The Ardennes Classics have arrived! First up, La Flèche Wallonne, which will take place midweek on April 19 (Wednesday), then Liège-Bastogne-Liège, as always, four days later on April 23 (Sunday). Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel look to be the favorites for the men’s races this year, while in the women’s races, expect to see Team SDWorx taking control to neutralize dangerous rivals like Annemiek van Vleuten.
History
Originally, the Ardennes Classics consisted of two one-day races held on the same weekend – the Ardennes Weekend – in the hilly Ardennes region of Belgium. This changed in 1965 when the Flèche Wallonne became independent of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In the 1990s, the races were reunited again when Amaury Sports Organization (A.S.O.) purchased the rights to them and they became scheduled in the same week, Wednesday and Sunday.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège is the older of the two races – first edition 1892 – and nicknamed La Doyenne (the most respected), as well as being one of the five Monuments of cycling. While not as old or considered a monument, the Flèche Wallonne (1936) is famous for its finish, the Mur de Huy (the Wall of Huy) climb, where several sections run from 15% to 19%.
The term, Ardennes Week, was coined in the mid-1960s when a third race was placed on the racing calendar, the Amstel Gold Race (1966). This race, which has always been held in the same time period, became synonymous with the Ardennes Classics due to its proximity to the Ardennes and its hilly course profile. However, the Amstel Gold Race is not located in the Ardennes region, but farther north in the Limburg region of the Netherlands.
Geography
Many don’t know that the Ardennes region stretches across several countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, France – and even Germany. The Belgian Ardennes itself is located in the French-speaking region of Wallonia in the southeast, with its northwest border defined by the three cities of Charleroi, Namur, and Liège. It’s primarily a forested area known for its rugged terrain, rolling hills, and deep valleys, and for playing a very significant role in World War II when the Battle of the Bulge was fought there.
Today, the Ardennes is a tourist destination for hiking, cycling, and skiing, as well as home to many charming villages and cultural attractions, including museums, castles, and historic sites. Incredibly, the region hasn’t been overrun by the tourist industry and has retained its independent character and Wallonia culture, with the Ardennes forest still evoking much mystery and intrigue, so much that it prompted filmmakers to use it as the setting for the 2017 crime drama, La Forêt (Netflix).
5 Reasons You Should Watch The Ardennes Classics
Here are a few reasons why you should consider watching the Ardennes Classics:
- The challenging climbs: La Flèche Wallonne is known for its steep and challenging climbs, especially the famous Mur de Huy. Watching the riders tackle these difficult climbs can be thrilling and awe-inspiring. Liège-Bastogne-Liège is known for its steep climbs and technical descents.
- The tactical racing: In addition to physical ability, both races requires strategic thinking and tactical racing. The races are known for their aggressive tactics and attacks, making for an exciting and unpredictable experience.
- The history: La Flèche Wallonne has a rich history, having been first held in 1936. Over the years, it has seen many legendary riders compete, and has produced some of the most memorable moments in cycling history. While Liège-Bastogne-Liège is the oldest of the two, first held in 1892.
- The international field: these races attract the top pro riders in the world, making it a truly international race. Watching riders from different countries and teams battle it out can be a thrilling experience.
- The atmosphere: The Ardennes Classics are known for their passionate fans and festive atmosphere. Watching the race in person or on television can give you a sense of the excitement and energy of these events. If you ever have the opportunity to see them in person – it’s well worth it.
