. Enorm lastig als je deze op het einde van een lange rit er nog bij neemt.

A terrible hump of a monument where after a courageous first 250m you virtually come to a standstill. The cobblestones are bumpy and bad, you'd rather ride here on your own because the chance that you'll end up stumbling is big. Avoid in crowded and wet weather, but one that you must have done.

Een vreselijke bult van een monument waar je na een moedige eerste 250m zo goed als stil komt te staan. De kasseien liggen bol en slecht, je rijdt hier liever op je eentje want de kans dat je gaat zwalpen is groot. Vermijden bij drukte en ook bij nat weer, maar wel eentje die je moet gedaan hebben.

If you are alone the Koppenberg is doable ... However, forget it on the day of the cyclo of the Tour of Flanders, then you have to walk because of the crowds. To be honest, when I started cycling it took me a while to get the hang of it. It was mainly about learning technique and gaining strength. Practised a bit Now I go over it smoothly. But I don't do it that often. On the steepest part, the cobblestones are too bad and your wheel goes from here to there. I usually make the jump from Paterberg to Taaienberg via Kortekeer...

Als je alleen bent is de Koppenberg goed te doen... Vergeet het echter op de dag van de cyclo van de Ronde van Vlaanderen, dan wordt het wandelen wegens de drukte. De eerlijkheid gebiedt me te zeggen, dat het toen ik begon te fietsen even geduurd heeft om hem onder de knie te krijgen. Het was vooral leren techniek trainen en kracht winnen. Een beetje geoefend Nu ga ik hem vlotjes over. Maar ik doe hem zelf niet zo vaak. Op het steilste stuk liggen de kasseien te slecht en kets je wiel van hier naar daar. Meestal maak ik de sprong Paterberg richting Taaienberg via Kortekeer...

Done it a few years ago when I first started cycling. If you can do this chapeau! Rear wheel skidded and I had to get off.

Aantal jaar geleden gedaan toen ik juist begon met fietsen. Als je dit kan chapeau! Achterwiel slipte weg en ik ben moeten afstappen.

This weekend I cycled the Kwaremont-Paterberg-Koppenberg trio again. I'm a local, but it's still great to look down on that cobblestone wall. The message is to start slowly, because you need all your strength on the steepest part. When you're past that, it's not over yet. I've already seen people get off at the last bend because the sponge was empty. This is by far the toughest climb in Flanders.

Dit weekend nog een keer het trio Kwaremont-Paterberg-Koppenberg gefietst. Ik ben een local, maar het blijft toch machtig om van beneden naar die kasseimuur te kijken. Rustig beginnen is de boodschap, want op het steilste stuk heb je alles nodig. Als je daar voorbij bent, is het nog niet voorbij. Ik heb al volk zien afstappen bij het zien van het laatste knikje omdat de spons leeg was. Dit is met voorsprong de zwaarste klim in in vlaanderen.

The Koppenberg is so hard, I've climbed it several times and never got past the part between the woods. When you're almost at the top, there is a small part that is a bit easier and you can switch on there and do that last part of 14％.

De Koppenberg is zo lastig, ik heb hem al meerdere keren beklommen en raakte nooit voorbij het deel tussen de bossen. Als je bijna boven bent heb je een klein deeltje dat wat makkelijker is en daar kan je wat bijschakelen om dat laatste deel van 14％ te doen

For me the hardest climb in Flanders! I have to prepare myself physically and mentally before each climb to get to the top. I did Koppenberg on a quiet day and needed the whole track. Don't understand how you ever get on top among a group of other cycling enthusiasts :p After the steepest part, there's a long suffering road until the asphalted part...

Voor mij de moeilijkste beklimming in Vlaanderen! Moet mij telkens voor de klim fysiek en mentaal voorbereiden om boven te raken. Koppenberg gedaan op een rustige dag en had de hele baan nodig. Snap niet hoe je ooit boven raakt tussen een groep andere fietsliefhebbers :p Na het steilste stuk volgt nog een lange lijdensweg tot het geasfalteerd gedeelte..

The view is super when you come biking with the trees tilted at the steep part. There is hardly any traffic.

But don't be mistaken about the steepness in the middle of the climb. I didn't give enough pressure to my front wheel and that was not an option on these cobblestones,...

