Spring Classics Explained: Your Guide to Cycling's Most Epic One-Day Races 🚲

Did you know that every spring, nearly 800,000 spectators line the streets of Flanders to witness cycling history in action? That's right—over 12% of the entire Flemish population shows up for this single race! If that doesn't scream "cycling obsession," I don't know what does.

Since 1913, the Tour of Flanders has been putting riders through the wringer with brutal cobbled roads and leg-burning climbs. And just when you think it couldn't get any tougher, Mother Nature often crashes the party with unpredictable weather that transforms these northern classics into survival tests. No wonder this race proudly stands as one of cycling's five Monuments—those legendary one-day events that represent the sport at its most challenging and prestigious.

Feeling intrigued by these epic battles on two wheels? You're in the right place! Whether you're a cycling newbie wondering what all the fuss is about or a dedicated fan looking to deepen your knowledge, this guide will take you through everything from the bone-jarring cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix (not called "Hell of the North" for nothing!) to the punishing climbs of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

Ready to dive into professional cycling's most thrilling spring showdowns? Clip in and let's roll! 🏁

What Are the Spring Classics? 🌧️

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"Wait, you mean there's a whole category of races where riders basically torture themselves for one day instead of three weeks?" — Every cycling newcomer ever.

From late February through April, cycling's calendar transforms into a showcase of grit, history, and flat-out suffering. The Spring Classics aren't just races—they're cycling's ultimate one-day challenges that separate the tough from the really tough.

Overview of one-day races in spring

Ever wonder what makes these races so special? Unlike Grand Tours where riders can have a bad day and still recover, classics give you exactly one shot at glory. One mistake, one flat tire at the wrong moment, one tactical error... and that's it! Game over until next year.

These high-stakes showdowns kick off with what insiders call "Opening Weekend" in Belgium, featuring Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne [2]. Think of it as cycling's equivalent to opening day in baseball—except with more rain, wind, and suffering!

As March and April unfold, the cycling world witnesses a parade of increasingly prestigious events:

• Strade Bianche - The baby of the bunch (born 2007) but already turning heads with its stunning white gravel roads through Tuscany [2]

• Milan-San Remo - "La Classicissima" or "La Primavera," a nearly 300km monster dating back to 1907 [2]

• Tour of Flanders - Belgium's cycling Super Bowl, established in 1913 [2]

• Paris-Roubaix - "The Hell of the North," where cobblestones have been destroying dreams since 1896 [2]

• Amstel Gold Race - The first Ardennes Classic (though technically in Netherlands, not the Ardennes!) [4]

• La Flèche Wallonne - The second Ardennes test, famous for its brutal finishing climb [3]

• Liège–Bastogne–Liège - "La Doyenne," the granddaddy of them all since 1892 [3]

Cycling purists might debate endlessly about which races truly deserve "Classic" status, but most experts include everything from the five Monuments down to smaller semi-classics that still attract the sport's biggest stars [5].

Unlike Grand Tours with their day-after-day rhythm, Spring Classics create a perfect staccato beat—major races on weekends, smaller events midweek, and just enough recovery time to keep everyone guessing. All told, we're looking at roughly 20 race days spread across seven action-packed weeks [6].

Why they matter in the cycling calendar

So why do these one-day battles matter so much? Here's the scoop:

First, these races are ancient by sport standards! When Liège–Bastogne–Liège first rolled out in 1892 [3], basketball had barely been invented and the modern Olympics were just getting started. This deep history creates an almost sacred feeling around these events.

Second, while Grand Tours reward consistency and recovery, Classics demand something entirely different. As one veteran put it: "These races are a chess game on two wheels, where the smartest riders make split-second decisions to seize opportunities and mitigate disasters" [11]. One moment of brilliance can create a legend; one moment of hesitation can end a dream.

🚨 The physical demands? Absolutely brutal. Imagine bouncing across cobblestones designed for horse-drawn carriages while pushing 400+ watts, navigating through rain and mud, and fighting crosswinds that threaten to blow you into a ditch. And you thought your stationary bike class was tough!

