Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont – The Cobblestone Double of the Tour of Flanders

No duo symbolizes the Flemish spring classic as vividly as Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. Two climbs, only a few kilometers apart, yet fundamentally different in character and length: the Oude Kwaremont is the long, rhythmic test on smooth cobblestones; the Paterberg is the short, brutal punch in the face with gradients near 20 percent. Together they form the final decisive window of the Tour of Flanders.

Geography and Location in Flanders

Both climbs lie in the east of the Belgian province of East Flanders, in the region between Kluisbergen, Ronse and Oudenaarde. They are part of the so-called "Heuveld" – the Flemish hill country that, despite modest absolute elevations (rarely above 150 meters), ranks among Europe's most demanding race routes thanks to short, steep ramps and countless cobblestone sections.

The Oude Kwaremont runs as a long climb through the Kwaremont district of Kluisbergen. The Paterberg lies southeast of it, near the Walloon-Flemish language border area around Ronse. At race pace, the course connects both hills in just a few minutes – for spectators, this creates compressed drama of positioning, attacks and selective thinning of the field.

Why These Two Hills in Particular?

Both climbs lie on the classic loop toward Oudenaarde and are ridden multiple times in the final laps. Their contrast – long, steady Kwaremont versus short, explosive Paterberg – forces riders to display versatile skills while delivering spectacular television images.

Technical Key Data Compared

The classification of climbs follows different standards in Flanders-specific races than in high-mountain stages: what matters is gradient, length and above all the surface. Cobbles amplify every gradient, every gap and every line-choice error.

Oude Kwaremont – The Long Test

The Oude Kwaremont is not a mountain in the alpine sense, but one of Flanders' longest cobblestone climbs. Over roughly 2.2 kilometers it winds through houses, fields and densely packed crowds of spectators. The climb starts innocently, intensifies in the middle third and shows its steepest ramp in the upper section – here the leading group regularly separates from the rest of the peloton.

Tactical Role in the Race

The race is rarely decided on the Kwaremont alone, but the course is set here. Teams with classics specialists ride at the front of the field to set the pace and shape who is up front in the decisive phase. Attacks on the Kwaremont force rivals to invest energy early – a risk that only pays off or backfires on the Paterberg and on the ride toward Oudenaarde.

Typical features include repeated ascents in the final laps, high pace at the foot despite the narrow road, and selection through sustained pressure rather than single attacks. Since 1974, Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen and, more recently, Mathieu van der Poel have shaped the race history on this cobblestone.

Paterberg – The Final Hammer Blow

When the Paterberg appears, riders and fans know: now it gets serious. With an average gradient of just under 17 percent over just 360 meters, the climb is one of the steepest rideable cobblestone ramps in Belgium. Whoever is too far back here loses the race – whoever is at the front and still has legs can force victory in Oudenaarde.

Physical and Technical Demands

The Paterberg demands more than pure wattage. On wet cobblestones at 20 percent gradient, balance, a low center of gravity and perfect line choice count. Every slide, every skid costs seconds – and in the finale of the Tour of Flanders, seconds are finish lines.

1. Explosive power: The climb is too short for endurance – pure anaerobic effort dominates.
2. Position before the foot: Whoever does not enter in the top fifteen often rides in a traffic jam.
3. Equipment choice: Stiff front wheel, wide tires with moderate pressure, secure grips.
4. Mental strength: The Paterberg is notorious for psychological pressure due to spectator proximity and steepness.

The Double in Race Tactics

In the modern layout of the Tour of Flanders, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg form a connected tactical system. The Kwaremont selects and positions; the Paterberg separates the winner candidates for good. Between them lie often only a few minutes of riding time – yet in these minutes the entire race condenses.

Typical Sequence in the Final Laps

1. The field hits the Kwaremont at high pace.
2. At the upper Kwaremont, strong riders attack or respond to rival moves.
3. On the Paterberg comes the decisive attack – often a solo breakaway attempt.
4. The remaining kilometers toward Oudenaarde decide victory or defeat.

Other Races on the Same Cobbles

Besides the Tour of Flanders, both climbs also shape the E3 Saxo Classic – traditionally one week before the Monument and as a dress rehearsal for the Flemish spring.

Legendary Moments

Fan Culture and Course Reconnaissance

On race days, the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg have a sold-out atmosphere. The Kwaremont offers wide spectator scenes; on the Paterberg people crowd almost at the roadside. Those who want to experience the course themselves will find numerous tips on travel, timing and behavior on site in the course reconnaissance section.

Checklist for Fans on Race Day

• Arrive at least three hours before the race reaches your chosen climb
• Rain jacket and waterproof seat pad – April weather in Flanders is unpredictable
• Earplugs optional: brass band and cheers on the Paterberg are extremely loud
• Bring supplies – catering at tight spots is limited
• Live ticker as a supplement to TV coverage to track gaps in the field
• Respect for residents: no tents on private property, take your trash with you

Training and Amateur Rider Perspective

For amateurs, both climbs are manageable but not trivial. The Kwaremont requires basic fitness and safe riding on cobblestones; the Paterberg demands the lowest gear and often the decision to dismount briefly and push – not uncommon even among professionals on training rides.

Recommendations for Riding Them Yourself

Wide tires (28–32 mm), light gearing and a secure position in the saddle are essential. On weekday early mornings the course is quietest; agricultural traffic and local rules always deserve respect.

Comparison with Other Iconic Climbs

Unlike alpine giants such as the Passo dello Stelvio or the Col du Tourmalet, in Flanders it is not elevation gain but surface, timing and explosive power that decide. Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg stand for a completely different cycling culture – closer to the spectator, harder in contact, more brutal over the shorter distance.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How often are Kwaremont and Paterberg ridden in the Tour of Flanders?

In the modern course layout, typically multiple times – the Kwaremont often three to four times, the Paterberg at least once or twice in the decisive final laps.

Which climb is harder?

The Paterberg is steeper; tactically the Kwaremont is often more demanding because the pre-selection happens there at high pace.

Can the climbs be ridden year-round?

Yes, both are public roads – caution is advised in ice and heavy rain; on race day the roads are closed.

Related Topics

• Iconic Climbs and Passes
• Tour of Flanders
• E3 Saxo Classic
• Spring Classics
• Course Reconnaissance

Last updated: July 4, 2026