Het aanzicht is super als je komt aanfietsen met de overhellende bomen bij het steile stuk. Verkeer is er nauwelijks.

Vergis je echter niet in de steilte midden in de klim. Ik gaf niet genoeg druk op mijn voorwiel en dat was op deze kasseien geen optie,...

This is really one of the must do's in the Flemish Ardennes. Cobblestones are moderate, hope for dry weather. Steep part in the forest is tricky, but do not overlook the wall that comes after.

Dit is wel echt een van de must do's in de Vlaamse Ardennen. Kasseien liggen matig, hopen op droog weer. Steile stuk in het bos is lastig, maar verkijk je niet op het muurtje wat er daarna nog zit aan te komen.

Heavy climb on cobblestones

Zware klim op kasseien

Special climb... The rear wheel regularly slips in the joints, it's almost impossible to stand on the pedals because the rear wheel comes up and you lose all your speed. Just sit and stomp but be proud when you finally reach the top.

Bijzondere klim... Achterwiel wat regelmatig wegglijdt in de voegen, het bijna niet kunnen staan op de pedalen omdat het achterwiel dan omhoog komt en je alle snelheid verliest. Gewoon blijven zitten en stoempen maar wel trots zijn als je dan eindelijk boven bent.

Personally it is the toughest climb in the Flemish Ardennes.

Vind het persoonlijk de zwaarste beklimming in de Vlaamse Ardennen.

Yeah, this is a tough one. It starts with the view. No idea how to conquer it. Yes, light resistance and just keep pedaling. Sometimes with a slight slip of the rear tyres. At the top really exhausted. A real dragon of a climb.

Ja, dit is een pittige. Het begint al bij het aanzicht. Geen idee hoe je hem moet bedwingen. Ja, licht verzet en gewoon doortrappen. Met soms een lichte slip van de achterbanden. Boven werkelijk uitgeput. Met recht een draak van een klim.

Done this one twice today. First along the side coming from the N60 on asphalt (warm-up) and then via Melden (the infamous cobblestones). A tip for those who ride this via Melden: if you have to stand on your pedals, lean back as far as possible. That way your weight is on the back wheel and you have less chance of your back wheel slipping.

Vandaag deze 2x gedaan. Eerst langs de zijde komende van de N60 op asfalt (opwarmer) en dan via Melden (de beruchte kasseien). Een tip voor als je via Melden deze oprijdt: als je toch moet staan op je pedalen, leun dan zo ver mogelijk naar achter. Zo komt je gewicht op het achterwiel te staan en heb je minder kans op door slippen van je achterwiel.

Last Sunday, we climbed the Koppenberg. This was the last climb on the list of our RVV loop. Must say tough at the end. Especially because it was cold and there was a lot of wind the whole day. I must say I found the Koppenberg the toughest in this loop. This is mainly because of the high percentages and the cobblestones. With these percentages you can't develop high speeds, and in combination with the cobblestones certainly not. It's like raking uphill. It's also harder to stand up on the pedals on cobblestones. Which makes it harder. Personally, I found the wall of huy harder, but that's just asphalt, but it bolts better and it suits me better too.

We hebben afgelopen zondag de koppenberg beklommen. Deze stond als laatste op het lijstje van onze RVV lus. Moet zeggen pittig tegen het einde. Zeker ook omdat het koud was en er heel veel wind stond de ganse dag. Ik moet zeggen dat ik de Koppenberg wel de zwaarste vond in dit rondje. Dit heeft voornamelijk met de hoge percentages en de kasseien te maken. Bij deze percentages kan je zoiezo al geen hoge snelheden ontwikkelen, en in combinatie met die kasseien al zeker niet. Het is naar boven harken. Zoiezo kan je ook moeilijker rechtstaan op de pedalen op kasseien. Wat het lastiger maakt. Persoonlijk vond ik de muur van huy wel zwaarder, maar dat is wel gewoon asfalt, bolt wel beter en lag me beter ook.

What struck me about the Koppenberg is that it's actually not the terribly steep part in the middle itself that makes it so hard, but mainly the fact that after this steep part you lose all speed and you have to wring out your legs completely to get your gear around. And you will feel that in the next few kilometers!

