In cycling, "Classics" refers to a group of highly prestigious, one-day races that are considered some of the most important events on the international road cycling calendar. These races are typically held in the spring and autumn and are known for their challenging routes, which often include cobblestone sections, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions. Many of these races have been part of the cycling tradition for over a century.
The five most revered races are called the Monuments, which are considered the crown jewels of the Classics. These include:
- Milan-San Remo (Italy)
- Tour of Flanders (Belgium)
- Paris-Roubaix (France)
- Liege-Bastogne-Liege (Belgium)
- Giro di Lombardia (Italy)
In addition to these Monuments, there are other key Classics, such as Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, and E3 Harelbeke, which also attract top riders and have their own rich histories. These races are often seen as a true test of a rider's ability, combining strategy, stamina, and skill on a variety of challenging terrains.
Monuments: The Five Monuments of Cycling
These are the five oldest and most prestigious one-day races in the sport, often considered the "crown jewels" of the cycling calendar.
Milan-San Remo (Italy)
- Date: March 22, 2025
- Distance: Around 290 km
- Terrain: A mix of flat and hilly sections, with the famous climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio towards the end.
- Significance: Known as "La Classicissima," this is the longest and one of the most iconic one-day races in the world, primarily for sprinters.
Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) (Belgium)
- Date: April 6 2025
- Distance: About 260 km
- Terrain: Cobbled climbs and rolling hills, with challenging ascents like the Paterberg and Koppenberg.
- Significance: The Tour of Flanders is one of the toughest and most beloved races, known for its passionate Belgian fans and its challenging cobbled sections.
Paris-Roubaix (France)
- Date: April 13, 2025
- Distance: Around 250 km
- Terrain: Famous for its brutal cobbled sectors, known as "pave."
- Significance: Often called "The Hell of the North," it is one of the most grueling and historic races, attracting both classics specialists and hardmen.
Liege-Bastogne-Liege (Belgium)
- Date: April 20, 2025
- Distance: About 260 km
- Terrain: A hilly course with several tough climbs, especially in the Ardennes region.
- Significance: Known as "La Doyenne" (The Oldest), it is the most prestigious of the Ardennes Classics and a race for climbers.
Giro di Lombardia (Tour of Lombardy) (Italy)
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Distance: Around 240 km
- Terrain: Hilly, with steep climbs such as the Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano.
- Significance: Known as the "Race of the Falling Leaves," it is the final Monument of the season and a challenging race for climbers.
Other Major Cycling Classics
These races are not part of the Monuments but are still highly regarded in the cycling world.
Strade Bianche (Italy)
- Date: March 8th, 2025
- Distance: 200-220 km
- Terrain: Gravel roads (strade bianche) mixed with paved sections in Tuscany.
- Significance: A newer addition to the cycling calendar but quickly becoming iconic due to its gravel sectors and stunning landscape.
Alice Huot
E3 Harelbeke (Belgium)
- Date: March 29, 2025
- Distance: Around 200 km
- Terrain: Cobbled climbs in Flanders.
- Significance: Known as the "mini Tour of Flanders," it's a key warm-up race for riders gearing up for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
Amstel Gold Race (Netherlands)
- Date: April 20, 2025
- Distance: Around 250 km
- Terrain: Rolling hills, with steep climbs in the Limburg region.
- Significance: One of the three Ardennes Classics, known for its challenging climbs and being the opening race of the Ardennes week.
Paris-Tours (France)
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Distance: Around 230 km
- Terrain: Flat to rolling, with the famous "cote de L'Epan" near the finish.
- Significance: Often seen as the last classic of the season before the World Championships, it’s a race for sprinters and puncheurs.
From Italy to Belgium: What will you ride?
Cycling Classics are more than just races—they are an enduring tradition in the sport, where the world's best riders face brutal challenges in some of the most picturesque and historic settings. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gravel of Strade Bianche, these races test riders' strength, skill, and determination. Whether you're a cycling fan or a passionate rider yourself, these events highlight the grit and glory of one-day racing, offering a true spectacle for all.
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Alice Huot