The Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB team rider gives us an exclusive look at a tough cycling route in the Ardennes with a 2,000 m ascent. Taking in La Redoute, the course has a distinct flavour of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Ready for a 90 km ride and a 2,000 m climb? Let’s do this! Make the Ardennes your playground, book a holiday home and challenge yourself on the training routes of 5 Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB riders. This time, Kenny Molly recommends a demanding and exciting course starting in Remouchamps!
About Kenny Molly - The 25-year-old seasoned racer lives in Ploegsteert and rides for the Bingoal Sauce Pauwels WB team, who are sponsored by Ardennes-étape. Kenny turned pro in 2019 and has been building a growing list of accolades ever since. In 2022 he finished 21st in the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var, 60th in the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and will soon be competing in the Amstel Race, the Flèche Brabançonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Flèche Wallonne.
A demanding training ride in the Belgian hills
From the starting point in Remouchamps, the route takes you in the direction of Aywaille to meet the Côte de Niaster towards Havelange, before dropping back into Harzé and heading in the direction of Werbomont. Then it’s downhill towards Neufmoulin and the Lienne Valley, to the foot of the pretty Côte de Xhierfomont to reach Rahier and La Gleize via Cheneux. From Ruy the route rises to its highest point on a climb up the Col du Rosier, before descending into Spa. This is followed by an ascent to Hautregard via the Col du Maquisard, passing through La Reid. Finally, crossing the starting point again it’s time to tackle the notorious Côte de La Redoute before reaching the finish line.
Get on your bike with tips and anecdotes from the pro
What type of route have you designed?
Kenny Molly - It's a fairly hilly route, which is not surprising given that it's in the Ardennes.
What is the level of difficulty?
It’s quite an advanced level with about 2,000 m of altitude over 90 km.
How would you approach a training ride on this type of course?
I would see it as an endurance or high-intensity ride because there are quite a few tricky parts, fairly long sections where you can really work on specific areas.
What’s the highlight of your route?
The legendary La Redoute!
What advice would you give to those who want to cycle this route?
My main advice would be to eat well. 90 km doesn't sound like much, but with the climbs it's a real drain on your reserves. You don't want to be completely exhausted by the end of La Redoute, even though it comes towards the end of the route. So it’s important to eat properly and stay hydrated.
Do you have a story to tell us about this route?
The thing I remember is the breakaway when I was caught in the Maquisard. Everyone raced past me in single file. But I was happy because I had held the breakaway for a long time!
Discover our comfortable holiday homes for your cycling holiday in the Remouchamps region!
Discover the GPX file on our Strava club
The complete route is available via the Ardennes-étape club Strava event. No fewer than five Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB pro riders will share their routes with us. By participating in this Strava event, which is open until the end of April, you could win:
- A VIP day riding the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge with Ardennes-stage & Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB.
- A PASS to ride the Philippe Gilbert Classic.
- A VIP day spent with the Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB team.
An Ardennes-étape pro cycling outfit to accompany you as you enjoy the above prizes.
Don’t forget to smile... and share!
Share your best efforts on Instagram by tagging @ardennes_etape and become an ambassador for our event! You could in with a chance of winning a pro cycling jersey and have your photo displayed on our Strava club!
