Koppenberg

The Koppenberg is a famous hill for cyclists. They climb the 550m cobbled road with a maximum gradient of 22%.

The Koppenberg is an absolute cycling monument about which books could be written. With sections over 20%, this is the most explosive climb with the absolute worst cobblestones in the Flemish Ardennes. A big pigsty, so pure enjoyment!

It was only in 1976 that the bump of Melden was first included in the Tour of Flanders, but was excluded for many years in between due to the dangerous condition of the road surface. Several times the cobblestones had to be completely relaid.

The start of the climb is easy to find near the village of Melden. The climb is indicated by signs in many places, or follow Zulzeke in the absence of more precise signs. As you exit the village, it becomes immediately clear. In the distance, the cobblestones visibly go steeply straight up the hill. Get your speed up, because you don't want to stall on this battlefield. Standing still is not an option either, because without grip, it's over immediately.

A piece on the Climbfinder website

The Koppenberg is an absolute cycling monument about which books could be written. With sections over 20%, this is the most explosive climb with the absolute worst cobblestones in the Flemish Ardennes. A big pigsty, so pure enjoyment!

It was only in 1976 that the bump of Melden was first included in the Tour of Flanders, but was excluded for many years in between due to the dangerous condition of the road surface. Several times the cobblestones had to be completely relaid.

The start of the climb is easy to find near the village of Melden. The climb is indicated by signs in many places, or follow Zulzeke in the absence of more precise signs. As you exit the village, it becomes immediately clear. In the distance, the cobblestones visibly go steeply straight up the hill. Get your speed up, because you don't want to stall on this battlefield. Standing still is not an option either, because without grip, it's over immediately.

Then comes the steepest 400 meters. The narrow cobblestone strip seems to sink into the landscape, along with your morale. A small bend in the road makes you realize how incredibly steep it is here. It's only when you reach the houses that it suddenly levels out. The road is paved here and only gains a little more elevation. On the right side, you have a beautiful view. After a small downhill stretch, it's still 300 meters of easy climbing. At the edge of the woods, you're at the top.

The Koppenberg is an absolute cycling monument about which books could be written. With sections over 20%, this is the most explosive climb with the absolute worst cobblestones in the Flemish Ardennes. A big pigsty, so pure enjoyment!

It was only in 1976 that the bump of Melden was first included in the Tour of Flanders, but was excluded for many years in between due to the dangerous condition of the road surface. Several times the cobblestones had to be completely relaid.

The start of the climb is easy to find near the village of Melden. The climb is indicated by signs in many places, or follow Zulzeke in the absence of more precise signs. As you exit the village, it becomes immediately clear. In the distance, the cobblestones visibly go steeply straight up the hill. Get your speed up, because you don't want to stall on this battlefield. Standing still is not an option either, because without grip, it's over immediately.

Then comes the steepest 400 meters. The narrow cobblestone strip seems to sink into the landscape, along with your morale. A small bend in the road makes you realize how incredibly steep it is here. It's only when you reach the houses that it suddenly levels out. The road is paved here and only gains a little more elevation. On the right side, you have a beautiful view. After a small downhill stretch, it's still 300 meters of easy climbing. At the edge of the woods, you're at the top.

Then comes the steepest 400 meters. The narrow cobblestone strip seems to sink into the landscape, along with your morale. A small bend in the road makes you realize how incredibly steep it is here. It's only when you reach the houses that it suddenly levels out. The road is paved here and only gains a little more elevation. On the right side, you have a beautiful view. After a small downhill stretch, it's still 300 meters of easy climbing. At the edge of the woods, you're at the top.

Loebas