The Oude Kwaremont is 1.4 miles (2.2 km) at an average of 4.2%, with 305 ft (93 m) of climbing to the 364 ft (111 m) top, according to Wikipedia. The average is low, but in Flanders the difficulty comes not from the percentages but from the cobbles and the length.
What the climb is like
The Oude Kwaremont isn’t a hill but one of the cobbled streets that climb the Kluisberg in Kluisbergen. Its average is low and its steepest pitch, 11%, is short, but it’s more than a mile of sustained effort on stone, and that punishes lightweight riders more than powerful ones. You need to ride it with strength, not spin.
Look for the smoothest line: sometimes it’s the middle of the street and sometimes a strip along the curb. With your tire pressure a little lower than usual (don’t overdo it) and a relaxed grip on the bars, the cobbles hurt less. You can work out your pressure in the tire pressure calculator.
A note on the numbers
Wikipedia gives 1.4 miles (2.2 km) at 4.2%, with 305 ft (93 m) of climbing, a maximum grade of 11% and the top at 364 ft (111 m). Climbfinder measures 1.2 miles (2 km) and 289 ft (88 m), or 4.3%, with the top at 344 ft (105 m), and a steepest pitch of 9.2% over 100 m segments.
History
The cobbles of the Oude Kwaremont have been protected as a monument by Flemish decree since 1993. Since the Tour of Flanders route was changed in 2012, it’s climbed three times and is usually where the hardest selection is made: Niki Terpstra in 2018 and Alberto Bettiol in 2019 went clear here on their way to victory. The women’s Tour of Flanders climbs it too.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it year-round; in the rain the cobbles get very slippery. It’s a street with local traffic, so stay alert in the village. The Paterberg and the Koppenberg are just a few miles away.
What gearing to use
You don’t need a huge cog here: a 34x25 or 34x28 is enough. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 11.5 mph (18.5 km/h) on 4%; on the 11% ramp, about 5 mph (8 km/h), or 58 rpm with a 34x30. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Oude Kwaremont?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 7 min 30 s at 3 W/kg (216 W), 8 min 40 s at 2.5 W/kg and 6 min at 4 W/kg. On cobbles, allow a little more.
Is the Oude Kwaremont a hill?
Not exactly. According to Wikipedia, it's the name of one of the cobbled streets that climb the Kluisberg hill in Kluisbergen.
How many times is it climbed in the Tour of Flanders?
Three times since the 2012 route change. Together with the Paterberg, it's the backbone of the race finale.