Ardennes Classics Tour - Amstel Gold, LBL and Fleche Wallone 2025
18 April – 28 April 2025
Days
18 April - 28 April 2025
Book from
$6,532 AUD
Key Features of 11 day Tour
- 10 nights | 11 days
- Stay in 4* hotels in Valkenburg & Liege
- Daily breakfasts & evening meals in Liege
- Fully supported tour with experienced local guides
- Ride Two Sportives: The Amstel Gold Race Sportive & the Liege Bastogne Liege Sportive
- Cycling Related Activities: Finish Hospitality on Fleche Wallone on the Mur de Huy & in Liege
- Visit to Shimano Experience Centre and a Belgian or Dutch beer brewery
- Return airport transfers from Brussels Airport
- Spread your payments - Interest free payment plan
- Support from our bike guide and mechanic
- See the Sights, enjoy local Cuisine
2025 Ardennes Classics Tour with Sportive Breaks
The start of April is when the cycling world properly awakens from its winter slumber. There are all sorts of races taking place 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.
These races are part of the UCI World Tour 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.
Your Experience
Spend 11 days with us in the Netherlands and Belgium on our Ardennes classics cycling tour. Our team of local riders and mechanics will guide you around their home roads for an unforgettable experience. Not only will the cyclists in the group be well-looked after there is also plenty to do for those who don’t ride a bike themselves but are fans of this great sport.
What's Included?
Accommodation
5 nights in 4* Hotel Voncken in Valkenburg & 5 nights in 4* Hotel Penta in Liege
Included Meals
B&B throughout (evening meals in Liege). You should allow/ budget $20 for lunch
Transfers
Return transfers from Brussels Airport at set times. Private transfers available at supplement
Bike Rental
Bike Rental is available for the tour. Ridley Fenix, carbon frame, 12 speed Di2 for $1,285
Guided Rides
Fully supported rides
Mechanic
Expert mechanic on hand
Sightseeing
Visit to Belgian/Dutch beer brewery, trip to Shimano experience centre and explore the stunning city of Valkenburg.
Entries and Hospitality
Entry for the Amstel Gold Sportive and LBL are included as well as finish hospitality on the Mur de Huy and at the finish in Liege.
Itinerary
Day One - Arrival
Date
Location
Please make your own way to meet us in Valkenburg. Valkenburg is a 3.30hr drive from Calais if you are driving. Alternatively, we provide one airport transfer from Brussels Airport (BRU) at 11.00. Private airport transfers available from Brussels (BRU). Contact us for details
For more details on the group transfer click here.
Our staff will assist you with getting your bikes ready after travel and if you have ordered bike rental, these will also be available. This afternoon, enjoy a short coffee spin where we will see parts of the Amstel Gold Race.
The evening is free for you to eat out.
Daily Highlights
- Optional Airport Transfer
- Expert Staff
- Fitting of rental bikes
- 4* Hotel in Valkenburg
Day Two - Amstel Gold Sportive
Date
Location
Today you will ride the Amstel Gold Sportive:
Included with the Amstel Gold Race Sportive entry
- Participation in the Tour version Amstel Gold Race (Sportive), without the need to enter the lottery
- Breakfast at the VIP-pavilion
- Reserved parking near the VIP-pavilion
- Guarded bicycle parking
- Special shower and changing facilities
- Photo with the ‘flower girls’
- Buffet after your ride of the Tour version Amstel Gold Race (Sportive)
- Unique gift
This morning we will have breakfast at the VIP pavilion. Here there’s secure bike parking and changing facilities.
Start Times:
- 06:30 – 09.00: Start 240km (orange arrows)
- 06:30 – 09.00: Start 200km (pink arrows)
- 07:00 – 11.00: Start 150km (red arrows)
- 07:00 – 11.00: Start 125km (yellow arrows)
- 07:00 – 11.00: Start 100km (blue arrows)
- 08:00 – 11.00: Start 65km (black arrows)
Anticipated Programme
- From 07:00 breakfast is available in private start area in Valkenburg near the start
- 09:30-11:00 Start Toerversie Amstel Gold Race
- 14:00-18:00 Pasta buffet in private area at the finish
VIP Parking Area
For car drivers, we have parking tickets available that give access to the VIP parking area next to the start and finish in Valkenburg.
