The Cauberg, in Valkenburg in southern Limburg, owes its fame to its role as the historic finish of the Amstel Gold Race — a topographical rarity in a country that’s almost entirely flat, which has made it one of cycling’s most famous short climbs.
A short hill with an outsized reputation
From Valkenburg aan de Geul, the road climbs about 1.2 km for 70 m of elevation gain, averaging around 5.8% with sections close to 12%. Modest compared with the great Alpine passes, this climb draws its reputation from decades of cycling history: the Amstel Gold Race finished here for years, before moving the line a few kilometres further on in 2013 while keeping the Cauberg at the heart of the route.
Getting the ride right
No specific gearing is needed for this short climb, accessible to most cyclists. The real interest lies in how it fits within the network of hills in the Limburg Heuvelland: the Bemelerberg, Gulperberg and Keutenberg let you string together several similar climbs in a single ride.
When to go
March to October, the road being rideable year-round but winter conditions able to make it slippery. The Amstel Gold Race, usually held in mid-April, draws many cyclotourists who climb the Cauberg in the days before or after the race.
Good to know
Valkenburg aan de Geul, a spa and tourist town in Limburg, offers a good choice of accommodation, with convenient access to Maastricht and the Belgian-German border for exploring the whole Heuvelland on a cycling stay.