Here's why these races produce a different breed of hero: these specialists need a unique combination of:

• Raw power for cobbled sectors

• Explosive punch for short, steep climbs

• Tactical genius for positioning

• Mental toughness for harsh weather

• Bike handling skills worthy of a circus performer

For many riders, winning a Monument classic defines their entire career more than any number of Tour de France stage wins. And for cycling-mad regions like Flanders, these aren't just sporting events—they're cultural institutions where generations have watched legends made on the same roads their grandparents stood beside.

Take a deep breath—we're just getting started on this wild ride through cycling's most captivating season!

Types of Spring Classics Explained 🏆

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Think of spring classics as siblings who couldn't be more different despite sharing the same DNA. One's a burly powerhouse who thrives in chaos, while the other's a nimble climber who dances uphill. These aren't just geographical differences—they're completely different games requiring specialized skills, equipment, and mindsets.

Cobbled classics vs. hilly classics

The cycling calendar naturally splits these spring battles into two distinct categories. Let me break it down for you:

Cobbled classics kick off the season's action, rumbling across Belgium and northern France from late February through mid-April. This gang includes the bone-rattlers you've probably heard of: Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, E3 Saxo Bank Classic, and Gent-Wevelgem.

What makes these races special? Cobblestones. Lots of them. Ancient farm roads and narrow lanes that haven't changed much since Napoleon's time. Paris-Roubaix is the ultimate test with about 25 cobbled sectors for men and 17 for women, each rated on a 1-5 star difficulty scale. The Arenberg Forest section alone deserves its own horror movie—a 2.4km straight line of misaligned stones that have ended countless dreams and broken equipment by the truckload.

Tour of Flanders throws another twist into the mix: short, punishing climbs called "bergs." These nasty little ascents—often cobbled themselves—barely reach a kilometer in length but pack gradients that would make your car struggle. The Koppenberg hits 19% at its steepest, turning pros into pedestrians when it's wet. No shame in walking when your wheels are spinning on slick cobbles!

Then we have the Ardennes classics, the sophisticated cousins who arrive in late April. This trio includes Amstel Gold Race (Netherlands), La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (both in Belgium's French-speaking Wallonia region). These are essentially the climber's spring classics.

Gone are the teeth-chattering cobbles, replaced by longer, paved climbs that reward different physical gifts. La Flèche Wallonne finishes on the legendary Mur de Huy—a wall in every sense of the word. And Liège-Bastogne-Liège, cycling's oldest Monument, features iconic climbs like Côte de La Redoute that have been deciding factors throughout its 130+ year existence.

How terrain shapes race strategy

It's fascinating how different terrain creates completely different races! On cobblestones, raw power and handling skills trump everything else. Riders adopt what coaches call "the float"—keeping tension in the legs while slightly hovering above the saddle to absorb impacts without losing speed.

Cobbled specialists? They're the bigger guys on the block. More muscle, more power, exceptional bike handling. As one veteran coach puts it: "For Flanders, you need explosion"—that ability to hammer massive watts repeatedly over short, steep sections. No wonder Belgium and the Netherlands dominate these races! Benelux riders have claimed 63 of 76 men's editions and 12 of 18 women's editions of races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Home advantage is real!

Position is everything on these narrow roads. Imagine 150+ riders fighting for space at 50 km/h on roads built for horse-drawn carts. One cycling director nailed it: "some of the key cobbled climbs, or routes designed 80 years ago, are just not meant to be raced by a full peloton of 150 riders."

Flip the script for Ardennes races, where lighter climbers and punchy riders shine on longer ascents. These races pack in 4,500+ meters of climbing—that's more vertical than many mountain stages in Grand Tours! This explains why Tour de France contenders like Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel have recently conquered Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

And then there's weather—the great equalizer and chaos-creator. Rain turns cobbles into skating rinks while making climbs nearly impossible. Wind splits the peloton into desperate echelons across exposed farmland. Many classics become survival contests where simply staying upright counts as a victory of sorts.

