Spring is in the air - routes and guide for The Classics

One-Day Classics Schedule for 2016

When I am asked what or where my favorite bike races are held, I smile with great sentiment and excitement and always respond, "Oh, the Classics, the cobbles!". Without a doubt the classics are the most grueling test of man and his bike against the elements. Sure cycling is a team sport, but the classics are the hardest races to predict because most often they come down one day, and the will of one man on that one day.

Like many cycling fans I have large gaps in my interest. For me the real cycling season is the spring, then a gap before the Tour of California and Giro, and another before the Tour de France, and finally a long wait until cyclocross season and watching Worlds. In between, I believe it is best to get and and do it yourself.

For now, even with the fresh layer of snowfall in Denver, Colorado today, Spring is in the air. Read more about the races, where to watch the spring classics livestream, route maps and distances. Enjoy this extensive guide to the Spring Classics. More can be found here: Pedal Dancer® Guide Page to the Spring Classics.

ABOUT THE BIGGEST RACES OF THEM ALL

The Monuments:

• Milano-Sanremo (Italy)
• Tour of Flanders (Belgium)
• Paris-Roubaix (France)
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)
• Il Lombardia (Italy)

Nicknames for the Classics:

• Paris-Roubaix = Queen of the Classics (La Reine), The Hell of the North, La Pascale
• Amstel Gold = [no nickname]
• La Fleche-Wallonne = The Walloon Arrow
• Liege-Bastogne-Liege = La Doyenne (the oldest/old lady)
• Milan-San Remo = La Primavera (the spring), Sprinters' Classic, La Classicissima
• Ronde van Vlaanderen = Flanders' most beautiful (Vlaanderens mooiste)
• Paris-Nice = Race to the Sun
• Tirreno-Adriatico = Race of the two Seas
• Il Lombardia = Race of the Falling Leaves

You are on pavé. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

THE SPRING CLASSICS

Spring Classics = Milan-San Remo + Cobbled Classics + Ardennes Classics

La Primavera

• Milano-Sanremo (Italy)

Cobbled Classics:

• Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (Belgium)
• Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne (Belgium)
• Dwars door Vlaanderen (Belgium)
• E3 Harelbeke  (Belgium)
• Ghent-Wevelgem  (Belgium)
• Tour of Flanders  (Belgium)
• Scheldeprijs (Belgium)
• Paris-Roubaix  (France)

*The most prestigious cobbled classics races are Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders. E3 Harelbeke and Ghent-Wevelgem are also revered, with E3 Harelbeke now being the tougher of the later two.

Ardennes Classics:

• Amstel Gold  (The Netherlands)
• La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)

Sculpture and Pond at t'Zand square Bruges on Tour of Flanders race day. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

SEEING THE CLASSICS AS A FAN

For an American, the cobbled climbs of the Spring Classics can be hard to understand or appreciate, I certainly didn't understand them until I went and saw them for myself. The climbs aren't that long and don't appear that steep on TV, but trying to acheive and maintain momentum up these climbs is super hard. The cobbles are big, the ruts wide, the camber uneven, the pace unnervingly slow, the conditions often slick and the outcome somewhat unknown.

The approach onto these short cobbled sections often transition around a corner from pavement onto the harsh cobbles, and then suddenly after an excruciating effort, back onto fast smooth tarmac. The passage is narrow and you never know if there will be a crash or pile up ahead; being at the front is crucial. The top of any cobbled climb feels like a tremendous accomplishment. As a spectator, being anywhere near these climbs on race day is exhilarating.

If you are a first time visitor, you might consider joining a tour company. I planned and made the trip solo and had one of the best cyclist tourist trips I have completed. I loved the blend of culture, food, beer, getting lost, exploring the climbs, war memorials, meeting new friends and happily discovering why Belgium is the heartland of cycling. 

The start (bottom) of the Paterberg looks pleasant enough, but wait, it get's steep fast. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

And don't forget about the beer!

The endless choice of delicious beers in Belgium. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

And the food!

Yum, pies and torts in Belgium. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

And the frites! A must - walking the streets of Bruges with frites en (Andalouse) mayo. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

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2016

The classics demonstrate the true beauty of bike racing - they are hard, unknown glory at its best. Here is a list of the classics by date.

One-Day Classics Schedule for 2016 - race dates and links to official race websites.

