Ladeuze (helling)

Ladeuze is a steep climb tucked into the Flemish Ardennes (Vlaamse Ardennen), a region cyclists around the world associate with cobbled classics and punishing short hills. Although often grouped under Oudenaarde as the region's main town, the climb itself sits in Etikhove, a village within the municipality of Maarkedal in East Flanders. From this unassuming country lane, plenty of cycling tourists set out chasing the same sensations they've watched on television during the Tour of Flanders.

What makes Ladeuze so demanding?

The climb's reputation comes down to gradient: at its steepest, Ladeuze reaches 15 percent. That's enough to make even seasoned riders feel every kilogram of their bike, especially since the road offers little chance to recover once the climbing starts. The gradient shifts throughout the ascent, forcing riders to constantly adjust their rhythm — a hallmark of Flemish Ardennes hills, where short, brutally steep sections often surprise more than the long, gradual climbs found in proper mountain ranges.

What lies at the foot of the climb?

At the base of Ladeuze, in the valley of the Maarkebeek river (Maarkebeekvallei), stands the Ladeuzemolen, a mill that gives the spot its distinctive, picturesque character. This is where the ascent begins, and the view back over the valley toward the mill is often reason enough for riders to pause before tackling the climb.

What is Ladeuze's history in the Tour of Flanders?

Ladeuze isn't one of the climbs featured in the Tour of Flanders every year — its appearances in the race have been occasional, which makes it something of a curiosity for classics enthusiasts. The route first included Ladeuze in 2003, when construction work on the nearby Eikenberg climb forced organizers to find an alternative. That year, Ladeuze was placed between the Taaienberg and Boigneberg climbs.

Riders faced Ladeuze for a second time in 2019. On that occasion, it was introduced as the third climb of the day, positioned between Kortekeer and Wolvenberg. This shows how flexibly Tour of Flanders organizers treat route planning — climbs like Ladeuze serve as reserve options, ready to slot in whenever circumstances call for a change.

Can recreational cyclists ride Ladeuze?

Yes — the climb forms part of the signposted Ronde van Vlaanderenroute, a recreational cycling route designed for amateurs who want to experience the atmosphere of the classic one-day races firsthand. On the route's red loop, Ladeuze actually appears as a descent rather than a climb, meaning cyclists following that particular loop roll downhill rather than up. Many cycling enthusiasts, however, deliberately seek out variations that let them climb it instead, so they can feel the same 15-percent gradient the professionals have had to tame.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Ladeuze located? In Etikhove, within the municipality of Maarkedal, East Flanders, in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes.

What is the maximum gradient? Up to 15 percent on the steepest sections.

How many times has Ladeuze featured in the Tour of Flanders? Twice — in 2003 and in 2019.

What landmark sits at the bottom of the climb? The Ladeuzemolen mill, in the valley of the Maarkebeek river.