The 5 Classics of Cycling
First things first: There is no official definition of which races are counted as classics. Historic bike races, in general, are sometimes referred to as classics or semi-classics, but not without controversy.
However, there is no dispute about "The Classics" – one-day races that are more important than all others. They have in common that their first edition took place before the First World War. In the case of the Tour of Flanders, the first edition was in 1913 and could only be repeated once before it had to pause due to the war.
Due to the disagreement in the "classic" designation, the term "5 Monuments of Cycling" became a popular and clear alternative. However, the International Cycling Union UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) does not include either term in the official regulations.
These are the 5 Monuments of Cycling:
Milan-Sanremo
With the nickname la primavera, the spring, it's not surprising that Milan-Sanremo is traditionally the monument found earliest in the cycling calendar. Sometimes it is also called prima vera corsa, meaning the "first real race."
First held in 1907 under the harshest climatic conditions, the organizers were not sure if the race was physically achievable. Out of 33 riders, only 14 could overcome the 286 kilometers to the finish.
Particularly challenging and thus legendary was the 1910 race held during a heavy snowstorm. The riders had to seek refuge in houses along the route repeatedly. Only four of the original 63 riders reached the finish. The winner, Eugène Christophe, had to spend four weeks in the hospital to treat hypothermia and frostbite.
Today, the race is fortunately much safer, although still athletically very challenging. Due to the long flats, the race is considered a matter for sprinters. The next edition of Milano-Samreno will take place on 21 March 2026.
Review 2025 Milan-Sanremo
As in 2024, the race did not start in Milan, but in Pavia, around 30 kilometers south of the metropolis.
With a distance of 287.20 kilometers, the 116th edition was even slightly shorter than last year's route, although the traditional route with the Passo del Turchino, the Cipressa and the Poggio remained unchanged.
Three exceptional riders, one finish line, one winner: Mathieu Van der Poel! A royal finale that could hardly have been more epic: Van der Poel narrowly prevailed over Ganna, while Pogačar came away empty-handed once again and continues to chase the dream of winning Sanremo.
What preceded this showdown was pure cycling drama. The three turned the 5.6 km long climb into a high mountain, pulverized the record of 9 minutes and then plunged down the descent like in a team time trial.
Pogačar attacked again on the Poggio, Ganna had to let go briefly, but Van der Poel held out - even with a counterattack reminiscent of his triumph two years ago. But Pogačar was prepared. Ganna closed the gap again in the final kilometer and it all came down to this one sprint.
Tour of Flanders
"Vlaanderens mooiste," Flanders' Finest, sometimes resembles more of a folk festival than a cycling event. However, this is due to the high popularity and large crowds of spectators. Throughout the long history of the race, organizers often had great difficulty keeping the enthusiastic fans under control and away from the course.
The race, also known as the "Ronde," passes over many key sections, known as Hellingen: short but extremely steep climbs with gradients of up to 20%. Many of the Hellingen also lead over "Kasseien," cobblestones, which further complicates the course.
As a result, the Ronde becomes one of the toughest and most spectacular bike races. Mass sprints and tactical teamwork characterize the sections before the Hellingen to position themselves as best as possible to cross these obstacles. The field thins out over the course of the race until the final specialists engage in a tough individual battle.
The Tour de Flanders 25 will take place on 06 April 2025.
Review 2025 Tour of Flanders
Pogačar conjures up victory
What a day, what a race! Tadej Pogačar celebrated a magnificent victory at the 109th Tour of Flanders. With around 25 kilometers to go, the world champion launched his decisive attack on the Oude Kwaremont – and no one was able to keep up. He crossed the finish line in Oudenaarde beaming with joy, with an advantage of over a minute.
Behind him, a thrilling sprint for second place ensued, which Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) won by a narrow margin ahead of Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck). The Dutchman had previously put in a strong chase after a crash. Wout van Aert (VISMA | Lease a Bike) finished fourth, with Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek) completing the top five.
Despite crashes, chaos and a strong headwind, it was a celebration for all cycling fans – with an outstanding winner who made history in the rainbow jersey. Pogačar proved once again that when he gets going, he leaves everyone in awe.
Paris-Roubaix
Paris-Roubaix, the Hell of the North – this nickname was originally earned because it led through the regions of France devastated and destroyed by the First World War. Nowadays, the infamous cobblestones and sometimes adverse conditions give the nickname further justification. In the 118th edition of the race in 2021, the riders were sometimes so covered in dirt that jersey and faces were hardly recognizable. You should definitely make a note of the next edition of Paris-Roubaix on 13 April 2025!
Review 2025 Paris-Roubaix
Van der Poel is crowned King of Hell!
What a spectacle! Mathieu van der Poel made history at the 122nd Paris–Roubaix, winning the “Hell of the North” for the third time in a row – a triumph for the ages! With a powerful solo over the last few kilometers, the Dutchman left no doubt: this monument belongs to him!
Over 259.2 kilometers – peppered with 29 brutal cobblestone sectors – van der Poel dominated the action, always alert, always ready. When the competition hesitated, he mercilessly pulled away. In the end, he rolled over a minute ahead into the legendary Roubaix velodrome – jubilant, radiant, like a king!
