🏆 Classic Races in Cycling

The classics are among the most prestigious and traditional one-day races in professional road cycling. These legendary events are characterized by their long history, special route design and unique atmosphere. They are considered the crown jewels of the cycling calendar and enjoy the highest esteem among both riders and fans.

What are Classics?

Classics are one-day races with a special historical significance and a long-standing tradition, usually dating back over 50 years. Unlike stage races, the winner is determined in a single day. The term "classic" has become established for these races because they have maintained their significance across generations and occupy a permanent place in cycling culture.

The fascination of the classics lies in their unpredictability. A single mechanical failure, a crash or a wrong tactical decision can determine victory or defeat. There is no second chance as in multi-day tours - everything is decided in a few hours of the most intense racing.

Characteristic Features

001. Historical Significance
Classics have been held for decades or even over a century and have an extensive list of winners with legendary names.

002. Special Route Profiles
The races run over characteristic sections such as cobblestones, steep climbs or spectacular mountain passes, which have become the trademark of each classic.

003. Regional Roots
Many classics are deeply rooted in their region and attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to the route, which often runs across private land and through small villages.

004. Prestige
A classic victory is considered a career highlight and is often valued higher than a stage win at a Grand Tour.

The Monument Classics

The five most important classics are called "Monuments of Cycling". These races represent the absolute elite of one-day races:

Classic Categories

Classics can be categorized according to various criteria, with route characteristics and geographical location being the most important distinguishing features:

Spring Classics

The spring classics traditionally take place between March and April and mark the highlight of the early season. They are characterized by changing weather conditions, which make the race even more difficult.

Flemish Classics:

• Characterized by cobblestone sections (pavés)
• Short but extremely steep climbs ("Muren")
• Technically demanding with many changes of direction
• Examples: Gent-Wevelgem, E3 Harelbeke, Scheldeprijs

Ardennes Classics:

• Longer but moderate climbs
• Undulating route through the Ardennes
• Tactically demanding with many attack opportunities
• Examples: Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne

Autumn Classics

The autumn classics mark the end of the season and often have a different character than the spring races:

• Warmer temperatures than in spring
• Riders come from the Grand Tours
• Different form priorities
• Examples: Il Lombardia, Paris-Tours

Important Non-Monument Classics

In addition to the five Monuments, there are other top-class classics that belong to the absolute world elite. These semi-classics also enjoy great prestige:

001. Amstel Gold Race (Netherlands)

• First edition: 1966
• Characteristics: Countless short climbs (30-40 pieces)
• Special feature: Home race for Dutch riders

002. Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)

• First edition: 1936
• Characteristics: Multiple crossings of the Mur de Huy
• Special feature: Mountain finish on the legendary Mur de Huy

003. E3 Harelbeke (Belgium)

• First edition: 1958
• Characteristics: Mini-version of Tour of Flanders
• Special feature: Important test one week before Flanders

004. Gent-Wevelgem (Belgium)

• First edition: 1934
• Characteristics: Flatter profile than other Flanders classics
• Special feature: Often decided by a sprint of a small group

005. Paris-Tours (France)

• First edition: 1896
• Characteristics: Relatively flat profile
• Special feature: "Sprinter's classic" often with a large field in the finale

Tactics and Race Scenarios

The tactical requirements differ considerably depending on the type of classic. While in cobblestone classics the right positioning before the pavé sectors is crucial, in Ardennes classics it comes down to perfect timing of attacks.

Positioning and Teamwork

In classics, positioning in the peloton is even more important than in other races:

• Before key sections: Teams must place their captains in the first 20 positions
• Drafting: Saving energy for crucial moments
• Mechanical problems: Quick wheel changes can determine victory or defeat
• Crash risk: Further forward in the field minimizes the risk of being involved in mass crashes

The Role of Classics Specialists

Not all riders are made for classics. A distinct rider type has emerged: the classics specialist or "classics hunter". These riders are particularly powerfully built, have explosive power and can handle adverse conditions.