Location:
The VIP pavilion is in the finish village (Rijksweg (Vilt)). the area is well-signposted.
After the finish we will return to our hotel.
The evening is free for you to eat out in Valkenburg.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- Amstel Gold Sportive Event
- 4* Hotel in Valkenburg
Ride
Amstel Gold Sportive (various distances)
Meals
VIP Breakfast & Pasta Buffet at the Finish
Long Ride
Day Three - Amstel Gold Race
Date
Location
Valkenburg
After breakfast we will spend the day in Valkenburg where we will be in a great position to see several passages of the riders.
If you’d like to make today extra special, we also offer a variety of VIP and Hospitality experiences – More information here.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- 4* Hotel in Valkenburg
- Optional VIP & Hospitality Experiences
Meals
Breakfast
Day Four - Guided ride and Shimano Experience Centre
Date
Location
After breakfast we will head out on the bikes for a guided ride. Exact route to be confirmed.
In the afternoon we will take you the Shimano experience centre, sponsored by Canyon. There are six areas to explore and there are two types of cycling simulators one for road and one for MTB for you to have a go on. As with any cycling experience there is an onsite cafe.
In the evening you are free to eat out in Valkenburg.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- 4* Hotel in Valkenburg
- Shimano Experience Centre Visit
Ride
Guided ride (route to be confirmed)
Meals
Breakfast
Medium Ride
Day Five - Guided ride and trip to Maastrict
Date
Location
We will have a guided ride today. Route to be confirmed.
In the afternoon we will have a trip to the city of Maastricht where you will have time to explore the medieval city and take in some of the sights.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- Guided Ride
- 4* Hotel in Valkenburg
- Sightseeing
Ride
Guided ride (route to be confirmed)
Meals
Breakfast
Medium Ride
Day Six - La Fleche Wallone and Travel to Liege
Date
Location
This morning we will check out of the hotel and we will head for Huy.
On Wednesday 17 April 2024, the men’s, and women’s editions of the Flèche Wallonne will welcome the biggest stars of the pelotons on the characteristic roads of these exhausting and explosive events. The Walloon Classic, in the heart of spring, is a highlight of the cycling season. A race reserved for the ‘puncheurs’ and ‘puncheuses’. The race features the infamous Mur de Huy. The Flèche Wallonne is one of the 3 ‘Ardennes Classics’. The others being the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege.
La Fleche Wallonne Femmes and La Fleche Wallone
The Mur de Huy has long been the steepest climb on the women’s calendar, the one that allows hill-climbing and sprinting specialists to get together on a climb that can suit both explosive riders.
A wall to decide the king of the The Flèche Wallonne promises an intense battle between the best climbers capable of swallowing double-digit percentages.
Before the great battle of the Chemin des Chapelles, the men’s peloton and the two-time World Champion will be able to build up pressure on the slopes of the climbs of Tancrémont and Les Forges. The start will be unprecedented, from Blegny, where the Royal cyclist’s Pesant Liège club is based. They’ve co-organized Liège-Bastogne-Liège since 1892.
Our Hospitality area is positioned at the finish atop the famous Mur de Huy which features percentages of more than 15 % and one section rising to 26%.
La Fleche Wallonne – Finish Hospitality
At the hospitality venue, you will enjoy the 2 passages of the women’s race and the 3 passages of the men’s race.
Included with your hospitality experience:
- Enjoy catering and open bar at the finish on the Mur de Huy
- Watch the race LIVE on TV screens at the hospitality venue
- Included is your access ticket to the VIP area located on top of the Mur de Huy
- You have a great elevated view on the finish line
- Champagne served at the arrival of the riders
After enjoying the hospitality, we will make our way to the hotel in Liege where we will have the evening meal at the hotel.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- VIP Access to Finish Line
- 4* Hotel in Liege
- Hospitality Experience
Meals
Breakfast & Evening Meal
Day Seven - Guided Ride
Date
Location
This morning, join us on our first ride in the area; a 60km guided ride around Liege that takes in some of the LBL route.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- 4* Hotel in Liege
Ride
60km Guided Ride
Meals
Breakfast & Evening Meal
Medium Ride
Day Eight - Brewery Visit and Ride Brief
Date
Location
Late morning we will visit a brewery where you will have a tour of the factory and then, of course you will be able to sample some local beers.
