Kwaremont – Original Screenprint

Artist: Eliza Southwood
Price: £165
Publication date: Not stated but c.2018
Format: Original Screenprint
Condition: Fine condition, unframed
Size: 50cm x 70cm
Edition: 45 copies, signed by the artist

Size: 50cm x 70cm. Original screenprint. Edition of 45. Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist. New.

Kwaremont: A Short Account

Orientation and significance

The Oude Kwaremont is one of the defining climbs of Flemish cycling and a cornerstone of the Tour of Flanders. More than a climb, it is a test-piece: long for a cobbled berg, irregular in gradient, technically demanding, and psychologically draining. Its importance lies not in extreme steepness but in attrition—it wears riders down through surface, length, and cumulative fatigue.

Kwaremont is often decisive not because it breaks riders instantly, but because it selects relentlessly.

Location and setting

The climb runs through and above the village of Kwaremont in the Flemish Ardennes. Unlike isolated alpine ascents, Kwaremont is embedded in farmland and settlement, which contributes to its unique rhythm: moments of enclosure between houses, followed by exposed stretches of road and fields.

The road is broad by Flemish standards, but this offers little comfort. On race days, it becomes a funnel of noise, banners, and bodies; on a quiet weekday, it feels stark and uncompromising.

Physical profile

Distance and gradient

• Length: c.2.2 km
• Average gradient: c.4%
• Maximum gradient: c.11%
• Surface: predominantly cobbles, with some smoother sections

These figures are misleading. The Oude Kwaremont feels far harder than its average gradient suggests.

The lower section

The climb begins on uneven cobbles almost immediately, often while still passing through the village. The road pitches up gently at first, which tempts riders into a false sense of security. Cadence feels manageable, but the surface quickly disrupts rhythm.

This section is about positioning. On cobbles, line choice matters, and riders instinctively search for smoother channels, often near the gutter.

Middle section: sustained discomfort

The middle part is the heart of Kwaremont. The gradient increases modestly, but the real challenge is cumulative:

• Cobbles become more irregular
• Traction fluctuates
• Seated power becomes essential

Standing is inefficient for most riders here. The climb rewards those who can sit, relax the upper body, and keep pressure smoothly through the pedals.

Upper section and false relief

Near the top, there is a partial easing where the road briefly smooths and the gradient relents. This moment of relief is deceptive. Fatigue is already deep, and the final metres still demand concentration and force.

The summit is not dramatic. There is no sudden release, just a gradual realisation that the road has finally stopped climbing.

The cobbles: technical reality

Surface character

The Oude Kwaremont’s cobbles are:

• Rounded rather than sharp
• Irregularly spaced
• Set into a surface that can shift subtly with weather and use

In the dry, they are merely punishing. In the wet, they become treacherous.

Bike handling

Successful riding on Kwaremont requires:

• A light but steady grip
• Supple arms acting as suspension
• Smooth power delivery

Over-gripping the bars or stomping the pedals wastes energy and reduces control.

Gearing, equipment, and technique

Gearing

Even strong riders benefit from lower gearing than expected. Spinning is not possible in a conventional sense; instead, riders aim for a controlled, forceful cadence that avoids wheel slip.

Tyres and pressure

Wider tyres at lower pressure significantly improve comfort and traction. This is not marginal gain; it changes the experience of the climb entirely.

Position

Remaining seated for most of the climb is generally faster and more sustainable. Standing should be reserved for brief gradient changes or to relieve muscle fatigue.

Weather and conditions

Kwaremont is extremely sensitive to weather:

• Rain: dramatically increases difficulty; traction becomes uncertain
• Cold: numbs hands, reducing control
• Wind: less dominant than on open climbs, but still draining

In poor conditions, the climb feels longer, rougher, and more mentally taxing.

Psychological experience

Mentally, Kwaremont is about endurance rather than aggression. The length of the cobbled section creates a sense of being trapped in effort. Progress is slow, noise is constant under the wheels, and there are few visual cues of advancement.

This is why Kwaremont is so effective in races: it erodes confidence and freshness without the drama of a single decisive ramp.

Role in the Tour of Flanders

In professional racing, the Oude Kwaremont is often climbed multiple times. Its placement in the race ensures that:

• Early passes thin the peloton
• Later passes expose fatigue brutally
• Only the strongest, most resilient riders remain competitive

It is not a place for sudden attacks so much as a place where weakness is revealed.

Descent and continuation

The descent from Kwaremont is fast but less technically dramatic than the climb. Riders must remain alert: fatigue, vibration, and traffic all play a role. In race context, this is often where regrouping or counter-attacks begin.

Overall assessment

The Oude Kwaremont is a climb defined by honesty and persistence. It is not steep enough to be theatrical, nor smooth enough to be comfortable. Its difficulty lies in:

• Length by cobbled standards
• Relentless surface
• Demands on technique and composure

To ride Kwaremont well is to accept discomfort, maintain discipline, and trust steady power over force. It exemplifies Flemish cycling: hard, unspectacular, and decisive over time.

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