This stark contrast in terrain is exactly what makes spring classics so captivating as a collection. They don't just identify who's strongest—they reveal cycling's most complete and adaptable athletes. One month rewards power merchants, the next favors explosive climbers. Together, they form the most comprehensive test in the sport. 💪

The Five Monument Races 🏆

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If cycling's Spring Classics were a royal family, the Monuments would be the crown jewels—five legendary races that stand head and shoulders above all others. These aren't just races; they're career-defining challenges that have been breaking spirits and creating legends for over a century.

Milan–San Remo

Kicking off Monument season in late March comes Milan–San Remo, fondly nicknamed "La Primavera" (The Spring) or "La Classicissima." At a monster 300km, it's like running a marathon... and then doing it again... and then some! This beast stands as the longest professional one-day race in European cycling.

Don't let the mainly flat profile fool you—after 250+km of racing, even the smallest hills feel like mountains! First run in 1907, this Italian classic sends riders from Milan to the gorgeous Mediterranean coast. The real action typically explodes on two late climbs—the Cipressa and Poggio—where the strongest attackers make their moves before the finish in Sanremo.

Women cyclists had to wait their turn—after a 20-year absence, Milan–San Remo Women finally returned to the UCI Women's World Tour calendar in 2025. Better late than never! 👏

Tour of Flanders

Since 1913, the Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) has been Belgium's cycling crown jewel. This 270km monster throws more than a dozen categorized climbs and multiple cobbled nightmares at riders who dare to take it on.

This isn't just a race in Belgium—it's practically a national holiday! Hundreds of thousands of beer-clutching fans line the narrow roads, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else in cycling. The magic (and suffering) comes from that wicked combination of narrow lanes, short steep "bergs," and bone-jarring cobblestones.

The notorious Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs appear multiple times and often serve as the battleground where champions separate themselves. When Mathieu van der Poel claimed his third victory in 2024, he joined an elite club of just six other riders who've conquered Flanders three times. Legendary status: unlocked! ✅

Paris–Roubaix

If you designed a race specifically to torture cyclists, you'd probably end up with Paris–Roubaix. Not called "Hell of the North" for nothing, this nickname actually came after World War I when the route passed through devastated landscapes.

First held in 1896, this Monument punishes riders with around 30 cobblestone sectors totaling over 50km of the worst pavé imaginable. Your wrists hurt just watching it on TV!

Despite its name, the race now starts in Compiègne (not Paris) and finishes with a lap and a half around the iconic Roubaix Velodrome. What makes this race so special? The specialized equipment (wider tires, double-wrapped handlebars), the guaranteed drama (crashes, mechanical failures, tears of both joy and pain), and those superhuman efforts that become instant cycling folklore.

Belgian riders have absolutely owned this race with 57 victories. When it comes to suffering on cobbles, nobody does it better! 💪

Liège–Bastogne–Liège

Meet "La Doyenne" (The Old Lady)—and show some respect, because at 130+ years old, Liège–Bastogne–Liège is the oldest Monument of them all, dating back to 1892. This beast takes riders from Liège to Bastogne and back through Belgium's hilly Ardennes region.

Unlike its cobbled cousins, Liège tests riders with multiple short, punishing climbs—over 4,500 meters of elevation gain that gradually saps the strength from even the fittest legs. The legendary Côte de La Redoute stands as the race's signature climb—a 2km wall averaging 8.9% with sections that hit a quad-burning 20%.

Recent editions have seen Tour de France superstars like Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel claim victory, showing that Grand Tour talent can dominate here. Women finally got their own version in 2017 when it joined the UCI Women's World Tour. Only took 125 years... but who's counting? 🙄

Il Lombardia

While not a spring classic (it happens in October), no Monument discussion is complete without mentioning Il Lombardia. Poetically nicknamed the "Race of the Falling Leaves," this autumn beauty features challenging climbs around the stunning Lake Como in northern Italy.