Late afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. This afternoon you are free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities. You are free to eat your meal at the hotel or to explore some of Liege’s restaurants. Moules Frites anyone?
Race Briefing
This evening our bike guides will do a race briefing to run through the LBL Challenge race day logistics and of course the route.
Evening meal at the hotel.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- Race Briefing
- 4* Hotel in Liege
- Sightseeing
Meals
Breakfast & Evening Meal
Day Nine - The LBL Challenge
Date
Location
Today is the day! We have an early start this morning. Early breakfasts are arranged in the hotel restaurant.
Getting to the Start
The start and finish of the Sportives are in Sprimont at about 30km from Liege. We provide transport today. Our staff will be on hand this morning if you have any last-minute mechanical issues, or if you need directions to the start line.
The challenge operates rolling start times rather than a mass start so you can start between the below times.
Start Times
- 257 km: between 6:30am and 7:30am
- 147 km: between 6:30am and 9:30am
- 70 km: between 8am and 10am
The official closing of the finish is scheduled to be at 8pm.
Post Ride
We’ll meet you for post ride beers at the hotel from 17.00 before having the evening meal together.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- Transport to Race Start
- 4* Hotel in Liege
- Expert Bike Mechanic
Ride
LBL Challenge (various distances)
Meals
Breakfast & Evening Meal
Long Ride
Day Ten - Liege Bastogne Liege
Date
Location
Liege
After breakfast we’re staying in Liege today and we have finish hospitality included.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège is the 4th Monument of the season. As it has been around for so long, it’s also called ‘La Doyenne des Classiques’ (the old lady of the classics). LBL marks the end of the Ardennes Classics period usually as Amstel Gold, Fleche Wallonne and LBL follow on from each other in a week. It also spells the end for the Spring Classics season as the next stop is the Giro d’Italia for many of the riders.
The start and finish are both located at the Quai des Ardennes in Liege. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from the hotel.
Finish Hospitality
Enjoy catering and open bar at the finish in Liege. Watch the race LIVE on TV screens at the hospitality venue. Included is your access ticket to the VIP area located at Quai des Ardennes in Liège. You have a great elevated view on the finish line. Champagne served at the arrival of the riders.
Evening meal at the hotel.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- 4* Hotel in Liege
- Finish Hospitality in Liege
Meals
Breakfast & Evening Meal
Day Eleven - Departure Day
Date
Location
Liege
We will run one airport transfer to Brussels Airport on departure at 09.00 for flights departing after 12.00.
If you book a flight at any other time, either earlier or later, please contact us to discuss private transfer options.
Daily Highlights
- Fully Supported
- Optional Airport Transfer to Brussels
Meals
Breakfast
Tour Dynamic
The three main races in the Ardennes Classics are:
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.
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.
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 World Tour 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.
Transportation
On days where we move on to another hotel, we will transport luggage and bike boxes.
Spectators
Riders and spectators are reunited to enjoy the hospitality and VIP experiences together.
Tour Start and Finish
Tour Start – Friday 18th April 2025
Please make your own way to meet us in Valkenburg for the start of the tour. We do provide one optional airport transfer from Brussels Airport (BRU) at 11.00. Private airport transfers are available from Brussels (BRU).
Tour Finish – Monday 28th April 2025
On departure we will provide one airport transfer to Brussels Airport on departure at 09.00 for flights departing after 12.00.
If you book a flight at any other time, please contact us to discuss private transfer options.
Pricing
Spend 11 days with us in the Netherlands and Belgium on our Ardennes Classics Cycling Tour. Ride the Amstel Gold and Liege Bastogne Liege sportives and see the pro races including Fleshe Wallone. Our team of local riders and mechanics will guide you around their home roads for an unforgettable experience. Not only will the cyclists in the group be well-looked after, there is also plenty to do for those who don’t ride a bike themselves but are fans of this great sport.
Prices in AUD
- $6,532 per person based on two people sharing a twin (2 single beds)
- $7,522 based on single occupancy of a room.
