Roche aux Faucons: Cycling Climb

The climb · Belgium

About Roche aux Faucons

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Hellingen

Roche aux Faucons climbs from Méry, beside the Ourthe, towards the high ground above Esneux. After the railway crossing, the road rises through the settlement and joins Rue d'Avister, which carries the ascent towards the trees. The change from houses to woodland comes with harder climbing, so the setting becomes more enclosed just as the effort asks for closer attention.

The selected section lasts about 1.5 kilometres. Its lower streets introduce the slope quickly, and the higher woodland gives the ascent a sustained finish rather than a comfortable roll to the top. The road is the focus here: a direct climb away from the river with enough length to make the stronger gradients count. Reaching the upper ground completes a substantial change of level in a short distance. Roche aux Faucons has a clear progression from valley settlement to wooded hillside.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 81 m · Summit 220 m

Gradient by distance1.51 km / 140 m gain

0 km0.3 km0.6 km0.9 km1.2 km1.5 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.51 km
Elevation gain: 140 m
Average gradient: 9.1%
Climb category: 4
Start elevation: 81 m
Summit elevation: 220 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

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.

Sustained power

W/kg

Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.

Rider weight (kg)

Bike + kit weight (kg)

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.

Effective drag area (CdA) (m²)

Rolling resistance (Crr)

Drivetrain efficiency (%)

Modelled moving time

9 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 9.6 km/h

Based on the 1.51 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