Koppenberg
Koppenberg (literally "Heads Mountain") is a 77 m (253 ft) high hill in Oudenaarde, the Flemish Ardennes, Belgium. "Koppen" is an abbreviation for cobblestones which in Dutch slang language are called kinderkoppen, or "children's heads". This climb is part of the route of the Tour of Flanders professional cycling race and feared by many because of its steepness (22% on the trickiest parts) and because of its cobblestones. This makes the Koppenberg difficult even for top professionals. Quite often, riders slow to the point of losing their balance, especially those at the back of the peloton who have to dismount and scramble to the top on foot.
Koppenberg | |
|---|---|
Roger De Vlaeminck riding the Koppenberg. | |
| Location | The Flemish Ardennes |
| Start | Oudenaarde |
| Gain in altitude | 64 m (210 ft) |
| Length of climb | 600 m (2,000 ft) |
| Maximum elevation | 77 m (253 ft) |
| Average gradient | 11.6 % |
| Maximum gradient | 22 % |
In the 2006 Tour of Flanders, it was on km 185 of 259. Even if a breakaway forms on the Koppenberg it is difficult for riders to hold off the peloton in the finishing stages. In the 2012 Tour of Flanders the Koppenberg was moved to 60 km from the finish line and raising its importance.