Included with your Weekend
- 5 nights at hotel Voncken in Valkenburg
- 5 nights at hotel Penta in Liege
- Daily breakfasts in line with event timings
- Evening meals in Liege
- All taxes are included
- Return airport transfers from Brussels International Airport at set times
- Guided rides in Limburg and Liege on Friday afternoon, the day before the sportives
- Entry for the Amstel Gold Race Sportive with choice of distance: 60, 100, 125, 150, 240km
- Entry for the Liege Bastogne Liege Sportive with choice of distance
- Transport to the start and finish of the Liege Bastogne Liege Sportive
- Visit to Shimano Experience Centre
- Visit to Belgian or Dutch beer brewery
- Finish Hospitality on Fleche Wallone on the Mur de Huy
- Finish Hospitality in Liege
- The services of our bike guide and bike mechanic
- Detailed itinerary
Also available
- Bike rental – Ridley Fenix SLIC for $1,285 – More info here
- Non cyclist discount available of -$595
- Amstel Gold Race Hospitality for $535 per person – More info here
Who Is This Tour For?
Cyclists and Spectators
Our tour is suitable for both cyclists of any level and non-cycling spectators with a love for the sport. The hotels we stay at are in excellent locations with daily breakfasts included.
We also have a team of local riders and mechanics on hand who will guide you around their home roads for an unforgettable experience.
More About Our Tour
Valkenburg
The quaint town of Valkenburg is surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of Limburg. The province of Limburg, located in the far south of the Netherlands, is squeezed in between the neighbouring countries of Belgium and Germany. At its southernmost point is the town of Vaals, only 20km away from Valkenburg and just 5 km away from the German city of Aachen. The Dutch, most of whom live in flat polder areas, and some of whom even live below sea level, are proud of their 323 m high Vaalserberg. As a result, the mountain has also become a popular destination for trips. A viewing tower at its peak gives a free view over 3 countries: Belgium, Germany, and Holland.
Airports:
Brussels Airport 122 km, Maastricht Aachen Airport 8 km, Liège Airport 40 km, Eindhoven Airport 87 km, Cologne Airport 95 km, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 215 km
Train Station:
Houthem St. Gerlach 1 km / Maastricht 10 km
Liege
The city has complementary incentive parking areas around the city with easy access to the city centre using public transport. You just need to buy your bus or tram ticket! Please note that parking on public roads is free on Sunday. More details about parking in Liege.
- From Brussels via the E40
- From Namur via the E42
Nearest Train Stations:
To travel by train from the UK to Belgium, the easiest and fastest option is to include the direct Eurostar train from London to Brussels (ticket price from 35 EUR, travel time 2:15).
You can travel between the Liège-Guillemins train station (Guillemins district, Boverie Park) to Liège-Saint-Lambert train station in the city centre. There are around 5 trains an hour. More information
Nearest Airport:
- Liège Airport (12 km)
- Brussels airport (94 km)
- Brussels South Charleroi airport (88 km)
Electric Scooters:
Electric scooters are easy to use and a fast means to get where you want! In Liège they are available almost everywhere. More information about electric scooters in Liege
Hotels
Hotel Voncken is located in the centre of Valkenburg. The hotel is a family run and has been in the same family for more than 125 years. All rooms have air-conditioning and en-suites. The hotel has a bar and lounge for you to enjoy a wide selection of drinks. There is also a restaurant in the hotel or room service is available. The hotel also offers secure bike storage.
In the heart of Liege, you’ll find a hotel designed with comfort and style in mind. Pentahotel Liege sits on the doorstep of the famous Carre area of Liege.
- Distance to Place Saint Lambert (Start of Liege Bastogne Liege) – 10 minute walk
- Distance to Quai des Ardennes (Finish of Liege Bastogne Liege) – 30 mins by public transport
- Distance to Sprimont (start and finish of the LBL Sportive) – 25km
Each room is spacious, non-smoking and stocked with luxurious bathroom amenities and hair dryers. There’s free and fast access to Wifi.
The hotel’s Pentalounge has become a destination in its own right. Known for its great food, chilled vibe and array of drinks, it’s the perfect place to get together or simply unwind.
You're in safe hands
We have a team of highly experienced professionals who have been organising cycling trips for over 25 years.
Plenty to choose from
Did you know we offer the biggest selection of European Gran Fondo and Cyclo-Sportive events.
Spread your payments
Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking. *Selected products. Terms and Conditions apply
Logistics covered
We know the routes, we know the roads. We know how the event works and the best hotels for the start and finish. We organise everything for you; transfers, bike transport, additional feed stops, rep support and more.
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