February 2016
27 February 2016: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC
28 February 2016: Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC

March 2016
5 March 2016: Strade Bianche, ITALY, UCI European Tour 1.HC
19 March 2016: Milano - Sanremo, ITALY, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
23 March 2016: Dwars door Vlaanderen BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC
25 March 2016: E3 Harelbeke, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
27 March 2016: Ghent - Wevelgem in Flanders Fields, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

April 2016
3 April 2016: Ronde van Vlaanderen / Tour des Flandres, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
6 April 2016: Scheldeprijs, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC
10 April 2016: Paris - Roubaix, FRANCE, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
17 April 2016: Amstel Gold Race, NETHERLANDS, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
20 April 2016: La Flèche Wallonne, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT
24 April 2016: Liège - Bastogne - Liège, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

HOW TO WATCH THE SPRING CLASSICS FROM THE USA

My tip is to discover your best option before race day (or slightly before the finish!). Your access to each race will be a bit different and video is often geo-restricted. The options below will list the start and estimated race finish times, a definite help for early risers in the USA. Begin your search for coverage here:

• Steephill.TV: the top of the page lists current race news, the side column (desktop) has a neat and tidy box with the Classics links.
• Cycling Fans: most current race live coverage is listed at the top of the page
• ProCyclingLive: latest links in the center of page.
• Cycling TV: Live and on demand subscription required. 
• NBC Sports Live Extra cycling depending on your TV cable company.  
• NBC Sports Live Extra Mobile App, download in the App Store or the Google Play store. You’ll need a cable provider log-in to watch. 
• CyclingHub.TV: for some you might want to try this livestream site.
• Twitter: search for a link by race name offered by other fans.    

Tip: I purchased a 3-month subscription to Cycling.TV, but I also pull up a Sporza link from Belgium (via Steephill.TV). I like to also watch the local Belgian coverage and the interviews after the race.  In addition I follow along on the live text coverage on CyclingNews.com

You will see far more on TV, but being there is person is a thrill!

Chasing the cobbled climbs included in the classics is an easy place to get lost. The famed cobbled sections included in a number of the races are mere stretches of hard rock in the beautiful countryside of Belgium. 

Location of Kwaremont and Paterberg pave sections, near Kerkhove, Belgium. Map by Pedal Dancer®

Such beautiful countryside to pedal through. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

WHO WILL WIN THE CLASSICS?

Similar names appear each year depending on the terrain of the course and whether short punchy climbs are involved, or long powerful distances are to be raced. Members of team Etixx-Quick Step stands like gods in Belgium, but Team Sky is serious in their preparation, so too is team BMC. This year look for these names to be on the podiums:

Greg Van Avermaet, Ian Stannard, Tom Boonen, Fabian Canellara, Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish, Marcel Kittel, Michal Kwiatkowski, Luke Rowe, Tony Martin, Alexander Kristoff, Nikki Terpstra. The Ardennes classics are typically won by strong climbers such as Alejandro Valverde, Simon Gerrans, Sylvain Chavenel or Philippe Gilbert. 

Leading into the 2016 spring races, John Degenkolb is injured; Andre Greipel is injured. Mark Cavendish's new team, Dimension Data, has not received a wild card invitation to defend his 2015 title at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne 2016. Geraint Thomas is focusing on stage racing. But look out for the strong presence of Tony Martin, new to the cobbled classics. 

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Lion of Flanders. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

SPRING CLASSICS ROUTE MAPS FOR 2016


2016 Omloop Het Niewuwsblad route map
27 February 2016: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Gent
Finish city: Gent
Distance:  200,8 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive road map
Road map: oomloop 2016 elite men roads
Timetable: oomloop 2016 elite men timetable

List of cobbles and bergs/helling: itinéraire

Who won is 2015?:  Ian Stannard (SKY)
Who won is 2016?:  Greg Van Avermaet (BMC)

Greg Van Avermaet in Kortrijk. Photo by Pedal Dancer®

Omloop Het Niewuwsblad 2016 route map

2016 Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map
28 February 2016: Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Kuurne
Finish city: Kuurne
Distance: 200,7 km
Type of race: sprinter's classic

Parcours: interactive road map
Road map and timetable: elite men roads (on page)

List of cobbles and bergs/helling: itinéraire

Who won is 2015?:  Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quick Step)
Who won is 2016?:

Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map

2016 Strade Bianca route map
5 March 2016: Strade Bianche, ITALY, UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Siena
Finish city: Siena
Distance: 176 km
Type of race: white gravel

