12b Stockeu

The Stockeu is undoubtedly one of the most difficult climbs in Belgium. For many, even the hardest. No one will be surprised to learn that it was Eddy Merckx's favorite climb during Liège-Bastogne-Liège. This climb creates a real slaughterhouse among cyclists. This is due to the jaw-dropping gradients at the bottom of the ascent. For entire stretches, the climb is above the incredibly tough 20%. Measured over a length of 200 meters, this hill even climbs on average at 19%.

At Liège-Bastanaken-Liège, only part of the climb is taken. The pros descend Wanneranval and then turn sharply right directly at Stockeu. After about 1100 meters, the riders turn left at the Eddy Merckx statue. Too bad, because the climb continues to rise steeply for over a kilometer.

The climb starts in Stavelot, just after the bridge over the Warche. There, you immediately turn into the narrow Stockeu street. It becomes clear right away that this will not be an easy ascent. You climb here between the houses, as the road turns to the right, the percentages start to rise. Breathe, because the real work hasn't started yet.

At the junction, stay left. There is a row of trees on both sides of the road. The rate of increase is now extremely rapid. As soon as you drive into the short piece of forest, you will be competing for 200 meters with percentages of about 20%.

When you exit the small forest, it starts to become a little less steep. But many cyclists won’t go further than just scraping by after this violence. After 300 meters, you reach the Eddy statue. If you're fed up, you can turn left here immediately after Stavelot (dangerous descent!). Those who have the strength to keep biking will certainly not be disappointed. Nowhere will there be extremely steep sections, but it certainly hurts. Fortunately, you have beautiful views.

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