La Redoute
Category 22 km
Distance
174 m
Elevation Gain
8.9%
Average Gradient
22%
Max Gradient
The most iconic climb in the Belgian Ardennes and the defining moment in Liège-Bastogne-Liège since it was added to the route in 1979. La Redoute rises from the Amblève valley through a narrow, sunken road hemmed in by forest, averaging 8.9% over 2km with a notorious section exceeding 20% midway that has broken races and broken riders since Bernard Hinault first rode it at race pace. The name — 'the fortress' — is apt: the gradient comes in waves that offer no recovery between ramps. WorldTour attacks on La Redoute with 40km remaining in Liège have decided the race more frequently than any other climb. Riding it in the week before the Classics is a pilgrimage that every serious cyclist owes themselves.
Pro Tip
The run-in from the valley floor allows you to carry speed into the lower slopes. Once the first steep ramp hits at approximately 400m from the base, conserve energy for the 20%+ section in the middle third rather than burning out on the initial surge. The descent into Sprimont is technical — narrow with a rough surface and blind corners.
Part of
Cycling in Ardennes