The Muur van Geraardsbergen climbs from the Dender River (59 ft / 18 m) to the top of the Oudenberg (361 ft / 110 m): about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) and 302 ft (92 m) of climbing, with ramps of almost 20%. It’s the wall with the most history in the Tour of Flanders.
What the climb is like
The climb starts by the Dender River in the center of Geraardsbergen and ends at the top of the Oudenberg, next to the chapel that gives the wall its other name, the Kapelmuur. It’s a narrow cobbled street, with an average already above 8% and a maximum of 19.8%, which forces you to climb in a very low gear.
As on the other Flemish walls, keep your weight back so you don’t lose traction on the cobbles, and pick your line before the gradient bites.
A note on the numbers
Wikipedia gives 1,075 m (3,527 ft), 302 ft (92 m) of climbing (from 59 to 361 ft / 18 to 110 m) and an average of 9.3%, with a maximum of 19.8%. But 92 m over 1,075 m works out to 8.6%; Climbfinder measures 1.1 km and 299 ft (91 m) at 8%. We use 1.1 km, 92 m and the average those figures give, 8.4%. The 9.3% average that’s often quoted probably refers to a slightly shorter section.
History
According to Wikipedia, the Muur has been climbed in the Tour of Flanders since 1950. It was dropped from the route in 2012 and returned in 2017, now far from the finish, about 59 miles (95 km) out. It’s also a classic of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (49 editions, and since 2019 as the second-to-last climb) and the centerpiece of the final stage of the Eneco Tour since 2012. In 2019 it was the first climb of the Tour de France, on the opening stage in Brussels.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it year-round; in the rain, the cobbles get very slippery. The lower part is urban and has traffic. Geraardsbergen has every service you need.
What gearing to use
For the final ramp, a 34x30 or 34x32. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 3.1 mph (5 km/h) on 18-20%, between 35 and 39 rpm with a 34x32. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Muur van Geraardsbergen?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 6 min 20 s at 3 W/kg (216 W), 7 min 30 s at 2.5 W/kg and 4 min 50 s at 4 W/kg. The cobbles and the final ramp, at almost 20%, make it slower in practice.
Why is it also called the Kapelmuur?
Because it finishes next to the chapel at the top of the Oudenberg. It's also simply called "the Muur."
Is the Muur still in the Tour of Flanders?
Yes, though no longer in the finale. It was dropped in 2012 and returned in 2017 as the eighth climb of the day, about 59 miles (95 km) from the finish. Since 2019 it has been the second-to-last climb of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.