Characteristics of Successful Classics Riders

001. Physical Requirements:

• Higher body weight than climbing specialists (70-80 kg)
• Strong upper body muscles for cobblestone passages
• High anaerobic capacity for explosive accelerations

002. Technical Skills:

• Outstanding bike handling on difficult surfaces
• Quick reaction ability in chaotic situations
• Safe cornering technique at high speeds

003. Mental Strength:

• Ability to suffer in bad weather conditions
• Nerves for "do or die" situations
• Patience for the right moment to attack

004. Tactical Understanding:

• Route knowledge (often same route for years)
• Assessment of the competition
• Recognizing the optimal moment to attack

Famous classics hunters like Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara and Peter Sagan have focused their careers on these races.

Historical Development

The history of the classics dates back to the 19th century and is closely linked to the development of cycle racing.

The Beginnings (1890-1920)

The first classics originated as advertising events by newspapers and bicycle manufacturers:

• 1892: Liège-Bastogne-Liège is held for the first time
• 1896: Premiere of Paris-Roubaix, organized by the newspaper "Le Vélo"
• 1905: Start of Il Lombardia in Italy
• 1907: First edition of Milan-San Remo

The races were even more brutal back then: unpaved roads, primitive bicycles without gears and hardly any medical care characterized this pioneering era.

The Golden Era (1950-1980)

During this period, the classics reached their greatest social significance:

• Mass audiences at the roadside (often over 1 million spectators)
• National hero worship of winners
• Establishment of fixed rituals and traditions
• Beginning of live TV broadcasts

Modern Development (1990-today)

Professionalization and commercialization have changed the classics:

• Improved safety standards
• Integration into the UCI WorldTour
• Higher prize money and sponsorship
• Globalization with riders from all continents
• Technological progress in equipment and training

Special Route Elements

Each classic has its characteristic route elements that shape the race and contribute to its identity:

Cobblestones (Pavés)

The feared cobblestone sectors are the trademark of northern French and Belgian classics:

• Paris-Roubaix: Up to 55 km of cobblestones in approx. 30 sectors
• Tour of Flanders: Shorter but often steeper than at Roubaix
• Difficulty levels: From 1 star (easy) to 5 stars (extremely difficult)
• Challenges: Vibrations, tire punctures, crashes, extreme stress

Effects on Equipment and Riders:

• Special reinforced tires with higher air pressure
• Dampened handlebars and stem
• Physical shocks for hours
• Increased crash risk when wet

Hellingen (Steep Climbs)

The Flemish "Muren" are short but extremely steep climbs:

• Gradients: Often 15-20%, sometimes over 20%
• Length: Usually 500-2000 meters
• Combination: Often cobblestones on the climbs
• Tactics: Explosive power and perfect gear selection crucial

Famous Climbs:

• Mur de Huy (Flèche Wallonne): 1.3 km at an average of 9.6% (max. 19%)
• Oude Kwaremont (Flanders): 2.2 km at an average of 4%
• Paterberg (Flanders): 360 m at an average of 12.9% (max. 20%)
• Koppenberg (Flanders): 600 m at an average of 11.6% (max. 22%)

Poggio and Cipressa

At Milan-San Remo, these two final climbs are decisive:

• Cipressa: 5.6 km long, 4.1% average gradient (km 275)
• Poggio: 3.7 km long, 3.7% average gradient (km 291)
• Special feature: Short, technical descent after the Poggio to the finish

Training and Preparation

Preparation for classics differs fundamentally from preparation for Grand Tours:

Specific Classics Training

001. Power Endurance Training:

• Long rides at high intensity (5-7 hours)
• Simulation of race load
• Training on similar terrain as the target race

002. Explosive Intervals:

• Short, maximum efforts (15-60 seconds)
• Simulation of attacks on climbs
• Repeated accelerations from high speed

003. Technical Training:

• Riding on cobblestones
• Cornering training at high speeds
• Bike handling in groups

