The Month of April is when the cycling world properly awakens from its winter slumber. There are all sorts of races taking place virtually daily across Northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands over this crucial period in the racing calendar. The Ardennes Classics are a series of one-day professional road cycling races that take place in the Ardennes region of Belgium and the Netherlands. The three main races in the Ardennes Classics are:

1. Amstel Gold Race: The Amstel Gold Race is typically held in April and is the first of the Ardennes Classics. It takes place in the Netherlands and features a hilly parcours with numerous climbs and challenging terrain. The race finishes on the Cauberg, a short but steep climb that often plays a decisive role in determining the winner.
2. La Flèche Wallonne: La Flèche Wallonne is held in late April and is known for its challenging route in the Wallonia region of Belgium. The race includes several climbs, with the famous Mur de Huy being the key feature. The Mur de Huy is a short but incredibly steep climb that is tackled multiple times during the race, and it usually provides an exciting finale.
3. Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Liège-Bastogne-Liège, also known as “La Doyenne” (The Old Lady), is the oldest of the Ardennes Classics and is usually held in late April. It is a demanding race that covers a long distance and includes numerous climbs, including the iconic Côte de la Redoute and the Côte de Saint-Nicolas. The race finishes in the city of Liège after a challenging and unpredictable course.

These races are part of the UCI WorldTour calendar and attract some of the top professional cyclists in the world. They are known for their challenging terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and exciting finishes, making them highly anticipated events in the cycling calendar.