Oude Kruisberg and Hotond
Oude Kruisberg and Hotond form one of the longer, steadier tests in the Flemish Ardennes. It is not as violent as the Paterberg or Koppenberg, but it has enough length to matter.
- Length
- 2.7 km
- Elevation Gain
- Not yet available
- Average Gradient
- 4.1%
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Community recommendation
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Oude Kruisberg and Hotond offer a different kind of Flemish challenge. At 2.7 kilometres with an average gradient of 4.1 percent and a maximum of 9.4 percent, this is not a wall. It is a longer drag where the effort builds gradually, especially when it comes after sharper climbs.
That makes it useful in a route. Not every Flemish climb needs to be a brutal cobbled ramp to be important. Oude Kruisberg and Hotond help create the rolling, draining character that defines riding in this region. It is the climb that keeps pressure on the legs rather than exploding them all at once.
How to Ride It
- Use the steadier gradient to settle into tempo. This is a climb for rhythm rather than panic.
- Do not switch off because the average looks modest. The climb is long enough to take energy.
- Save some pressure for the upper part. The road can feel more demanding when it comes late in a ride.
Where to Stay
Oudenaarde is the natural base. From there, you can connect Oude Kruisberg and Hotond with the Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg and other well known climbs.
Practical Tips
- Build this climb into a wider loop rather than treating it as a single destination.
- Wind can play a role on more open Flemish roads. The gradient is not the only difficulty.
- Bring enough food for the full route. Flanders rides often feel harder than their elevation totals suggest.
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