The Taaienberg is of strategic importance in the Tour of Flanders, depending on its position in the route. It is one of the steeper hills in the course, but its position changes from time to time. From 1976-1981 the climb was part of a notorious trio of climbs in the race, situated between the renowned Koppenberg and Eikenberg, and until 1987 between Koppenberg and Berg Ten Houte. From 2002, when the Koppenberg returned, until 2011 it was usually climbed between the climbs of Steenbeekdries and Eikenberg. In 2012, unprecedented, it was the first difficulty of the day early in the race. In recent years the Taaienberg comes in the finale of the race, at 35 km from the finish.