In current times, the Tour of Flanders is synonymous with the duo of Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. Previously the decision was made on 'De Muur', but with adjustments to the course, the left-hand direct of the Kwaremont and the hard right of the Paterberg is enough for many to grab eight count after that. A brilliant duo. Colloquially, it is also 'The Kwaremont' and 'The Pater'. The classic approach over Paddestraat, after which you turn right to tackle the 2.2-kilometre Kwaremont. During the rate it is three to four rows thick here. The VIPs have the best view, because from the various tents they can see the riders conquering the Kwaremont and in the distance they can also see the Pater uphill. In clear weather, an intensely beautiful sight. This is where the heart of the Ronde beats.
When you hit the road in Flanders, you need to be well dressed. Check out our clothing tips here (and pack everything in our handy packing list too)
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Wonderful run-up
Those who will be cycling in Flanders and want to take in this wonderful Ronde duo can get their money's worth in several ways. For the various loops starting from the Centre of the Ronde in Oudenaarde all grab the best climbs. The blue loop has at least the two climbs mentioned in the route. How we got there ourselves? That's a story in itself.
Cold start
While the sun has been shining brightly in recent days, we are surprised with a chilly welcome on Sunday. A mysterious fog hangs over the Flemish fields. Arm and leg warmers are taken out of the bag. Here and there I even spot long trousers. Secretly, I blow a cloud myself. The air is cold. A lot colder than the previous days. Still, I leave the leg warmers in the bag myself. 'The sun will come through soon' I encourage myself. Today's menu is slightly lighter than the previous day. Kanarieberg, Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg and (again) the Taaienberg. It could be less. According to some, there are still some 'not worth mentioning' hills in between. It's just what you call not worth mentioning
From the departure straight up
Accompanied, we again turn into the beautiful courtyard of the Flandrien hotel off. It's then a bit to the church, left, right and we go straight up. I grabbed the head myself to warm up, along with Neal. We are the long-short department today and so a bit of pace is desirable. Still, my body is not yet digesting that cold start very well. At the heart of the Ronde, my own heart is beating just a little too loudly for the time in the morning. The cold is gone right away though, as the exertion warms up my body.
Hop-Hop-Houppe!
Where most climbs in this region are short and fierce, there is a welcome exception. The Hoppeberg or d'Houppe. It should come as no surprise that this pimple is not in Flanders, but just in a part of the Walloon Region, where we have already previously referred to. This climb is almost two kilometres long and there are some nice switchbacks in this climb itself. With 4.5% average and a maximum of just above seven, it's not a calf biter either. A nice training climb where you can really test your ability!
Like a Canary
Whereas we are mainly busy preparing for the Kwaremont (the surprise will be great), we still have a few other, unremarkable hills to overcome. The Crimont climb, at two kilometres long and three per cent average, is an annoying break. Canary Mountain, which has actually only recently made its appearance in the Round, on the other hand, is of a different calibre. Here it is 1,200 metres raking uphill. At the 'Music Forest' sign on the right, the misery begins.
De Kwaremont - Af
After everyone pulls themselves together again, we meander in the Flemish, foggy country towards the foot of the Kwaremont. At least, that's what we were told. Routemaster Neal put the Kwaremont and Pater combo neatly into the route programme and the rest is history. We arrive on a wide provincial road where we turn right and then left. It is already noticeable that many people are panting at the top of this stretch of cobblestones. As we bounce past the 'Strava Finish' it already becomes clear. We are going to bounce painfully downhill for 2.2 kilometres here. At the village of Kwaremont, the penny really drops. Which, then again, is nice: because hardly anyone does this, you quickly rank high in the lists on Strava. Because then again, who rides...
Paddestraat - Kwaremont - Pater
In the end, we saw enough. Down below, it's picture-taking at Padde Street and the start of the ascent. The signalman on duty helps us back on our way. He discharges his duties with verve. Fortunately, we now know what is to come. At 2200 metres, the climb is one of the longest on the lap. The devil is in a few things:
- Cobblestones: the first stretch is still asphalted, but after a few hundred metres, on the steepest stretch, the cobblestone heads are as they should be with cobblestones: askew and crooked.
- Ascent rate: just at the point you reach the cobbles, the climb rises a little extra, to above 10 per cent. Amai. It's raking here. During the race, you can't smuggle by riding in the gutter either.
- Long run-through. Once you are almost at the top, the climb just keeps on going. Just like the cobbles. It's not so steep here anymore, only three to four per cent, but it really hurts.
Once at the top, we turn left across the provincial road again and a little further we turn left into the field again, just like the pros do. Then follows a fairly brisk descent to the foot of the Pater. Although I like to stop there for a photo stop, I prefer to take my speed with me. On the online trainer app RGT Cycling, this lap is also built in. There I have ridden the Kwaremont - Pater combo more than once. No fun and certainly the Pater I remember well. Steep, steeper, steepest. I also now understand why you can see the riders so well from the bottom of the Kwaremont. Because they are practically stationary on the steepest part of 18%.
Inner tube - Boonenberg
What is nice to see: on top of the Pater, everyone has strong stories or lame excuses. One says he will ride off VDP or WVA in the final. The other claims he had to get off because one of the riders in front of him took the wrong turn. The truth will be more obstinate, but this is what such a vicious climb does to a cyclist. It makes for great stories. Like the trouble hotel owner Jamie goes to to help a Walloon rider get rid of his chain problems. Popping out the entire bottom bracket, chain on it, tighten the crank and done. Absolute class, because otherwise the rider in question could have called a taxi. End of exercise.
While everyone then arrives at the top of Taaienberg with a lot less Grinta, which also turns out to be a tough mountain in real life, friend of the show gets Maarten Visser telephone. Neighbour from Nijverdal calls. With the classic words 'yes, I just rode the Taaienberg', the conversation is one for the ages. The fact that he seems to need an inner tube, and that it is available, completes the story. 'Boonenberg' is hereby downgraded to 'Bandenberg'. Inner tube still. I almost forget that we also drive up Tenbosse afterwards. The call of the beautiful Flandrien clubhouse is too loud.
Flandrien for a weekend
Where are supposedly the men separated from the boys? And how does that saying apply to the ladies? Is a Flandrien a 'real man', or is everyone who rides one of the loops of De Ronde a real Flandrien. We will never really know. What we do know is that spending three days in the Flandrien Hotel can evoke that feeling. The feeling of being a pro for a while. Or better. A real Flandrien.
Route
Want to ride all the routes of our Flandrien Weekend yourself? Then take a look at our Komoot page for the routes of Friday and Saturday and, of course, today's route. We have adapted it for you this time, though, so that you don't have to tackle the Kwaremont in the wrong direction as well. After all, that was once and never again. Would you also like to spend a weekend at the Flandrien Hotel? Or would you like to join us next year? Send a message and we will keep you informed or help you get the right info.