Wat mij opviel bij de Koppenberg is dat het eigenlijk niet het vreselijk steile stuk in het midden zelf is dat hem zo zwaar maakt, maar vooral dat je na dit steile stuk alle snelheid kwijt bent en je je benen volledig moet uitwringen om je verzet nog rond te krijgen. En dat ga je in de komende kilometers nog stevig voelen!

If you cycle up here,then I personally think you cycle no up everywhere!!!

Als je hier boven fietst,dan fiets je,denk ik persoonlijk,overal nr boven!!!

The Koppenberg is the most horrible hill I've ever cycled. In the autumn, with leaves, mud and wetness, it's not doable. I even had to put my feet on the floor. Compared to this hell on earth I found the Paterberg peanuts.

De Koppenberg is de meest verschrikkelijke heuvel waar ik ooit op gefietst ben. In de herfst, met blaadjes, modder en nattigheid is hij niet te doen. Ik moest zelfs met de voetjes aan de vloer. Vergeleken bij deze hel op aarde vond ik de Paterberg peanuts.

Last day of a weekend in Flanders I did the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg and the Koppenberg. And the Koppenberg is the most vicious and explosive. Sat completely broken at the end but a great climb. It's quite a shock when you see that extremely steep wall of cobblestones when you start.

Laatst dag van een weekendje Vlaanderen achter elkaar de Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg en de Koppenberg gedaan. En de Koppenberg is de meest venijnige en explosieve. Zat helemaal stuk aan het einde maar een geweldige klim. Wel is het flink schrikken wanneer je die enorm steile muur van kasseien ziet als je eraan begint.

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Tour of Flanders: Riders forced to WALK up Koppenberg as Mathieu van der Poel blasts clear

Ivan Garcia Cortina's dream evaporated on the Koppenberg after his chain slipped – sparking a chaotic domino effect as riders were forced to clamber off their bikes and walk. However, Mathieu van der Poel avoided the carnage to soar clear on the iconic climb…

Tour of Flanders gallery: Mathieu van der Poel and Elisa Longo Borghini's spectacular triumphs in pictures

Rain creates chaos on the Koppenberg as World Champion and Italian Champion fly to victory

Everyone expected Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to ride away with his third Tour of Flanders title, especially after rival Wout van Aert crashed and broke his collarbone, ribs and sternum in a crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen in the days leading up to the 2024 edition.

Writing your name into the history books as the seventh rider to win De Ronde three times is far from a simple task, however.

The world champion never put a foot wrong in the race, even as the rain fell and attacks flew. The legendary Koppenberg was Van der Poel's launching pad and his fellow competitors struggled, slipped and slid out in his wake as he stormed away on the punishing gradients.

A race that is decided on the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg in the final 20 kilometres was done and dusted before Van der Poel even reached those climbs, and the only surprising moment of the race was Luca Mozatto (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) winning the sprint for second over Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates).

The women's race was a very different story: Elisa Longo Borghini  (Lidl-Trek) won her second Tour of Flanders while World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) crashed in the early part of the race and struggled uncharacteristically after two years of dominating the Tour of Flanders.

The Koppenberg was a mess for the women, too, and even Kopecky had to run as the rain pounded down. 

Instead, Lidl-Trek proved to be the strongest team, with Shirin van Anrooij launching a strong solo attack before the Oude Kwaremont with 21km to go and looking as if she would ride away to the win.

On the Paterberg, Van Anrooij's teammate attacked to bridge across, bringing Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) along. Longo Borghini came from behind in the three-rider sprint to snatch the win from the Polish rider.

Images by Zac Williams/SWPix.com unless otherwise noted.

Join Cyclingnews for live coverage of the  2024 Spring Classics , and check in after each race for our full report, results, gallery, news and features. 

Mathieu van der Poel looking unbothered by his status of outright favourite at the start

World Champion Lotte Kopecky (left) was also the outright favourite before the start Jasper Jacobs/Getty Images

The Flanders flag was flown all over the course

The early kilometres were run on wider roads for safety

The peloton enjoyed dry roads in the first half of the race

The early breakaway in the women's Tour of Flanders Luc Claessen/Getty Images

Oscar Riesebeek represented Alpecin-Deceuninck in the early breakaway

Riders pass one of the picturesque windmills

Rain falls on the women's race Luc Claessen/Getty Images

Biniam Girmay on the Oude Kwaremont

Mathieu van der Poel in the peloton with a tailwind obvious by the Flanders flags