Tadej Pogačar, who triumphed at the Tour of Flanders just a week earlier, delivered a strong performance on his Roubaix debut. Despite crashing and changing his wheel, he fought back to take second place – but there was no beating van der Poel that day.
Mads Pedersen won the thrilling sprint for third place ahead of Wout van Aert and Florian Vermeersch. And from a German perspective, Jonas Rutsch rode to a strong sixth place – his best Roubaix result so far!
An epic race, an outstanding winner. Mathieu van der Poel didn't just win Paris–Roubaix – he ruled it!
Liège–Bastogne–Liège
The oldest one-day race still held has truly earned the nickname “la Doyenne”, the oldest. At the same time, it is considered a particularly tough race: the Walloon Ardennes offer hard and notorious climbs, which will certainly challenge the riders in the next edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège on April 27, 2025!
Review 2025 Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Pogačar's triumph and the road ahead
On April 27, 2025, Tadej Pogačar enchanted the cycling world with a performance in a class of its own! In the 111th edition of Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the Slovenian superstar launched his attack on the Côte de La Redoute, 35 kilometers from the finish line – and no one could follow him. With an impressive solo ride, the UAE Team Emirates rider secured his third victory in this monument, crossing the finish line more than a minute ahead of his pursuers.
Italian Giulio Ciccone from the Lidl-Trek Team fought his way to second place, closely followed by Irish talent Ben Healy from EF Education-EasyPost, who took third place. It was a high-class podium, but no one came close to challenging Pogačar's dominance on the day!
And there's more to come: after this dream spring, in which Pogačar has already won Strade Bianche, the Tour of Flanders and Flèche Wallonne, the champion is allowing himself only a short break. Soon, his sights will be set on the Tour de France – the next big goal! The cycling world is in turmoil: will Pogačar make history there too and further cement his legendary status? Everything points to many more magical moments from this extraordinary athlete!
Lombardy Tour
First held in 1905 and known as "Giro di Lombardia" from 1907-2012, the one-day race is now officially called "Il Lombardia." The Lombardy Tour is traditionally the last major cycling race of a season and the only one of the Monuments not held in spring, earning it the nickname "Race of the Falling Leaves."
Review 2024 Lombardy Tour
Tadej Pogačar triumphs again at the Giro di Lombardia!
Tadej Pogačar capped an impressive season with another outstanding performance at the 118th edition of the Giro di Lombardia on October 12, 2024. Wearing the rainbow jersey of the reigning world champion, the Slovenian dominated the race and celebrated his fourth consecutive victory at “Il Lombardia”, thus equaling the historic record of Italian cycling legend Fausto Coppi.
The demanding race over the mountainous roads of Lombardy once again became a stage for Pogačar's endurance and climbing skills. With around 50 kilometers to go, he attacked relentlessly, leaving his competitors standing. Despite the demanding route and hard-charging pursuers, Pogačar rode confidently to Bergamo and won by a clear margin.
With this triumph, Pogačar not only secured his fourth victory at the Tour of Lombardy, but also impressively underlined his place among the greatest cyclists in history with his seventh Monument victory.
Classic Hunters & More: What the Pros Consider
An official definition of the Monuments may be lacking, but that doesn't bother the fans: they eagerly follow the toughest and oldest races in cycling. Naturally so, as they are truly spectacular every year! But even the pros look forward to these races, especially the so-called "Classic Hunters."
Indeed, these classic specialists exist: professional cyclists who specialize in one-day races, especially the 5 Monuments. Successful professional teams often rely on specialized riders to meet different challenges.
On the one hand, there is a significant difference between a one-day race and a multi-day stage tour. In one-day races, riders who are both good escape artists and good sprinters are in demand. Usually, riders with relatively lower weight and thus improved aerodynamics have a slight advantage.
Also, the specific challenges of the Monuments, especially the infamous cobblestones, must be trained. Classic hunters, therefore, compete as team captains in the Monuments, but they tend to support in a helper role in stage races.
By the way, three of the five Monuments are also contested in women's cycling. Paris-Roubaix Femmes was originally scheduled to be held in 2020 but, due to the pandemic, the inaugural edition was postponed to 2021. Lizzie Deignan of Team Trek-Segafredo (Women) won the race with a clear lead of over a minute, becoming the first rider to have won all three contested Monuments in women's cycling at least once.
Review 2024 Paris-Roubaix-Femme
Lotte Kopecky triumphs at Paris–Roubaix Femmes!
In dry and warm weather, Lotte Kopecky won a hard-fought race. After an attack on the sector of Auchy to Bersée, a group of four formed with Kopecky, Marianne Vos, Pfeiffer Georgi and Christina Schweinberger.
Later, the race stabilized, but attacks by Jade Wiel, Ellen van Dijk and Amber Kraak shaped the finale. On the sector of Camphin, Vos, Kopecky and Elisa Balsamo caught up with the leaders, followed by Georgi. Despite mutual attacks and a lack of cooperation, the group maintained its narrow lead over the chasers.
In the velodrome in Roubaix, Kopecky won the sprint comfortably ahead of Balsamo. Georgi took third place, just ahead of Vos.
Kopecky's teammate Lorena Wiebes won the sprint of the chasing group, rounding off the strong team performance. With this victory, Lotte Kopecky confirmed her exceptional status and was crowned winner of Paris–Roubaix Femmes.
