“Monuments”, are a five unique road cycling races that feature iconic monuments as part of their routes. Based on this unique and interesting criteria, these five races fall into this category. These races are considered to be some of the most prestigious and historic one-day races in the world. Winning one of these races is a significant achievement in the world of professional cycling.
Milan-San Remo: This Italian one-day race is also known as “La Primavera” and is the longest professional one-day race in the world. It features the famous monument, the Poggio, near the end of the route.
Tour of Flanders: This Belgian race is known for its challenging cobbled climbs and features several monuments, including the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Koppenberg.
Paris-Roubaix: This French race is often called the “Hell of the North” because of its challenging cobblestone sections. The route features several monuments, including the Trouée d’Arenberg.
Liege-Bastogne-Liege: This Belgian race is one of the oldest and most prestigious one-day races in the world. The route features several difficult climbs, including the Côte de la Redoute and the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons.
Il Lombardia: This Italian race is also known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves” and takes place in the fall. The route features several challenging climbs, including the Madonna del Ghisallo.
1.Milan-San Remo
Milan-San Remo, also known as “La Primavera” or “The Spring Classic,” is one of the five “Monument” races in professional cycling. It is a one-day race that takes place in Italy each spring and is known for being the longest one-day race on the professional cycling calendar, covering a distance of approximately 300 kilometres.
The race was first held in 1907 and has since become one of the most prestigious and historic races in the world of cycling. It is typically held in March and is the first major classic of the season, often serving as a litmus test for riders looking to gauge their form ahead of the other major races on the calendar. The route of Milan-San Remo starts in Milan and ends in the coastal town of San Remo. Along the way, the riders face several challenging climbs and descents, including the famous Cipressa and Poggio climbs, which often determine the outcome of the race. The Poggio climb, in particular, is known for its steep gradient and the technical descent that follows, which can often lead to breakaways and attacks from riders looking to gain an advantage over their competitors. The race is often unpredictable, with many different types of riders having a chance at victory depending on the conditions and how the race unfolds. Sprinters who can handle the climbs often have an advantage, as do strong all-rounders who can handle the distance and the technical sections of the course.
Winning Milan-San Remo is considered a significant achievement in the world of professional cycling, and the race has seen many memorable moments and legendary champions over the years. Some of the most successful riders in the race’s history include Eddy Merckx, Fausto Coppi, and Mark Cavendish, among others.
Winners of Milan-San Remo from 2018 to 2022
- 2018: Vincenzo Nibali (Italy)
- 2019: Julian Alaphilippe (France)
- 2020: The race was held in August instead of its usual March date due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was won by Wout van Aert (Belgium).
- 2021: Jasper Stuyven (Belgium)
- 2022: Jasper Philipsen (Belgium)
It’s worth noting that the 2020 edition of Milan-San Remo was held under unusual circumstances, as it was one of the first races to take place after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the professional cycling calendar. The race was postponed from its usual March date to August and had a different route than usual, with several climbs removed due to safety concerns.
2.Tour of Flanders
The Tour of Flanders, also known as “De Ronde van Vlaanderen,” is a one-day road cycling race held annually in Belgium. It is one of the five “Monument” races in professional cycling, alongside Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and Il Lombardia.
The race was first held in 1913 and has since become one of the most prestigious and challenging races on the professional cycling calendar. It is traditionally held in early April, and its route covers approximately 250-260 kilometers, with several cobbled sections and steep climbs along the way.
The route of the Tour of Flanders varies from year to year, but it always includes several of the famous “bergs,” or climbs, that make the race so challenging. Some of the most well-known climbs include the Oude Kwaremont, the Koppenberg, the Muur van Geraardsbergen, and the Paterberg. These climbs are often steep, cobbled, and narrow, making them difficult to ride up and even more challenging to descend. The race is known for its unpredictable nature, with attacks and breakaways often coming at unexpected times. The cobbled sections and narrow roads also make crashes and mechanical issues more likely, adding to the drama and excitement of the race.
The winners of the Tour of Flanders are some of the most celebrated riders in the history of professional cycling. Eddy Merckx, Johan Museeuw, Tom Boonen, and Fabian Cancellara are among the riders who have won the race multiple times.
Winning the Tour of Flanders is considered a significant achievement in the world of professional cycling, and the race attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd of spectators each year.
Winners of the Tour of Flanders from 2018 to 2022:
- 2018: Niki Terpstra (Netherlands)
- 2019: Alberto Bettiol (Italy)
- 2020: The race was postponed from its usual April date to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was won by Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands).
- 2021: Kasper Asgreen (Denmark)
- 2022: Tom Pidcock (Great Britain)
It’s worth noting that the 2020 edition of the race was held under unusual circumstances, as it was postponed from its usual April date to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was also shortened to 241 kilometers and had a different route than usual, with several climbs and cobbled sections removed.
3.Paris Roubaix
Paris-Roubaix is one of the most famous and challenging one-day road cycling races in the world. It is known for its gruelling cobblestone sections, which make it one of the most unique and unpredictable races on the professional cycling calendar. The race was first held in 1896 and has since become one of the five “Monument” races in professional cycling, alongside Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and Il Lombardia. It is held annually in France, typically in early April, and covers a distance of approximately 250 kilometres.
