The Molenberg turns a small road in Zwalm into a closely confined cobbled climb. Its narrowness matters almost as much as the slope: the rider has to consider the line of the bicycle as well as the effort required to keep it moving. There is little space for the ascent to build slowly, and the paving makes the change from ordinary riding feel immediate. The upper road is close, yet the short stretch between the two levels has a distinct identity.
The selected section is about 420 metres long, gaining roughly 31 metres. The strongest work arrives within that compact passage, where the stones interrupt a rhythm that would feel simpler on smooth asphalt. As the road eases higher up, the wheels still have to carry their momentum across the paving. The climb rewards a steady line more than a glance at its modest total height. Molenberg is a small ascent in which the road's texture and dimensions make themselves fully felt.
01 / The ascent
Elevation profile
02 / The numbers
Climb statistics
- Distance
- 0.42 km
- Elevation gain
- 31 m
- Average gradient
- 7.0%
- Climb category
- Uncategorized
- Start elevation
- 25 m
- Summit elevation
- 56 m
03 / Your effort
How long would it take?
Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.
Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.
Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.
Advanced settings
Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.
Modelled moving time
2 min
- Power throughout
- 225 W
- Average speed
- 13.0 km/h
Based on the 0.42 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.
The science behind the calculation
For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.
Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses
The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.
It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.
04 / On the ground
Route map
Route overview
Molenberg
Zwalm, Vlaanderen, Belgium
- Route length
- 0.42 km
- Total ascent
- 31 m
- Average gradient
- 7.0%
05 / Take it home
The climb, as artwork
Turn the route into a personalised topographic print. Choose your colours and composition, then download your artwork.
06 / Keep exploring
Nearby climbs
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Wolvenberg
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Oudenaarde, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium
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Berendries
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Edelareberg
1.5 km · 4.1% · 61 m gain
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Steenbeekberg
0.9 km · 7.8% · 50 m gain
Maarkedal, Vlaanderen, Belgium
7.0 km away · Explore climb →