Koppenberg

Roger De Vlaeminck on the Koppenberg

The Koppenberg is a 78 meter-high hill in the Belgian province of East Flanders. On the Koppenberg is among other things the Koppenbergbos, a 29 -hectare protected forest. The mountain is also part of several cycling events, such as the Koppenberg Cross and the Tour of Flanders.

The Koppenberg was until 2011 a total of 21 times part of the cycling classic Tour of Flanders. He is regarded as one of the challenging climbs of this one-day tour. At 600 meters distance, which are regularly lined with about 10,000 spectators, 64 meters height with an average of 11% and maximum 22 % incline on cobblestones must be overcome. Especially in wet weather this hill is difficult to climb on the bike. Also falls are not uncommon. Due to a heavy crash of Jesper Skibby 1987, which crashed on the slippery cobblestones and was almost hit by a jury car, the Koppenberg from 1988 to 2003 was taken from the Tour of Flanders program. Since often only a limited number cyclist can climb the mountain driving, the Koppenberg has in the Tour of Flanders also known as the " graveyard of ambition ".

The second known cycling event at the Koppenberg is the Koppenberg Cross. This on November 1st annual cyclocross race is part of the GvA Trofee.