First raced in 1905, Il Lombardia's most famous climb is the Madonna del Ghisallo—which leads to a chapel that's literally dedicated to cyclists. How cool is that? The route alternates between starting in Bergamo or Como, but always maintains its character as a climber's paradise with nearly 5,000 meters of elevation.

Oddly enough, Il Lombardia remains the only Monument without a women's equivalent as of 2025. Hello, cycling organizers? The 21st century called... 📞

Together, these five crown jewels form the backbone of cycling's most prestigious one-day races. Three of them (Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix) light up the spring calendar, Liège–Bastogne–Liège caps off Ardennes week, and Il Lombardia gives us one last classic when the leaves start to fall.

Win just one of these in your career, and you're cycling royalty forever. Win multiple? You're headed straight for the Hall of Fame!

Other Key Spring Classics to Know 🌟

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"Wait, there's more races to keep track of?!" — Yep, and they're absolutely worth your attention!

While the Monuments get all the glory (and rightfully so), several other spring classics deserve spots on your cycling calendar. These races might not have Monument status stamped on them, but they deliver edge-of-your-seat racing and often reveal who's peaking at just the right time for the bigger fish to fry.

E3 Saxo Bank Classic

Think of E3 Saxo Bank Classic as Tour of Flanders' slightly younger, equally tough cousin. First rolling out in 1958, this race has quickly climbed the prestige ladder to become a coveted WorldTour victory [7]. Happening on the last Friday of March, it kicks off the cycling festival known as Flemish Cycling Week [7].

What makes E3 so special? It's basically "Flanders Rehearsal Day!" The 208.6km route starts and finishes in Harelbeke [8], and sneakily incorporates many of the same brutal roads and hills featured in the Tour of Flanders. With 17 leg-burning "bergs" plus several cobblestone sections, it's like getting a preview of the pain coming nine days later [7].

Here's the kicker: E3 is basically a crystal ball for Flanders predictions. No fewer than 13 E3 winners have gone on to conquer Flanders, including eight in just the last 20 years [9]. When riders crush E3, smart fans immediately adjust their Flanders betting slips! 🔮

Gent–Wevelgem

Running since 1934, Gent–Wevelgem has cemented itself as another must-watch in the classics puzzle [10]. Despite the name playing a bit of geographical trickery (it actually starts in Ypres, not Ghent!), this race delivers 250.3km of drama for men and 169.1km for women before finishing in Wevelgem [12].

What makes this race stand out? Two words: unpredictable chaos! While sometimes labeled a "sprinter's classic" thanks to its flatter finish, Mother Nature frequently has other plans. Brutal crosswinds and sideways rain can transform this race from sprinter-friendly to survival mode in minutes [12]. The race's centerpiece—the fearsome Kemmelberg—features fully-cobbled slopes hitting a quad-burning 23% [10]. Ouch! 😬

The Kemmelberg isn't just about cycling pain—it's steeped in history. Named after Camulos (the Celtic god of war), its ridge witnessed the tragic Battle of the Lys in 1918, where over 200,000 soldiers lost their lives [10]. When riders suffer here, they're racing through living history.

Amstel Gold Race

If cycling had a transition race, Amstel Gold would be it! This unique event marks the pivot point where cobbled specialists shake hands with the climbing crowd before handing over the spotlight [13]. First run in 1966, it's the baby of major spring classics but stands tall as the Netherlands' cycling crown jewel [13].

Geography nerds, prepare to be confused: despite being considered the opening of "Ardennes Week," Amstel Gold isn't actually in the Ardennes! The race winds through the Limburg countryside on narrow, twisty roads with over 30 short-but-nasty climbs packed into its 255.9km route [14]. Imagine riding a roller coaster made of asphalt, and you'll get the idea.

Named after its beer sponsor (cycling and beer—name a more iconic duo), Amstel Gold has grown in stature over the years, earning WorldTour status in 2011 [13]. The race rewards riders with ninja-level positioning skills and explosive power for those punchy climbs. Think of it as a puzzling mix of Flanders-style positioning with Ardennes-style explosiveness!

