Oudenaarde

The Flanders Spring Classics are Back!

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The Flanders Spring Classics are Back!

Arguably the most exciting cycling event in Europe, the Flanders Spring Classics have started and we can’t wait! The Spring Classics are a set of major one-day races that take place across Northern Europe which have been a part of the country’s cycling history and heritage for many years. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors, organisers and competitors to Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde over this exciting season.

Spring Classics

Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia are some of the major races which are part of the Spring Classics and among the popular names which any professional cyclist would like to add to their repertoire. The cobbles of Paris-Roubaix and the bergs of Flanders are two of the defining elements for two of the most significant races each adding a secondary level of challenge to the race. These five races in particular have Monument Status, a name given to the most prestigious cycling one-day races and are spread out across Spring & Autumn.

Spring Classics Schedule 2022

Opening Weekend on 27th February, especially Omloop Het Nieuwsblad located in Belgium, signifies the true start to the racing season. Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne is less than 24 hours later. Followed on 20th March by Milan-San Remo, otherwise known as La Classicissima. On 26th March, the E3 Saxo Bank Classic takes place and is effectively a condensed mini Tour of Flanders. The race provides the perfect backdrop and terrain for cyclists to test their legs before De Ronde, which takes place just over a week later. A number of the Tour of Flanders climbs are included in the E3 route, and the race is an indicator of who will be a contender in Flanders. 28th March sees the return of Gent-Wevelgem to Flanders which dates all the way back to the 1930s.

Tour of Flanders – April 3rd

First held in 1913, the Tour of Flanders, also known as De Ronde or Ronde van Vlaanderen, is the second Monument of the season and sees riders take on one of the most iconic and gruelling routes in a one-day race. The difficult route takes in most of the well-known climbs situated in the region, ensures that only the strongest riders make the cut. The route takes riders across a difficult series of cobbled climbs travelling from Antwerp to Oudenaarde. Since 2004 the organisers have also put on a women’s race that features on the same day as the men’s event. Course lengths for the men’s race is 272.5km while women take on 158.5km.

Paris-Roubaix Sunday 17th April

Often described as the Queen of the Classics or the Hell of the North, Paris-Roubaix is the third Monument of the cycling season and arguably the most recognisable event in the sport after the Tour de France. The race starts in Compiègne and contains multiple sectors of ‘pavé’ or cobbles that almost always define the race and its outcome. Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen are the only men in history to have won the event four times with no current rider winning the race more than once.

When Paris-Roubaix is done and dusted all attention in the Spring Classics turns to the Ardennes Classics, which take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. The trio of events includes the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and the fourth Monument of the season, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, on April 24th.

Accommodation for the Spring Classics in Oudenaarde

Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde offers a comfortable, stylish and relaxing place to stay for organisers, staff, riders and onlookers for these exciting races which happen but once a year. Located on the Scheldt in the De Ham district, we’re ideally located to explore the area, attend the events, go shopping or sightseeing, or an ideal place to get some R&R before a big race. We’re close to many mountain bike routes & fantastic Belgian restaurants and the town centre is a short walk away. Our stylish and comfortable bedrooms will ensure you get a great night’s sleep, preparing you for whatever the following day has in store.

Book your stay at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde on our official website to enjoy exclusive access to our best available rates and seasonal special offers. We look forward to welcoming you to Oudenaarde for the Spring Classics 2022

Sarah Corcorcan

Sarah Corcorcan

With a keen interest in travelling and writing, our blog writer Sarah explores as often as possible, finding new and exciting places to write about. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, Sarah aims to find the best of beautiful places so you can get the best out of your visit. Having visited Belgium numerous times, she has a special affection for its heritage, coastline and friendly locals.

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