Route map: Parcours (on page)
Timetable: Altimetria (on page)

Who won is 2015?:  Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick Step)
Who won is 2016?: 

Strade Bianca 2016 route map

2016 Milan San Remo route map
19 March 2016: Milano - Sanremo, ITALY, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Milano
Finish city: Sanremo
Distance: ~293 km
Type of race: sprinter's classic

Route mao: planimetria (details not yet published)
Profile map: altrimetria
Timetable: cronotabella

Who won is 2015?:  John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
Who won is 2016?: 

Milan San Remo route map 2016

2016 Dwars door Vlaanderen route map
23 March 2016: Dwars door Vlaanderen BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Meensesteenweg
Finish city: Verbindingsweg Waregem
Distance: 199,7 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive course map
Profile: Elite Men Profile
Road map: Elite Men Roads
Timetable: Elite Men Time table
Teams: pro teams

Who won is 2015?:  Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise)
Who won is 2016?:

Dwars door Vlaanderen route map 2016

The final stretch of climb up the Kwaremont on a quiet day.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 E3 Harelbeke route map, (the bergs in E3)
25 March 2016: E3 Harelbeke, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Harelbeke
Finish city: Aankomst
Distance: 206 km
Type of race: cobbled classic
@E3Harelbeke

Parcours: interactive course map and Record Bank E3 Harelbeke - World Tour Elite - Roads and Traffic
Road map: Record Bank E3 Harelbeke - World Tour Elite - Detail
Teams: pro teams
Highlighted bergs: climbs

Who won is 2015?:  Geraint Thomas (Sky)
Who won is 2016?: 

E3 Harelbeke route map 2016

This is Tour of Flanders country (Ronde van Vlaanderen). ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Gent - Wevelgem route map
27 March 2016: Gent - Wevelgem in Flanders Fields, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Gent
Finish city: Wevelgem
Distance: 242,8 km
Type of race: sprinter's classic

Parcours: interactive course map
Road map: gw2016-elite-men-roadmap-v2.pdf
Timetable: gw2016-elite-men-timetable (1).pdf
Teams: Pro teams
List of bergs/helling: on itinerary 
Trivia: 48 of the past 60 races have been won by a Belgian.

Who won is 2015?: Luca Paolini (Katusha)
Who won is 2016?:  

Gent - Wevelgem route map 2016

Strolling the streets of Ghent. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Tour of Flanders route map
3 April 2016: Ronde van Vlaanderen / Tour des Flandres, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Bruges
Finish city: Oudenaarde
Distance: 255 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive course map
The bergs
Road Map: rvv2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf
Timetable: rvv2016-elite-men-timetable.pdf 
Teams: Pro teams

Who won is 2015?:  Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
Who won is 2016?: 

Tour of Flanders route map 2016

Practice day on the Kwaremont pre Tour of Flanders race day. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Schedldeprijs route map
6 April 2016: Scheldeprijs, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC

Start city: Antwerpen
Finish city: Schoten
Distance: 207,8 km
Type of race: sprinter's / cobbled classic

Parcours: interactive course map
Road Map: sp2016-elite-men-roadmapV20feb.pdf
Timetable: sp2016-elite-men-timetable V20feb.pdf
Teams: Pro teams

Who won is 2015?:  Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) 
Who won is 2016?: 

2016 Schedldeprijs route map

Antwerpen

2016 Paris-Roubaix route map
10 April 2016: Paris - Roubaix, FRANCE, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start city: Compiègne
Finish city: Roubaix
Distance: ~ 253 km
Type of race: cobbled classic

Pro Teams for 2016: participants
Route map: the official 2016 Paris-Roubaix parcours map has not yet been released.

The route of the 2016 Paris-Roubaix, which will be held on Sunday April 10, will include 27 cobble sectors over 52.8kms (32.81 miles) of cobblestones. The “Trouée d'Arenberg”, the Mons-en-Pévèle sector and the “Carrefour de l'Arbre” will be included in the 2016 p parcours. The uphill climb of Hameau du Buat will be featured in 2016. One hundred metres has been added to the length of the race in 2016. The total distance will be a grueling 257.5kms (160 miles).