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

"Omloop Het WHAT?" Don't worry about pronouncing it—just know it's cycling's equivalent of Opening Day in baseball! This special race traditionally kicks off the Belgian cycling season in late February [1], serving as Northwestern Europe's first major throw-down of the year [1].

Starting in Ghent and finishing in Ninove, Omloop tackles the challenging hills of the Flemish Ardennes, effectively shouting "Cobbled classics season is OPEN!" to the cycling world [1]. Its late-February slot practically guarantees miserable weather—think near-freezing temps and rain—creating a stark contrast to those early-season races where riders are getting tans in the Middle East [1].

Since 2006, women have gotten their own version of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, run on the same day [1]. Both races feature the legendary Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg climbs [17]—the perfect way to shock cycling bodies and minds out of winter hibernation!

So while these races might live in the shadow of their Monument big brothers, they're absolutely packed with drama, history, and career-making moments. Miss them at your peril! 📺

Who Wins These Races? Rider Types and Tactics 🏅

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Ever wonder what type of superhuman it takes to conquer cycling's most brutal one-day battles? Let's dive into what makes classics specialists tick—and trust me, these aren't your typical skinny Tour de France climbers!

Classics specialists and their traits

Picture the ideal classics rider in your mind. What do you see? Forget the waif-like mountain goats who shine in July—classics specialists are cycling's heavyweight division.

These riders typically pack more muscle than their Grand Tour cousins. The perfect classics contender tips the scales above 70kg, giving them the raw power to hammer across cobblestones while their bike threatens to shake apart beneath them. Think Thor with a helmet instead of a hammer! 💪

But the physical package is just half the story. The mental game? Absolutely crucial. As Paris-Roubaix champion Mathew Hayman put it: "To ride the classics well, you need to be very motivated... It requires 5-6 hours of concentration and a level of aggression."

These riders must "absorb a lot of negative thoughts" while battling brutal weather, treacherous roads, and their screaming legs. Most of us struggle with negative thoughts during a 45-minute spin class—imagine doing that for 6+ hours while riding through what feels like an earthquake!

What truly sets classics specialists apart is their extraordinary ability to absolutely empty the tank in a single day. Many boast eye-popping five-minute power outputs that let them respond to repeated surges over cobbled nightmares or up those short, savage bergs. This explosive capability, matched with tactical smarts, creates the perfect storm for classics success.

How teams support their leaders

"No rider is an island" should be embroidered on every classics team bus. Behind each mud-splattered victory stands a carefully orchestrated team effort.

Take Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2024, where riders battled "temperatures just above freezing and intermittent showers" (sounds fun, right?). Team reports revealed the crucial behind-the-scenes work: "The squad did a brilliant job keeping our two race leaders at the front of the pack, avoiding crashes and splits in the peloton."

Experienced team directors don't just wing it—they typically assemble squads of around 10 riders for classics campaigns. This provides enough depth to handle the inevitable colds, crashes, and injuries that plague the early season. Nothing derails classics ambitions faster than a badly timed case of the sniffles!

The preparation phase is critical too. Races like Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico serve as final tune-up opportunities where riders "are basically eating kilometers, suffering in the mountains, and fine-tuning." Think of these as dress rehearsals where the understudies sometimes steal the show!

As racing evolves to become faster and more explosive, team tactics have shifted too. Today's support riders need to position their leaders perfectly before key sectors—sometimes sacrificing their own races entirely. And directors have gotten smarter about assignments, giving support riders realistic jobs rather than impossible tasks. As one director bluntly put it: "You don't tell them they need to be at the front of the peloton at a key point and then need to mark Gilbert before beating Sagan in a sprint."

That would be like asking me to make a perfect soufflé while simultaneously running a marathon! Not happening. 🙅‍♂️

The classics may celebrate individual champions, but make no mistake—these are team victories earned through collective suffering, sacrifice, and perfectly timed support.

