In a relatively flat opening, the first cobbled segment appears after 109 kilometres in Doorn, and 19 kilometres later, the Oude Kwaremont serves as the day’s first climb. It’s still a bit of a warm-up, with considerable gaps between the challenges.
Things change as the Eikenberg comes into play. The Wolvenberg follows in its wake, and after tackling the cobbles of the Holleweg, Karel Martelstraat, and Jagerij, the riders steam on towards the Molenberg. The cobbles of the Paddestraat follow shortly after.
In a period of relative calm, the Berendries and Valkenberg come one after the other, before the Berg Ten Houte and the combined climb of Nieuwe Kruisberg/Hotond signal the decisive phase of the race. The finale kicks off 10 kilometres later.
First, the riders tackle the Oude Kwaremont for the second time, and this time with the Paterberg right on its heels. They then power on towards the Koppenberg, Mariaborrestraat, Steenbeekdries, Stationsberg, Taaienberg, and the Oude Kruisberg/Hotond – a series of obstacles packed into less than 20 kilometres.
Almost 10 kilometres after the Oude Kruisberg/Hotond, the Oude Kwaremont makes its last appearance. Not long after, the Paterberg follows. Though this climb is short (360 metres), its average gradient (12.9%) and steepest section (20.3%) make it the perfect spot to shake off any rivals. After the Paterberg, only 13 kilometres remain.
Last year, Mathieu van der Poel didn’t wait until the Paterberg to drop his opponents. On the cobbles of the Koppenberg, with 45 kilometres remaining, he powered away from the field and soloed to a commanding victory. It was his third win in the last five editions of ‘De Ronde’. One more, and he’ll become the first rider ever to win the Tour of Flanders four times.
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