The Classics are the first big rendezvous of the year; the point at which the rolling form guide that is the early season stage racing circus has been focusing on since early February. Weekends through late March and April are when one-day specialists, Grand Tour winners, rouleurs and opportunists come to make a name for themselves on the fabled roads of Italy, France, and, of course, Belgium.
The men’s and women’s one-day races that now run through to 24 April offer something for everyone, bring the crowds out in their hundreds of thousands (something that has been sorely missing for the last two years) and write another chapter in the sport’s history.
Like everyone, we look ahead to the Spring Classics excited about the pending duels, new faces and the performances of the biggest names in the sport.
Two riders sit at the top of the sport right now, and their pending duel at the Tour of Flanders is the most mouthwatering prospect this Classics season. Wout van Aert needs no introduction and after his performance at Het Nieuwsblad would be out-and-out favourite for Flanders. But Tadej Pogacar defies all preconceptions and his presence changes everything.
The double-Tour-winning 23-year-old has never ridden a cobbled Classic, or any race in the northern part of Belgium for that matter. But that won’t stop him. His 50km solo ride at Strade Bianche was like something from another era and no one has been able to match him so far this year when making his winning move.
MEN’S CONTENDERS
THE BIG FOUR
Denne historien er fra March 17, 2022-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
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Denne historien er fra March 17, 2022-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
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Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
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Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike