The Cauberg is 0.7 miles (1.2 km) at an average of 5.8% with 226 ft (69 m) of climbing to the 449 ft (137 m) top, in Valkenburg aan de Geul, in South Limburg. It is the best-known climb in the Netherlands and a fixture of the Amstel Gold Race.
What the climb is like
You leave the center of Valkenburg, by the Geul River, and climb a wide paved road at an average close to 6%, with ramps reaching 12%. On the way you pass the municipal cave (Gemeentegrot), the Thermae 2000 spa halfway up, and the casino. For a recreational rider it is a short, punchy climb that feels long if you start too hard.
Unlike the Belgian bergs, the Cauberg has been paved since 1969; before that, from 1934, it was cobbled. So traction is not an issue here.
A note on the numbers
Wikipedia gives 0.7 miles (1.2 km), 226 ft (69 m) of gain, a 5.8% average and a 12% maximum, with the top at 449 ft (137 m). Climbfinder gives 1.2 km and 217 ft (66 m) at 5.5%, with the top at 466 ft (142 m) and 11.7% on its hardest 100 m (330 ft).
History
The Amstel Gold Race finished on or very near the Cauberg from 2003 to 2016; now it finishes about 1.2 miles (2 km) farther on and the Cauberg is climbed several times. It has hosted five road World Championships (1938, 1948, 1979, 1998 and 2012); at the last one, Philippe Gilbert attacked here to win the rainbow jersey. The Tour de France (1992 and 2006) and the Vuelta a España (2009) have also climbed it, and in 2018 it hosted the cyclocross World Championships.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it all year. It is a road with traffic, especially on weekends, because Valkenburg is very touristy. There are cafés and services all along the way. The area has plenty of other short Limburg climbs.
What gearing to use
Nothing special needed: a 34x25 or 34x28. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you ride about 8.7 mph (14 km/h) on 6% and about 4.7 mph (7.6 km/h) on 12% (50 rpm on a 34x28). Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Cauberg?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 5 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 6 min at 2.5 W/kg and 4 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Where does the Amstel Gold Race finish now?
From 2003 to 2016 the finish was on or very close to the Cauberg. Now it is about 1.2 miles (2 km) farther on, near Vilt and Berg en Terblijt, and the Cauberg is climbed several times in the finale.
How many World Championships have used the Cauberg?
Five, according to Wikipedia: 1938, 1948, 1979, 1998 and 2012. In 2012 Philippe Gilbert attacked on the Cauberg and won solo.