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WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS CYCLING EVENTS IN BELGIUM?
Belgium is more than just beer, chocolate, and waffles—it's the spiritual home of professional cycling. With legendary races like the Tour of Flanders and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Belgium hosts some of the oldest, most brutal, and most celebrated cycling events in the world. Cobbled roads, unpredictable weather, and thousands of screaming fans make Belgian races a unique spectacle. This article explores the most famous cycling events in Belgium, their history, terrain, and why they remain essential on the global cycling calendar.
The Spring Classics
Spring in Belgium isn’t just a season—it’s a religion for cyclists. The Spring Classics are single-day races known for their intensity, historic roots, and tough terrain. These races define careers and cement legends. Featuring brutal cobbled sectors, short but steep climbs (known as “bergs”), and chaotic finishes, they’re revered by fans and feared by riders.
Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen)
Arguably Belgium’s most prestigious race, the Tour of Flanders is a national holiday. Held annually in early April, it features 260+ km of narrow roads, brutal cobbles, and the infamous Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs. It’s a tactical battle, often won by the smartest and strongest rather than the fastest.
First held in 1913
Finishing city: Oudenaarde
Key features: Cobbled climbs, fan-lined roads, unpredictable weather
Winning Flanders means immortality in Belgian cycling culture.
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
This race opens the Belgian pro cycling season and serves as a mini-Flanders, covering many of the same cobbled climbs. Held in late February, it’s often a cold and windy showdown that gives early insight into riders’ Spring form.
Start/Finish: Ghent
Known for: Early-season tactics, dramatic finishes
Part of: UCI WorldTour
It’s not just a warm-up—it’s a war on wheels.
E3 Saxo Classic
Often considered a “mini Flanders,” the E3 Saxo Classic takes place in late March. Its climbs and cobbles mirror the Tour of Flanders, making it a key form indicator. Riders like Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen made this race famous.
Start/Finish: Harelbeke
Course: Technical, short climbs and cobbled chaos
Audience: Loud, passionate, local crowds
Winning here signals you’re ready for the season’s biggest tests.
The Ardennes Classics
While Flanders is all about cobbles and chaos, the Ardennes Classics feature longer, punchier climbs in southern Belgium’s lush, hilly terrain. These races attract climbers, puncheurs, and all-rounders. They're often decided by timing, stamina, and tactical nous in the final kilometers.
Liège–Bastogne–Liège (La Doyenne)
Known as "La Doyenne" or "The Old Lady," this is the oldest of the Monuments, first run in 1892. It spans over 250 km through the Ardennes region, featuring brutal climbs like La Redoute and Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons. Weather often plays a role—rain or snow isn't rare.
Held in late April
Key climbs: Côte de Stockeu, Côte de Saint-Nicolas
Finish: Uphill sprint in Liège or sometimes in Ans
La Doyenne demands endurance, patience, and punch—it’s a masterclass in attrition.
La Flèche Wallonne
Best known for its brutal Mur de Huy finish—a 1.3km wall averaging 9.6%—this midweek race is a tactical waiting game. Riders bide their time, then launch explosive final climbs.
Often won by: Riders with explosive uphill sprints (e.g., Alejandro Valverde)
Location: Wallonia
Distance: ~200 km
One wrong move before the Mur, and your race is over.
Brabantse Pijl
This race bridges the gap between the cobbled and hilly classics. Held in April, it features short, repetitive climbs ideal for puncheurs. The course is technical, and the race often ends in a small group sprint.
Start: Leuven
Finish: Overijse
Key feature: Frequent climbs and twisting roads
It’s a favorite prep race for those targeting the Ardennes triple.
Other iconic Belgian races
Beyond the big-name Monuments and Classics, Belgium hosts a wide variety of UCI races, semi-classics, and local legends. These events maintain the country’s elite status in global cycling and often provide surprise storylines.
Gent–Wevelgem
This race mixes flat sections with fierce crosswinds and the cobbled Kemmelberg climb. It's a sprinter’s classic with enough terrain to blow up the peloton. War memorials and historical landmarks line the route, making it a tribute to WWI as much as a race.
Distance: ~250 km
Highlights: Wind splits, cobbles, tactical sprinting
Part of: Flanders Classics Series
Gent–Wevelgem is often the most unpredictable of the Spring one-day races.
BinckBank Tour (now Benelux Tour)
As one of Belgium’s top stage races, this multi-day event winds through Belgium and the Netherlands. It includes time trials, sprint stages, and mini-classic terrain. While not as historic, it offers vital UCI WorldTour points and showcases upcoming talent.
Stages: 5–7 days
Features: Mixed terrain and GC battles
Recent winners: Stefan Küng, Matej Mohorič
Great for all-rounders and time trial specialists.
Six Day Ghent (Track cycling)
Held inside the legendary 't Kuipke velodrome, this event is a week-long spectacle of track racing, music, and showmanship. It’s a highlight of the winter season and beloved by Belgian fans.
Format: Team-based points races over six days
Venue: Indoor velodrome in Ghent
Atmosphere: Party meets precision sport
It’s where road pros and track stars collide in a celebration of speed.
From the cobbles of Flanders to the hills of Liège and the boards of Ghent, Belgium is where cycling heritage lives and breathes. These races aren’t just competitions—they’re chapters in cycling’s epic story.
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