The race route starts in the suburbs of Paris and finishes in the northern French city of Roubaix, passing through several sections of cobbled roads along the way. These cobbled sections, which are often narrow, bumpy, and slippery, can be extremely challenging for riders to navigate, particularly if the weather is wet or muddy. The difficulty of the cobbled sections often makes Paris-Roubaix a race of attrition, with many riders suffering crashes, mechanical problems, and fatigue over the course of the race. The most famous of these sections is the Trouée d’Arenberg, a 2.4-kilometer stretch of cobbles that is often decisive in the outcome of the race.
The winners of Paris-Roubaix are among the most celebrated riders in the history of professional cycling. Eddy Merckx, Tom Boonen, Johan Museeuw, and Fabian Cancellara are among the riders who have won the race multiple times. Winning Paris-Roubaix is considered a major achievement in the world of professional cycling, and the race attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd of spectators each year. The race is often called “The Hell of the North” because of the difficult conditions and the challenging terrain that riders must face.
Winners of Paris-Roubaix from 2018 to 2022:
- 2018: Peter Sagan (Slovakia)
- 2019: Philippe Gilbert (Belgium)
- 2020: The race was postponed from its usual April date to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was won by Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands).
- 2021: Jasper Stuyven (Belgium)
- 2022: Wout van Aert (Belgium)
It’s worth noting that the 2020 edition of the race was held under unusual circumstances, as it was postponed from its usual April date to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was also shortened to 259 kilometers and had a different route than usual, with several cobbled sections removed.
4.Liege-Bastogne-Liege
Liege-Bastogne-Liege is a one-day road cycling race held annually in the Ardennes region of Belgium. It is one of the five “Monument” races in professional cycling, along with Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Il Lombardia.
The race was first held in 1892 and has been held annually ever since, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. It covers a distance of around 260 kilometres, with a number of challenging climbs along the way. The race typically starts and finishes in the city of Liege, with the route taking riders south to Bastogne and back again. Along the way, riders face a series of steep climbs, including the iconic Côte de la Redoute, which is often decisive in the outcome of the race. Liege-Bastogne-Liege is known for its challenging terrain and difficult weather conditions, with riders often facing cold, rain, and wind during the race. The race is often won by riders who are strong climbers and able to withstand the gruelling conditions of the Ardennes region.
The winners of Liege-Bastogne-Liege are among the most celebrated riders in the history of professional cycling. Eddy Merckx, Alejandro Valverde, and Bernard Hinault are among the riders who have won the race multiple times. Winning Liege-Bastogne-Liege is considered a major achievement in the world of professional cycling, and the race attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd of spectators each year. The race is also broadcast on television around the world, making it one of the most widely watched and anticipated events in the professional cycling calendar.
Winners of Liege-Bastogne-Liege from 2018 to 2022:
- 2018: Bob Jungels (Luxembourg)
- 2019: Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark)
- 2020: The race was postponed from its usual April date to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was won by Primoz Roglic (Slovenia).
- 2021: Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia)
- 2022: Julian Alaphilippe (France)
It’s worth noting that the 2020 edition of the race was held under unusual circumstances, as it was postponed from its usual April date to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was also shortened to 257 kilometers and had a different route than usual, with several climbs removed.
5.Il Lombardia
Il Lombardia, also known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” is a one-day road cycling race held annually in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is one of the five “Monument” races in professional cycling, along with Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
The race was first held in 1905 and has been held annually ever since, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. It covers a distance of around 240 kilometres, with a number of challenging climbs and descents along the way. The route of Il Lombardia typically starts and finishes in the city of Como, with the route taking riders on a loop through the hills and mountains of the Lombardy region. The race features several challenging climbs, including the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo, which is dedicated to the patron saint of cyclists.
Il Lombardia is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, with riders often facing cold, rain, and fog during the race. The race is often won by riders who are strong climbers and able to handle the technical descents of the Lombardy region.
The winners of Il Lombardia are among the most celebrated riders in the history of professional cycling. Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, and Damiano Cunego are among the riders who have won the race multiple times. Winning Il Lombardia is considered a major achievement in the world of professional cycling, and the race attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd of spectators each year. The race is also broadcast on television around the world, making it one of the most widely watched and anticipated events in the professional cycling calendar.
Winners of Il Lombardia from 2018 to 2022:
- 2018: Thibaut Pinot (France)
- 2019: Bauke Mollema (Netherlands)
- 2020: The race was postponed from its usual October date to August due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was won by Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark).
- 2021: Bauke Mollema (Netherlands)
- 2022: Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)
It’s worth noting that the 2020 edition of the race was held under unusual circumstances, as it was postponed from its usual October date to August due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Favourites for 2023 monument races
Based on current form and past performances, there are a few riders who could be considered favorites for the upcoming Monument races in 2023:
For Milan-San Remo, riders who have a strong sprinting ability and can handle the distance and climbs are often favored. Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Julian Alaphilippe are among the riders who have performed well in recent editions of the race.
For the Tour of Flanders, riders who are strong on the cobbles and climbs are often favored. Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and defending champion Kasper Asgreen are among the riders who could be considered favorites.
For Paris-Roubaix, riders who are strong on the cobbles and can handle the rough terrain are often favored. Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and defending champion Philippe Gilbert are among the riders who could be considered favorites.
For Liege-Bastogne-Liege, riders who are strong climbers and can handle the challenging terrain are often favored. Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, and Julian Alaphilippe are among the riders who could be considered favorites.
For Il Lombardia, riders who are strong climbers and can handle the technical descents are often favored. Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, and defending champion Remco Evenepoel are among the riders who could be considered favorites.