Route

As tradition dictates, the cyclo sportive starts and finishes in Spa – no transfers needed! The long route is undoubtedly one of the most demanding Proximus cycling challenges, at 215km and over 4,000m of elevation. But at the same time, it’s a superb experience with some of the most beautiful climbs in the Ardennes. Personally, I found La Flèche Wallonne to be an undiscovered little gem and one of my favourite Classics I’ve ever ridden, with breathtaking scenery and stunning forest climbs through the beautiful Ardennes countryside.

The 215km route includes all of the best climbs, challenging yet beautiful at the same time. The Liège–Bastogne–Liège climb of Le Rosier is climbed twice, with the west climb coming early into the ride, making a good warm-up as it averages a 5.5% gradient over the 4km, with the maximum slope hitting 8%. Next up there’s the Wanneranval which doesn’t lack any spice with a 16% maximum slope and averaging 9.5% over 1.8km, but the beautiful location and wooded environment will help ease the pain (a little).

The route continues to get spicy as you hit the Côte de Roche-à-Frêne – a 2km ascent with an average of 9.5% and listed as the 33rd most difficult ascent in Belgium. Next up is The Haute Levée, best known from Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and whilst the average slope of 5.6% over 3.5km doesn’t sound that insurmountable, with 100km in your legs it will make your legs sting! Then finally, the long-awaited Stockeu – this will turn you into a real climber, with sections hitting 21% over 2.2km – good legs are required!

Personally, I found it to be a clearly navigated route, with technical support available and four excellent food stops – the Belgian waffles are definitely not to be missed and give you that much needed second, third, fourth and fifth wind!

You can download the route gpx at the foot of this page and ride it yourself.