Eddy Merckx Route
Cycling legend Eddy Merckx won in Ruien (Kluisbergen) on September 17, 1977 the last of his 525 races. This route takes you past the place where the “Cannibal” triumphed last.The circuit is very much a Tour of Flanders experience that includes climbs up the Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, Kluisberg and Hotondberg. And then we fly down the Rampe. You can enjoy a ride through the beautiful countryside and take in the stunning views. Have a look round the lovely Kluisbos forest and its Recreation Centre, pop in and visit an artist in Kwaremont and soak up the rural tranquillity in Zulzeke. According to us this is the perfect route to shake off your jetlag before you start the serious work in the Flemish Ardennes.
The route step by step
Start
Eddy Ready?
Cruisin along the River Scheldt
Starting from the roundabout in Kluisbergen, you climb about 1.4 km, gaining 82 heightmeters. The average percentage is 5.8 %.
Three: that’s how many times riders must climb the famous Oude Kwaremont during the Ronde. The Oude Kwaremont is the longest cobbled climb of Flanders at 2200 meters long, and 92 meters of climbing. While it averages a nice “easy” 4% gradient it’s maximum gradient of 11.6 % lies in the middle of the climb – it’s not an easy feat to recover from that over cobbles. Indeed, if you fail to recover from it in time, you can consider a pause at In 't Palet on the corner of the village square.
Look out for Eddy!
A hidden 'gem'. The Rampe is a short 'unexpected' cobbled climb, tucked away between the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg. The Eddy Merckx Route takes this one downhill. Be careful.
It’s only a relatively recent addition to the Tour of Flanders, constructed in the 1980s on farmland by a landowner jealous of his friend's proximity to the Koppenberg every year, but the Paterberg has already achieved legendary status. With a maximum gradient of 20.33% and an average gradient of over 12%, it’s one of the steepest climbs in the region. The descent to the sharp right hand corner at the foot of the climb requires care and usually claims at least one victim every year on the Tour of Flanders.
The Hotond - Hoogberg ascent is 2.7 km long. Over this distance, you climb 107 heightmeters. One of the longer climbs in the area.
Victory!
The Tour of Flanders Centre is in more than one way the ideal base camp for your Tour of Flanders experience. You will not only find a wealth of history about the race at the visitors’ centre but also a wealth of comfortable and convenient facilities to start and finish your own tour of the Flemish Ardennes. There is free parking available around the corner (at the Ham, near Hotel Leopold). If you’re thinking of riding one of the three signpostedTour of Flanders routes, this is the ideal place to start.
Rent a race bike and hit the roads. After your ride, you can enjoy a shower at the TOFC (2 euros) and the Ronde Shop offers several must-see and must-have souvenirs. And to cap off a perfect day, try a delicious locally brewed Flandrienbeer at the Peloton café.
Finish
Plan your stay
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