The five Monuments of cycling

Los cinco Monumentos del ciclismo

Cycling Monuments: The Five Most Prestigious Classics

The Cycling Monuments are the one-day races that every professional cyclist aspires to win. They are the most prestigious events on the classics calendar and, together with the grand tours such as the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia, and the Vuelta a España, represent the cycling milestones of the year. Spring is the ideal season for these races, which combine history, toughness, and legend, attracting the biggest stars of the WorldTour.

Each Monument has its own character, and many cyclists prepare exclusively to conquer these races, with some legendary names etched in their palmarès. Only three cyclists have managed to win all five Monuments: Eddy Merckx, Rik Van Looy, and Roger De Vlaeminck.

Discover the Five Monuments of Cycling

  1. Milan-San Remo (Italy)
  2. Tour of Flanders (Belgium)
  3. Paris-Roubaix (France)
  4. Liège-Bastogne-Liège (Belgium)
  5. Giro di Lombardia (Italy)

Milan-San Remo: The Spring Classic

  • Next edition: March 22, 2025

  • Cyclist with most wins: Eddy Merckx (7)

  • Distance: 294 km

Known as La Classicissima, Milan-San Remo opens the calendar of the Monuments. Its route is more favorable for sprinters thanks to a long but relatively flat course, which sets it apart from other classics. However, the last 25 km, with the climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio, add excitement and tension to the carrera. These hills, although not too hard, are decisive due to their proximity to the finish line, and the descent towards San Remo is usually thrilling.

Legendary cyclists like Óscar Freire have won this race several times. If you are looking for bikes similar to those used in this carrera, visit our road bikes section.

Tour of Flanders: Pave and Legendary Climbs

  • Next edition: April 6, 2025

  • Cyclists with most victories: Achiel Buysse, Fiorenzo Magni, Eric Leman, Johan Museeuw, Tom Boonen, and Fabian Cancellara (3 victories)

  • Distance: 273 km

The Tour of Flanders is more than just a carrera; it's a national event in Belgium. This classic stands out for its steep hills and the feared sections of pave. Climbs like the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg, and the Muur-Kapelmuur are just a few of the names that echo in cycling history, offering a unique spectacle for both riders and fans.

The pave adds an extra challenge to the carrera, and crashes are common on rainy days, as happened in the famous 1985 edition. If you're fascinated by bikes designed to withstand these kinds of conditions, you can explore our range of bikes gravel.

Paris-Roubaix: The Hell of the North

  • Next edition: April 13, 2025

  • Cyclists with most victories: Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen (4 victories)

  • Distance: 257 km

Considered by many as the toughest carrera in cycling, the Paris-Roubaix is known as the Hell of the North for its difficult cobblestone sections that cross ancient farm roads in northern France. The race includes nearly 30 pave sections, highlighting the Arenberg Forest and the Carrefour de l'Arbre, where the winners are often decided.

The carrera finishes in the iconic velodrome of Roubaix, which adds an extra dose of excitement to the finish.

Liège-Bastogne-Liège: The Oldest of the Classics

  • Next edition: April 27, 2025
  • Cyclist with most victories: Eddy Merckx (5)
  • Distance: 258 km

Liège-Bastogne-Liège, also known as La Doyenne, is the oldest of the cycling classics. This Monument runs through the mountains of the Ardennes, in the French-speaking region of Belgium, offering a true rollercoaster of climbs that test both climbers and classics specialists.

Climbs such as La Redoute and Saint-Nicolas are known for being tough and selective, which makes Grand Tour riders find their ideal terrain in this race.

Giro di Lombardia: The Classic of the Falling Leaves

  • Next edition: October 4, 2025

  • Cyclist with most wins: Fausto Coppi (5)

  • Distance: 253 km

The Giro di Lombardia, known as the Classic of the Falling Leaves because it is held in autumn, is the last Monument of the cycling calendar. With a route that winds through the beautiful surroundings of Lake Como, the carrera is especially attractive for climbers, as it features long ascents that are less explosive than the Belgian classics.

The climb to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo is a highlight, not only because of its difficulty, but because there you will find the Universal Patron Saint of Cyclists. Another challenge is the Muro di Sormano, one of the most demanding ramps, although it is not always included in the route. The Spaniard Joaquim 'Purito' Rodríguez has won this carrera twice, in 2012 and 2013.

Climbers and Grand Tour riders find in the Giro di Lombardia a carrera to their liking.

The cycling Monuments are not only tests of endurance, but also of strategic skill, tactics in carrera, and mental strength. These five legendary races, each with its own essence and challenges, represent the pinnacle of world cycling and are the dream of any professional cyclist. If you are looking for bikes that allow you to emulate these champions on your own routes, at Tuvalum we have the perfect selection for you.