Edelare Mountain

The slope has been included a total of 35 times in the Tour of Flanders, with a distinction made between the period before 1970 and afterwards. In its early years, it formed a formidable trio with the Kwaremont and the Kruisberg.
The current Edelareberg, seen from the beginning of Edelare village, looking towards Leupegem
The current Edelareberg, seen from the beginning of Edelare village, looking towards Leupegem

The Edelareberg before 1970 was included a total of 32 times (1930-1955 and 1961-1966) in the Tour. The slope consisted of a wide cobbled road with a hairpin bend, partly with paved bike path next to it. The most difficult part was the last 200 meters due to the very poor road surface and the steep incline.

From 1930-1949, the Edelareberg was always the last climb after the Kruisberg. From 1950-1955, it was still preceded by the Kruisberg, but was then followed by the Muur (1950-1952) or the Kloosterstraat (1953-1955).

From 1961-1966, the Edelareberg was situated between the Kruisberg and the Valkenberg.

Since 1970, the slope has been paved and the hairpin bend has disappeared. The Edelareberg from 1970 has been climbed three times (1970, 1971, and 1973), but it is not recorded in the competition book as an official climb.

In 1970, the climb was situated between the Kruisberg and the Steenbeekberg, in 1971 between the Kruisberg and the Stokstraat, and in 1973 between the Kruisberg and the Varentberg.

Additionally, the slope has been included in the cycling classic Gent-Wevelgem in 1945, 1946, and 1977. It was also included in the Omloop Het Volk before 1970.

Nowadays, the slope is more frequently included in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, the Three Days of De Panne-Koksijde, and Nokere Koerse.

ardi XIV