How to Watch and Follow the Spring Classics 📺

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"Wait, where can I actually watch these races?" — The question every new cycling fan inevitably asks!

Gone are the days when finding cycling broadcasts required sacrificing your firstborn to the cable gods. Today's viewing options are better than ever, though the patchwork of broadcasting rights might leave you feeling like you need a flowchart just to figure out where to watch!

Best platforms and broadcasters

Here's the deal: where you can watch cycling's most epic one-day battles depends entirely on which patch of planet Earth you call home. In the United States, the classics coverage is split between three main players:

FloBikes is your go-to for Flanders Classics including the Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, Gent-Wevelgem, and that tongue-twister season opener Omloop Het Nieuwsblad [19]. They've got you covered for both men's and women's races, plus E3 Saxo Classic and other Belgian cobbled goodness.

Peacock has locked down all ASO-organized events through 2029, making it essential if you want to witness the madness of Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and La Flèche Wallonne [19]. No Peacock, no "Hell of the North" — simple as that!

Max (the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max) handles the RCS Sport races like Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche [19]. You'll need their B/R Sports add-on, because apparently we haven't reached the limit of streaming subscriptions yet! 🙄

UK fans have it slightly easier with TNT Sports/Discovery+ covering most spring classics [5]. Meanwhile, Aussie viewers can catch select races on SBS, though mainly the big-ticket events like Tour of Flanders [2].

For international viewers, Eurosport/Discovery+ is the go-to across Europe, though each country might have its own specific service. And if all else fails? Many hardcore fans turn to VPN services to access geo-restricted broadcasts [20]. Not that I'm officially recommending that, of course! 😉

Tips for understanding race coverage

So you've secured your streaming access — congrats! Now let's make sure you actually know what you're watching:

First, do your homework! Follow pre-race coverage to understand which sections matter most. Commentators will highlight key climbs or cobbled sectors where winning moves typically happen. When they start getting excited about "approaching the Arenberg Forest," you'll know exactly why!

Second, spend 10 minutes studying team jerseys before the race starts. Trust me, when 150+ riders are battling for position in the rain, and the TV graphics are spotty at best, you'll thank yourself for knowing that the blue guys are Quick-Step and the red-and-black ones are INEOS.

Third, watch where the cameras go. See those motorcycle cameramen suddenly zooming in on a specific rider or small group? That's your signal that something big might be about to happen! When they start frantically following someone, pay attention — the race might be exploding!

And if you're lucky enough to attend in person (bucket list alert!), head straight for the famous cobbled climbs. The Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont, and Muur van Geraardsbergen aren't just fun to pronounce—they're magical places to witness cycling history being made [21]. Pro tip: arrive early, bring beer, and prepare to scream your lungs out as riders struggle up grades that would make your car complain!

Remember, half the fun of classics watching is the anticipation—those long tactical stretches where not much happens, followed by explosive moments where everything changes in seconds. It's like fishing, except the fish are world-class athletes and the bite is always worth the wait! 🎣

Conclusion ✨

There's something truly special about the Spring Classics that just can't be replicated anywhere else in sport. These aren't just bike races—they're beautiful, brutal tests of human limits that have been challenging cyclists for over a century.

What makes them so captivating? Maybe it's watching riders bounce across centuries-old cobblestones that were never meant for racing bikes. Or perhaps it's seeing the pain etched on faces as legs scream up climbs that would make mountain goats think twice. Or possibly it's the added drama of Mother Nature herself, who often decides to throw in sideways rain and bone-chilling temperatures just for fun.

I've watched countless editions where riders who looked superhuman in other races suddenly appear all too human—vulnerable, suffering, sometimes even walking their bikes up climbs when conditions turn treacherous. These moments of raw humanity against ancient roads create the stories we cycling fans live for.