004. Racing as Training:

• Participation in smaller races as preparation
• Getting used to race intensity and competition stress
• Testing equipment and tactics

Season Planning for Classics Specialists

Equipment Choice and Technical Adaptations

For classics, equipment is specially adapted to meet the special requirements:

Frame Selection

• Stability over lightness: More robust frames than for mountain races
• Comfort geometry: Longer wheelbase for more stability
• Vibration damping: Special carbon fibers or integrated damping elements

Wheels and Tires

• Wider rims: 25-28mm tire width instead of 23-25mm
• Increased air pressure: Paradoxically higher on cobblestones (to avoid pinch flats)
• Puncture protection: Reinforced carcass and puncture protection layers
• Tubular vs. Clincher: Many pros rely on tubular tires for quick changes

Handlebars and Cockpit

• Dampened handlebars: Carbon with vibration damping
• Bar tape: Thicker, comfortable bar tape
• Stem: Shorter stems for better control

Economic Significance

Classics are not only sporting but also economically of enormous importance:

001. Direct Revenue:

• Start fees and prize money
• TV rights and sponsors
• Advertising along the route
• Merchandising

002. Regional Economic Development:

• Tourism promotion for host regions
• Gastronomy and hospitality benefit
• Long-term image promotion
• Infrastructure investments

003. Media Reach:

• TV viewers worldwide: several million
• Social media engagement
• International coverage
• Advertising equivalent value for sponsors

Women's Classics

For a long time, classics were only held for men. Since the 2000s, there has been positive development in women's cycling:

Development

• 2017: Tour of Flanders for women becomes a UCI Women's WorldTour race
• 2018: Paris-Roubaix Femmes is held for the first time
• Routes: Often shorter than men's races, but with the same key sections
• Prize money: Significant equalization in recent years
• Media attention: Growing TV broadcasts and coverage

Spectator Experience

Classics are also something special for spectators:

001. Route Reconnaissance:

• Many fans ride the route themselves in advance
• Feel for difficulty and atmosphere
• Discovering the best spectator spots

002. Live at the Roadside:

• Festival atmosphere
• Several hundred meters of arrival area freely accessible
• Authentic experience without stadium boundaries
• Refreshments and festivities

003. Key Sections:

• Climbs like Mur de Huy, Paterberg
• Pavé sectors at Paris-Roubaix
• Early arrival necessary (often 6-8 hours before passage)

004. TV Broadcast:

• Several hours of live coverage
• Helicopter shots of spectacular landscapes
• Expert commentary and background reports

Records and Statistics

Some notable records at the Monuments:

Classics Checklist for Amateur Cyclists

Would you like to ride the classics routes yourself? Here's a checklist:

001. Preparation:

• At least 3 months of targeted training
• Several long rides over 150 km completed
• Equipment check: robust tires, functioning bike
• Route studied in advance and highlights marked

002. Equipment:

• Spare tube and tools
• Sufficient nutrition (gels, bars, drinks)
• Weatherproof clothing
• GPS device with pre-installed route

003. During the Ride:

• Conservative speed on cobblestones
• Regular breaks
• Save energy reserves for key climbs
• Caution on descents

004. After the Ride:

• Adequate recovery
• Document experiences
• Check equipment for damage
• Be proud of the achievement!

Future of the Classics

The classics face various challenges but also opportunities:

Challenges

• Infrastructure: Preservation of historic cobblestone routes vs. modern road renovation
• Safety: Demands for safer route designs
• Climate change: Adaptation to changing weather conditions
• Commercialization: Balance between tradition and economic interests

Opportunities

• Digitalization: Virtual classics experiences and fan engagement
• Women's races: Further growing importance and equality
• Globalization: New markets and international attention
• Sustainability: Green event concepts and environmentally friendly mobility

Related Topics

• One-day races
• Semi-classics
• Monument classics
• Road racing
• Classics hunters
• History of cycle racing

Last updated: November 3, 2025

Author: Fabian Rossbacher