Mathieu van der Poel comes to the fore on the Oude Kwaremont

Mads Pedersen leads Oier Lazkano

Matteo Jorgenson rides side by side with Mathieu van der Poel

Lucinda Brand rides in the peloton Jasper Jacobs/Getty Images

Ivan Garcia Cortina (Movistar) on a solo move before the Koppenberg

Poor Ivan Garcia Cortina was off the front on the Koppenberg but had a mechanical and had to run

Mathieu van der Poel attacked on the Koppenberg in the rain to avoided the mayhem image David Pintens/Getty Images

Behind Van der Poel, it was pure chaos on the Koppenberg

At the other end of the peloton, riders slid out and caused traffic jams

Mikkel Bjerg finds that slipping on the Koppenberg is not how you want to stretch the adductors

Lotte Kopecky (right) runs up the Koppenberg

After the Koppenberg, Van der Poel was on his own

Fans enjoy all the action

Tiesj Benoot (Visma-Lease a Bike) gives his all

Josh Tarling and Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers)

Van der Poel makes light work of the Paterberg

UAE Team Emirates' kits are barely visible under all the filth but the team stacked the top 10 with Politt, Bjerg and Morgado

Van der Poel on his solo attack

Without Wout van Aert after his crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen, Visma-Lease a Bike were at a disadvantage

Mathieu van der Poel on the final climbs before his third Tour of Flanders victory

Alberto Bettiol flies the flag for EF Education-EasyPost

Oliver Naesen (Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale)

Antonio Morgado (UAE Team Emirates) experiences the agony of the Tour of Flanders for the first time, finishing fifth

Ecstasy for Mathieu van der Poel

Thrills for Elisa Longo Borghini

Less ecstasy for Stefan Küng who finished 41st

Demi Vollering after finishing eighth

Lotte Kopecky was the top SD Worx-Protime rider in fifth place

Van der Poel gathers himself after a gruelling effort

Shirin Van Anrooij (left) gets a hug from teammate and race winner Elisa Longo Borghini

Precious memories for the podium finishers

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Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.

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Without Rival: Mathieu van der Poel Dominates Tour of Flanders with Magnus Sheffield in top-10

The world champion joins the elite club of three-time winners at the belgian monument, matthews relegated off podium in controversial call..

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Mathieu van der Poel soloed to victory and into the history books Sunday at the Tour of Flanders .

The reigning world champion dropped everyone on a slippery cobbled wall at the Koppenberg, and never looked back.

Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) put a brave fight, but Van der Poel roared to his third career Flanders crown with his next rivals at 1:02.

Van der Poel stopped at the line, and hoisted his bike above his shoulders. The win puts him in elite company, and ties him with the record of three victories in the Belgian monument.

“My season is already a success now. Winning the Tour of Flanders in the world champion’s jersey is a dream come true,” he said. “That was one of the hardest races I’ve ever done, with the weather.

“It was just survival today,” Van der Poel said. “Those last 20km were with my eyes closed. I was so devastated that I didn’t think much.”

Behind his rampage, dozens of riders skirmished for a podium spot.

Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) won the sprint for second, but Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla) was relegated off third place on the podium by the race jury.

Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates) was elevated to third out of a chase group that included Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers) with a career-best sixth in what was a thrilling and brutal edition of De Ronde .

“We gave it all and I was in the top-10. I gave everything I could in the sprint,” Sheffield said. “It was a proper team effort today, and we can be happy that we left it all out there. Now we can refocus and come back next year to do even better.”

Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) chased Van der Poel over the Koppenberg, but ran out of gas to finish 31st.

Riley Sheehan (Israel Premier Tech) posted a promising Flanders debut with 13th to lead in the second chase group.

Victory parade on Kwaremont, Paterberg finale

Van der Poel was so far ahead on the typically decisive final passage of the Oude Kwaremont-Paterberg duo in the closing 20km that the Belgian fans could do nothing but cheer his masterpiece.

His gap was nearly two minutes by then, and the only real race was behind him.

The chase group fractured as it was every man for himself.

Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) and Dylan Teuns (Israel Premier Tech) carved out a narrow gap over the final passage of Oude Kwaremont, but the podium was still up for grabs.

