Flanders Classics
Flanders Classics is an official cooperation among the organizers of the classic cycle races held in Flanders. It was founded in 2010 and comprises six races, of which the Tour of Flanders, one of the Monuments of cycling classics, is considered the most important. Important classics not included are E3 Harelbeke and Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne.
Mission
The mission of the Flanders Classics is to ensure the position of the Flemish Classics in the international cycling calendar. By doing this the organization improves the stature of the smaller Flemish races. The cooperation has already achieved a better date for three of the races: Gent–Wevelgem will now be held on the Sunday between Milan–San Remo and the Ronde van Vlaanderen; the Scheldeprijs will be held between the Ronde and Paris–Roubaix; and, the Brabantse Pijl will be held before the Ardennes classics, which consist of the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
Classics
Cooperating races are:
Race | Notes |
---|---|
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad | This is the Opening race of the Belgian cycling season. |
Dwars door Vlaanderen | Traditionally this is the first day of the Flemish Cycling Week with Gent–Wevelgem, the Three Days of De Panne and the Tour of Flanders. |
Gent–Wevelgem | This is the first of the three Cobbled classics and is held on the Sunday between Milan–San Remo and the Tour of Flanders. |
Tour of Flanders | This is the only Flemish race of the five Monuments. |
Scheldeprijs | This race is held between the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix. |
Brabantse Pijl | This race is now held before the Ardennes classics. |