The technology changes (electronic shifting, disc brakes, carbon everything), the training methods evolve, but the fundamental challenge remains gloriously unchanged. To win a classic, you still need that perfect blend of freakish physical gifts, mental toughness that borders on insanity, and the tactical intelligence to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right moment.

And let's not forget—behind every mud-splattered victor stands a team that sacrificed their own chances completely. Success in these races demands perfect timing, laser focus, and total dedication from everyone involved.

This is why we block out Sundays in spring. This is why hardcore fans stand for hours in freezing rain on Belgian hillsides. This is why the names Merckx, De Vlaeminck, Kelly, and Boonen are spoken with reverence. The Spring Classics remind us what sport at its purest should be—not just athletic achievement, but human drama that connects us across generations.

Each year brings fresh challengers, new tactical approaches, and modern equipment—but the roads remain the same, the challenge endures, and the glory of winning never diminishes. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering these races, you're connecting with cycling's deepest soul.

So next spring, find yourself a comfortable spot on the couch, grab your beverage of choice, and settle in for cycling at its most authentic. These races never disappoint. And who knows? Maybe someday you'll find yourself standing roadside on the Oude Kwaremont or Carrefour de l'Arbre, adding your voice to the chorus that has cheered on champions for more than a century.

FAQs

Q1. What are the five Monument races in cycling? The five Monument races are Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia. These are considered the most prestigious one-day events in professional cycling due to their length, difficulty, and historical importance.

Q2. How do the cobbled classics differ from the hilly classics? Cobbled classics, like Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders, feature sections of rough cobblestone roads and are typically flatter. Hilly classics, such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège, have more elevation gain with multiple short, steep climbs. The terrain shapes the race strategy and favors different types of riders.

Q3. Who are some of the top contenders in recent Spring Classics? Notable contenders in recent years include versatile riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, who excel in both cobbled and hilly races. Other top performers include Julian Alaphilippe, known for his punchy climbing style, and Peter Sagan, a consistent classics specialist.

Q4. What makes the Spring Classics challenging for riders? Spring Classics are challenging due to their length (often over 250km), unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain (cobblestones or steep climbs), and the high-intensity racing from start to finish. These factors test riders' endurance, bike handling skills, and tactical abilities.

Q5. How can fans watch and follow the Spring Classics? Fans can watch Spring Classics through various broadcasting platforms, depending on their location. In the US, services like FloBikes, Peacock, and Max offer coverage. International viewers often use Eurosport/Discovery+. Following pre-race coverage and familiarizing yourself with team jerseys can enhance the viewing experience.

References

[1] - https://www.canyon.com/en-us/blog-content/pro-cycling-news/spring-classics-guide/b04032024.html
[2] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_cycle_races
[3] - https://www.cyclingnews.com/spring-classics/
[4] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-classics-monuments-cobbles
[5] - https://www.bicycling.com/racing/a30790280/spring-classics-better-grand-tours/
[6] - https://rouvy.com/blog/the-unique-and-iconic-one-day-spring-classics-and-monuments
[7] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E3_Saxo_Bank_Classic
[8] - https://www.cyclingnews.com/e3-saxo-classic/
[9] - https://www.welovecycling.com/wide/2025/03/29/van-der-poel-wins-e3-saxo-classic-with-devastating-solo-ride/
[10] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gent–Wevelgem
[11] - https://www.olympics.com/en/news/gent-wevelgem-women-2025-preview-schedule-belgian-cycling-spring-classic-watch-live
[12] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstel_Gold_Race
[13] - https://www.cyclingnews.com/amstel-gold-race/
[14] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omloop_Het_Nieuwsblad
[15] - https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/omloop-het-nieuwsblad-2025/preview/
[16] - https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/how-to-watch-pro-cycling-in-the-us-in-2025-a-steaming-guide-for-us-viewers/
[17] - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/cycling-tv-streaming-guide-how-to-watch-this-weeks-races
[18] - https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-culture/a-fans-guide-to-watching-the-spring-classics-cyclings-ultimate-bucket-list-trip-to-flanders-and-roubaix/