Who won is 2015?:  John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
Who won is 2016?: 

The velodrome on Roubaix where the Paris-Roubaix race finishes. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2016 Amstel-Gold route map
17 April 2016: Amstel Gold Race, NETHERLANDS, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT

Start City: Maastricht
Finish City: Valkenburg
Distance:
Type of race: Ardennes classic

Who won is 2015?:  Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick Step)
Who won is 2016?: 

The exact parcours of the 2016 Amstel Gold has not yet been released.

Maastricht

Ardennes Classics:

• Amstel Gold  (The Netherlands) 
• La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)

Winners of the Classics in 2015

2015 Trofeo-Laigueglia - Winner: Davide Cimolai (Lampre-Merida)
2015 Omloop Het Nieuw - Winner: Ian Stannard (SKY)
2015 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne - Winner: Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quick Step)
2015 Le Samyn - Winner: Kris Boeckmans (Lotto Soudal)
2015 Strade Bianche - Winner:  Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick Step) 
2015 Milan-San Remo - Winner: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
2015 Dwars d Vlaanderen - Winner: Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise)
2015 E3 - Harelbeke - Winner: Geraint Thomas (Sky)
2015 Gent-Wevelgem - Winner: Luca Paolini (Katusha) 
2015 Tour of Flanders - Winner: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
2015 Scheldeprijs - Winner: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) 
2015 Paris-Roubaix - Winner: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)
2015 De Brabantse Pijl - Winner: Ben Hermans (BMC) 
2015 Amstel Gold - Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick Step)
2015 La Flèche Wallonne - Winner: Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)
2015 Liège-Bastogne-Liège - Winner: Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)
2015 San Sebastian - Winner: Adam Yates (Orica GreenEDGE)
2015 GP Cycliste Québec - Winner: Rigoberto Uran Uran (Etixx Quickstep)
2015 GP Cycliste Montreal - Winner: Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal)
2015 Il Lombardia - Winner: Vincenzo Nibali (Astana)

A landmark at the entrance to the Koppenberg climb. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Should I buy a VIP tickets to the bike race?

Absolutely, if you choose wisely.

Let's talk VIP passes.

Hang that VIP badge around your neck and suddenly you feel special. You feel invested in the race, displaying your support of bike racing to the public. Enter that VIP tent and you feel as if you have found your place among the other badge wearing happy VIP goers who love cycling. One of a select few (okay hundreds) who have bought your ticket and planned ahead for a comfy race experience. Happy you will be in your investment - if you choose your stage right.

By buying a VIP ticket, you will surely add a level of comfort, convenience, excitement, nourishment, race course view and people watching to your day at a bike race. But not everyone in the VIP tent knows a flying flip about bike racing. Those VIP tickets are often business perks or gifts to woo clients. You will most likely spot the celebrities of cycling inside the tent, as well as local politicians, but I am most moved by seeing groups of friends clustered around a table with a beer in hand, or a parent and child out to have an inspiring special day together.

A badge wearing cycling fan.

VIP tents make memories. I recommend combining a choice VIP experience with sitting on the side of the road and meeting fellow fans who have traveled from out of town, or will share with you the most interesting stories and are true pro racing fans.

When it comes to VIP tickets, I say:

1. Variety is the spice of life.
2. Buy quality.

A common dividing line of free and paid VIP spectators viewing at a bike race.

Clean white table clothes and chairs under shelter make VIP tents a comfortable and convenient way to sit and watch the race live on TV while being tempted by the beautiful display of catered food and drink. Free swag items cover tables, welcoming you as drinks flow and everyone seems happy under the long white tent.

In my opinion, VIP tents are best used as freedom: freedom to exit and return at whim, freedom to visit the team buses at the start, cruise the festival area and use the super nice restroom trailers included for use with your fancy badge (under which you feel so important as it dangles around your neck). And then return again to the peace of the white tent.

The price however, is steep: $200-250. Each.

Yes, VIP is luxury. Yes, I would recommend buying VIP tickets, but pick your stage carefully.

A beautiful set-up for spectators awaits you (without the palm trees, this was Tour of California)

My tip: When it comes VIP tickets is to buy quality location. Quality to me equates to visibility of the true race competition combined with need. I do not buy VIP to hob-nob; except with my family members who are never too pretentious to recognize "isn't this totally cool, let's meet some people!" In my opinion purchasing VIP tickets at a finish is preferred to buying VIP tickets at the start.

Read my individual guides to each stage to help you make your decisions.

