List of Wallonia monsters episode 3

Last weeks we published the first two parts of the 25 toughest Ardennes climbs (+ one extra). We didn't use an official measurement or numerical ranking. Everything is debatable which is just fine. That they all hurt, there's no arguing with that. In part 3 we showcase numbers 15 through 11. Whether the names capture the imagination I don't know, it's hopefully a feast of inspiration for fans of vertical asphalt.

Let's recap. Here's part 1 and here's part 2.

15. Col de Roche-à-Frêne

Col de Roche-à-Frêne

I'll be honest, this is my favorite slope in Belgium. But it's a beast! The graph may not look too red, but you won't be the first to choke on this killer. It starts so sweetly. You cross a stream and ride along a small road. But suddenly there is the warning when a sign with 15% appears. Around the bend you see a huge wall. In no time the chain is on the biggest cog and from now on it is suffering. Although the first steep part decreases, it hardly gets any flatter. Slogging away you pass a village. Now you have only climbed a third of the way and you think: when will it get easier? But from here on it goes almost continuously straight ahead and straight up. Still about 1400 meters to go with an average of 10%. Those who do not divide their strengths can find themselves completely parked here. Most people reach the top completely exhausted. Yes, this is a really tough climb. At the top there's even a real col sign.

Events:

More info on Climbfinder

14. Rue sur Steppes

Rue sur Steppes

Rue sur Steppes is an unknown name to many, but not to Tom Dumoulin. He declared his love for this Ardennes gem and even made a call to include it in the course of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Since a few years, the slope is also part of the KlimClassic and De Alternatieve. They are planned again for this year, although the routes of these events are still subject to change.

The slope itself is difficult to find in the village of Fraipont. A five-stage rocket where you really hurt yourself. The first few meters are more typical for this are: straight up. Here you still have strength in your legs, but the next wall already hurts a bit more. And so it goes on and on. Every time you think: this has been enough, the gradient of the road rises to dizzying heights. Everyone squeaks and creaks. If you count, you get to five walls. Cycling seems to become more difficult by the meter. After the last hard part, the road climbs a few hundred meters more, but that is nothing compared to what you have just had.

Events:

More info on Climbfinder

13. La Haute Folie

La Haute Folie

Vaux-sur-Chèvremont is no more than a hamlet under the smoke of Liège. For lovers of tough climbs, however, it is a place of pilgrimage. The Haie des Loups, Bois de Beyne and Rue Roosevelt are all climbs you can gnaw on. Although the latter is particularly interesting as a fast descent. But La Haute Folie takes the crown. An beast of a climb. From the large roundabout it is a bit of a search, but then you really have something. 800 meters straight up with a maximum of 18%. Once at the top, your tongue is on your shoes and your heart is in your throat. But who thinks he is there is deceived. There is another surprise. Turn left and after about 300 meters turn right again. Here begins the dessert, the Rue des Gottes. You have barely recovered and then there is another hectometer of a good 14% to cover. This is not funny anymore.

Events:

None

More info on Climbfinder

12. Rue Tesny

Rue Tesny

Anyone who has ever ridden the Rue Tesny will never forget it. This slope has gained some notoriety in recent years because it was included in a few events, such as the Climbing Classic and the De Alternatieve. As far as we know, it is no longer part of any events today. Fans of vertical asphalt must have done this one at some point. The first few meters in between the houses go straight up. This is steep, steeper, steepest. If this continues for a while you'll end up in heaven. And it hardly ever slows down. For a moment it seems to get milder, but it remains around 14%. It is pulling and hauling. In events you see here the necessary runners. In the distance, the cemetery looms. It stops here, but before you get there you will be squeezed completely. An insane torture, but you wanted it yourself. Ok, you finally made it. But don't ask how.

Events:

None

More info Climbfinder

11. Route de Saint-Vith

Route de Saint-Vith

From Malmedy departs an unknown monster climb, the Route de St. Vith. Unfortunately, it is not included in any event. It takes a while to find it, but then you really have a great climb. Although the road immediately climbs steeply, the first hectometers are mild compared to what is to come. Once you leave Malmedy behind you, there is no stopping you. The quality of the road used to be miserable; nowadays the asphalt looks like new. This is also the only form of luxury, because you're facing 18%. Cycling is madness, it's more like acrobatics. There seems to be no end to it. You crawl up meter by meter and you ask yourself two questions: when will it end? And: why did I do this? Keeping your heart rate down is hopeless. Once at the top, you wonder how you actually got there.

Events:

None

More info on Climbfinder