Jorgenson, who was the only rider to follow Van der Poel up the Koppenberg in the decisive breaking point of the race, struggled to hold the wheel in the desperate chase for the podium.

Matthews bridged across late, and led a chase group over the Paterberg that included Sheffield. It was a drag race all the way back to Oudenaarde.

The Matthews group caught Teuns in the closing 100 meters, and the chaotic, on-the-limit sprint delivered heartbreak for Matthews, who was relegated from third to 11th in the group.

Chaos on the Koppenberg

With the absence of Wout van Aert and defending champion Tadej Pogačar, many believed in their chances.

The race followed the traditional script, with the final loops over Oude Kwaremont-Paterberg poised to deliver the winner.

Weather worsened for the wild finale, with wind, cold, and rain creating even more challenges for the bunch for the brutal Belgian monument in the closing two hours of racing.

Nothing was decided with 56km to go heading toward the first of two Kwaremont-Paterberg double, and Mads Pedersen and Gianni Vermeersch nursed a slender 25-second lead on the top favorites.

Van der Poel quickly crushed those dreams with a series of blistering accelerations with 55km to go on the second passage up the Oude Kwaremont.

The crowds went nuts, and Jorgenson didn’t have the legs to immediately mark the move. A group of six formed at the front, with Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates), Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ), Pedersen, Oier Lazkano (Movistar), and Dylan Teuns (Israel Premier Tech) joining MVDP.

2020, 2022, 2024. Mathieu van der Poel wins his third Tour of Flanders in the rainbow jersey. #RVV24 pic.twitter.com/jzBfgjRzUR — Cyclocross24.com (@cyclocross24) March 31, 2024

It came back together over the Paterberg, with Jorgenson bridging across before a reshuffling heading toward the steep and brutal Koppenberg with less than 50km to go.

Van der Poel was clearly in control, and the Koppenberg would play judge and executioner.

Iván García Cortina (Movistar) hit the Koppenberg with a 15-second head start on the chase group, but it appeared his chain got stuck, and he was forced off his bike.

Chaos ensued on the brutally steep wall.

Van der Poel and Jorgenson were slipping and sliding up the brutal wall. Behind them, several riders were forced off their bikes as wheels and gears were slipping out.

Van der Poel flew clear of the chaos, with Jorgenson hot on his wheel at about 17 seconds back. The race was on with 45km to go.

Jorgenson puts up a fight

Van der Poel consolidated Koppenberg gains to pull clear heading toward the final lap over the Kwaremont-Paterberg. His world champion jersey was muddied, but his lead grew with each kilometer.

Jorgenson paced himself well, but could not bridge across to the world champion. Six were working together in his wake as the race soon devolved into a fight for the podium.

Rain, cold, and muck made for treacherous racing conditions, and Van der Poel hit the Taaienberg to wide the gap from 10 seconds to 50 seconds to the chasing American with 37km to go.

Jorgenson was reeled in by the chasing group of Bettiol, García Cortina, Rex, Pedersen, and Teuns. The reduced peloton was lingering within 30 seconds, but the final climbs were put everyone into their place.

Fast start, early attacks: Pedersen opens up early

The 108th edition started fast and intense from Antwerp on a crisp, sunny Sunday morning.

The buzz at the start was that Alpecin-Deceuninck wasn’t deep enough to control the race, so riders rushed to get into an early break. Eight riders pulled clear, but Alpecin took some pulls to prevent others from bridging across.

The opening two hours were rippers, with average speeds of nearly 50kph.

The “bigs” started the action early, with surges from the likes of Jorgenson and Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step) with 100km to go after the first passage up the Oude Kwaremont.

The early break was inevitably reeled in, perhaps earlier than expected, and Pedersen came to life early with an acceleration after the Valkenberg at about 87km to go. There were big question marks about his condition following a heavy crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen on Wednesday.

The big Dane linked up with Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck), and the pair opened a gap of 20 seconds.

The favorites were hesitant to let the threat get too far up the road, with Van der Poel keeping the pace high in the fractured chase group.

A pair of crashes marked the early action. A fan was injured after being struck by riders, and early media reports suggested it was serious. Pre-race favorite Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) and Cees Bol (Astana Qazaqstan) also went down with a half-dozen after another apparent crash with a fan.

Everything was still in play coming into the final two loops over the Oude Kwaremont-Paterberg double.

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