VIP tent in Steamboat Springs. I have fun memories of the VIP tent in Steamboat. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

BUY VIP AT DENVER: Yes, I would buy VIP tickets in Denver. When the race finally reaches the capital city of Denver after a hard week of racing, everyone is ready to celebrate. The VIP tent in Denver has traditionally been packed. Free swag is plentiful, people are excited to be on the finishing straight and able to see the 4 laps and the final sprint. Of course, this is big city catering and big city drinks (ride your bike, use bike valet!). After the race, go through the barrier for a close up view of the final podium champagne celebration. In years past, Mario Cipollini has been spotted in this VIP tent. Last year, Jens Voigt was searching for cookies from persons in the tent prior to the last stage of his career. You will see the Schaden family (race owners) mingling, looking like everyone else. The VIP tent in Denver is a hopping place.[I have not yet prepared this year's Pedal Dancer® spectator guide to Stage 7, but here is the one from 2014 to help you with early planning: On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Denver.]

VIP Photos! All photos on this post by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

VIP swag offered on every table, in Denver, of the USA Pro Challenge in 2014!

Some very happy VIPs were driven in these Lexus cars last year by Kimberly and Mari. Mari (right) is an Olympic Silver Medalist in cycling and involved in the Women's Pro Challenge race.

This could be you. Happy VIP goers in Breckenridge, 2014.

An exiting way to spend the day.

You will see riders stopping to chat with family or friends inside the VIP tents at the start.  This happened to be Chris Baldwin (left) who was injured during a previous stage in 2013.

In 2014, Jensie cruising for cookies along the VIP tent, as photographers greeted friends and Mavic support crew personnel got ready for the stage start. There is plenty to watch from inside the VIP tent. Jens Voigt p/b Cookies and Coffee

Race owner Richard Schaden (left) was seen biking to VIP in 2014. I think this is totally awesome!

Friends, Race Announcer Dave Towle and journalist Neal Rogers of Velo News and GCN, have breakfast together before the start of a stage in 2014.

Who wants to talk politics on race day? That is the Mayor of Breckenridge of the right (in the funny hat).

Now we are talking. Art and Gabriel, father and son, enjoying the VIP experience together in 2012.

Drinks flow, mmm wine.

Delicious catering in every VIP tent (which I never seem to eat because I am busy talking, or they won't let me in!). I sure wish the Media Tent had food like this!

Ron Kiefel (7-11 team) drove former National Champion Dale Stetina in the VIP care over Independence Pass in 2012 .

How to make your own VIP

Bring a delicious picnic and set-up road side before the peloton passes. There will be lots to watch as you wait.

You must admit this is a pretty cool way to spend the day waiting for a race.

Arrive 3 hours early and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Now this is Product Placement - thanks LEXUS for the VIP tents! Although you will usually find me looking for coffee at a local coffee shop.

My progress as a Very Important Person

My first ever VIP experience with family and friend (pictured) in Pau at the 2001 Tour de France.

My second VIP experience was long awaited, in 2008, with my nephew Kenny (left) and plates full of food.

It didn't take me long to realize VIP treatment with tables, swag and TVs is very fine.

Enjoying VIP with my family in comfort and ease.

This was the guide to the various levels of VIP passes at the Tour of Flanders in 2012. The height of VIP experience for me. I was so happy to have entrance to see the riders prepare for the RVV classic, more excited that I had arranged my VIP from the USA. 

Why I did not select Aspen Finish (Stage 3) or Breckenridge Finish (Stage 4) in 2015 for VIP Passes ...

• Sometimes a wonderful town trumps a VIP Badge - there is no need.
• Sometimes it is more fun to move around at the race

I did not recommend VIP at Stage Starts because: I like to spend my time moving around the race to see as many bikes, pro racers, team manager and mechanics as I can. You can often get a good view of the announcing stage and watch the riders roll by to sign-in without being restricted to the VIP tent at the start.

In large cities, the VIP tent can be an excellent place to relax without trying to keep track of your entire clan. In small places, without great local food, VIP tents are also a good idea. Golden might be a good VIP start this year.
 
Aspen Finish: because this town is so wonderful, I would want to be out eating in the fabulous local restaurants en plain air. Having a beer outside, walking around the Finish Festival, and greeting friends. The presentation stage, where the jerseys are awarded in aspen, is not near the finish line.

VIP sometimes grabs the best location at the finish line, so if that is important to you - buy VIP!