The Koppenberg is 0.4 miles (600 m) of cobbles with 210 ft (64 m) of climbing to the top at 253 ft (77 m), in Oudenaarde. It’s very short, but it’s the most respected wall in the Tour of Flanders, because of both its grade and its surface.
What the climb is like
As soon as the cobbles start, the grade shoots up: the whole wall is above 10% and the steepest ramps hit 22%. The cobbles, the kinderkoppen (“children’s heads”) that give the Koppenberg its name, are uneven and slippery when wet. That’s why even pros at the back of the peloton often end up walking when someone stops in front of them.
The secret is keeping traction: seated, weight back, high cadence in a low gear. If you stand up, the rear wheel spins. And pick your line before the grade bites: once you’re on the wall, changing lines is very hard.
A note on the numbers
Wikipedia gives 600 m (0.4 miles), 210 ft (64 m) of climbing, an 11.6% average and a 22% maximum. Climbfinder gives 0.4 miles (0.6 km) and 213 ft (65 m) (11.4%). Neither published average matches its own length and elevation gain, which give 10.7-10.8%; the steep part is probably a bit shorter than 600 m. We use 10.7% so the calculator stays consistent.
History
The Tour of Flanders first climbed it in 1976 and kept it until 1987. That year, Jesper Skibby, in the breakaway, crashed on the climb and an organization car drove over his rear wheel. The wall was left out for 15 years and, after it was widened and the cobbles relaid, it returned in 2002. It was dropped again in 2007 because of its poor condition and came back in 2008. Since 2022 the women’s race climbs it too. In the fall, its slopes host a cyclocross race.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it year-round, but in rain or mud it’s almost impossible. There’s little traffic. Oudenaarde is the usual base for riding the walls: the Paterberg and the Oude Kwaremont are nearby.
What gearing to use
The lower, the better: a 34x32 or 34x34. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll be doing less than 3.1 mph (5 km/h) on 20%, about 35 rpm in a 34x32. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Koppenberg?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 4 min 15 s at 3 W/kg (216 W), 5 min at 2.5 W/kg and 3 min 15 s at 4 W/kg. The cobbles and the 22% ramps mean it takes a bit longer in practice.
How steep is the Koppenberg?
Wikipedia gives an 11.6% average and a 22% maximum. Using its own length and elevation figures (600 m and 64 m), the average works out to 10.7%, which is what we use.
Why was the Koppenberg dropped from the Tour of Flanders?
In 1987 an organization car ran over the bike of Jesper Skibby, who had crashed on the climb. The wall was left out for 15 years and returned in 2002, after it was widened and the cobbles were relaid.