Taaienberg: Max 18%. First climbed: 1974

Kluisberg: Max 11%. First climbed: 1928

Koppenberg: Max 25%. First climbed: 1976

Muur Geraardsbergen: Max 20%. First climbed: 1950

Leberg: Max 15%. First climbed: 1977

Kloosterstraat: Max 17%. First climbed: 1953

Molenberg: Max 17%. First climbed: 1983

Valkenberg: Max 15%. First climbed: 1959

Berendries: Max 14%. First climbed: 1983

Bosberg: Max 11%. First climbed: 1970

Tenbosse: Max 14%. First climbed: 1997

1928: first time over the Kruisberg, 3 hills.

1930: also over the Kerselareberg/Edelare, 4 hills.

1950: now 5 hills, the famous "Muur" Geraardsbergen (Muur Gramont in French) until 1952.

1953: the Muur replaced by the steep Kloosterstraat (cobblestones) until 1960.

1961: 6 hills now: Oude Kwaremont, Kruisberg, Kerselareberg, Valkenberg, Kasteelstraat and
xxxxxGrotenberg.

1966: also the Kloosterstraat in Geraardsbergen is back in the course.

1970: The return of the Muur Geraardsbergen and the 1st time over the Bosberg (the "final" climb).

1974: The long awaited return of the Oude-Kwaremont.

1976: The 1st time over the Koppenberg, 9 hills.

1981: Climbs increase to 11 hills.

1988: The Koppenberg is taken out of the race after an accident in which an official’s car ran over a fallen
xxxxxx rider, Jesper Skibby, wheels on the Koppenberg.  After a renovation the Koppenberg returned in 2002.

1990: The number of hills is up to 13.

2004: 18 hills now used in the Flemish Ardennes.

Oudenaarde, new arrival town
September 16, 2011

The Tour of Flanders wishes to be a leading and contemporary race; now and in the future. Baring that in mind, we decided in 2010 to investigate the possible arrival towns.

We took a year’s time to properly explore three possibilities: Ninove/Meerbeke as the traditional arrival area since 1973, Oudenaarde, home to cyclists and a town full of heritage and Ronse a town with a history in cycling. The choice fell on Oudenaarde. Although we are aware of the strong qualities of the other cities, our feeling is that Oudenaarde can provide the best assets for the Tour of Flanders in the future.

A DYNAMIC, CLENCHED FINAL SECTION
After a smooth section of 20 kilometers the riders take on a clenched final section of 75 kilometers built around three loops on the Oude-Kwaremont and Patersberg in combination with the Koppenberg and Kruisberg. This provides a new concept concentrated around four crucial hill slopes in the Flemish Ardennes within a stone’s throw of each other. The ultimate final, being ten ascensions and two cobbled roads followed by a straight line to the finish in Oudenaarde, will provide a challenging setting for the race.

MAXIMIZING THE EXPERIENCE
The new final section is very accessible. It allows cycling fans to witness the apotheosis of the race in the best circumstances. Without having to move around, fans can experience the multiple passages on the Oude Kwaremont and the Patersberg and really feel and even smell the final stage from the first row. The celebrations alongside the track will become even more intense.

MORE SAFETY AND SERVICE IN THE FINAL AREA
One hundred thousand cycling fans make the Tour of Flanders what it is today. The competition and heroic efforts of the cyclists in the hill slope scenery are always accompanied by the sound of festivity with good food and drink. Vlaanderen’s Mooiste has become a massive event. That is the power but also the weak point of the race. Safety is our first priority. Our efforts in consulting and collaborating with government officials become greater every year. The special intervention plan becomes more complex every year. The new track allows less movement by the spectators and hence provides possibilities for optimizing service and safety measures in the finish area. We want to provide an improved execution of the safety plan, the traffic plan, waste disposal and services for the fans (parking space, shuttles services, etc…).

In short, the new final section will allow us to manage the event better and will therefore honor the experience and the fair battle even more.

HISTORIC PERSPECTIVE: THE CLASSIC REMAINS A CLASSIC
Ever since the first edition in 1913 the Tour of Flanders has undergone many changes in departure and arrival areas. The Tour of Flanders is a living monument to cycling but also wants to invest in a great future. Its ability to adjust is what makes the Tour of Flanders a monumental race. In spite of all these changes the classic remains a classic. The final section contains the traditional ingredients of the Tour of Flanders: cunning hills and cobbled roads in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes. Oudenaarde with its historic center, its wonderful Town hall and its unique experimental museum ‘Centre Tour of Flanders’ lies in the center of this new track. Oudenaarde breaths passion for cycling for a lot of recreational riders and cycling lovers.

7. Valkenberg

Berg Section 3

1. Nokereberg

Berg Section 2

13. Oude Kwaremont **

2. Taaienberg

8. Oude Kwaremont *

14. Paterberg **

3. Eikenberg

9. Paterberg *

15. Hoogberg-Hotond

4. Molenberg

10. Koppenberg

Berg Section 4

5. Rekelberg

11. Steenbeekdries

16. Oude Kwaremont ***

6. Berendries

12. Nieuwe Kruisberg

17. Paterberg ***

EDITORIAL NOTE: Here at CyclingRevealed we are praying for really disgusting weather!  Wind, rain, and cold, the excitement of an old time Flandrian spring storm that will properly challenge a rider’s ability to stay upright and maintain traction on the cobbled climbs.  The toughest, strongest rider (a true Flahute) will win!!!  The more recent editions of Flanders (and Paris-Roubaix) have been run under sunny skies and relatively mild temperatures.  Both races are due for an epic race story.  The new course and bad weather could provide that opportunity in 2012.