SPRING CLASSICS

Get ready for the drama and passion of cycling's most revered one-day races with our guide to the top contenders

-  Steve Puddicombe, James Shrubsall, Adam Becket, Tom Davidson, Tom Thewlis, David Bradford

It's the time of year we've all been waiting for. The winter chill is retreating, the clocks go back next weekend, and best of all, the Classics are upon us.

While the casual cycling fan might be waiting for the hot, languorous summer days of the Grand Tours, the connoisseurs of the sport know that right now is the part of the season to be savoured with a special appreciation. We want cobbles and punchy climbs, strong attacks and stronger beer and we want it all to be decided by teatime.

Picture the scene: a crisp morning in a picturesque European town square, the air vibrating with anticipation as the peloton gathers, each rider knowing that within a few hours their dreams will be realised or dashed. With all the intrigue and romance of the smash hit One Day, we revisit the same cast of characters (with a sprinkling of newcomers) on these same few days each yearto find out how their form, their temperament and their toughness have evolved. Will they have what it takes this time around? And the answer will come, everything will unfold, over the course of just one day.

It's rarely predictable, never a repeat; it's the fusion of history, tradition, and fervent fandom that sets the Classics apart. These are races steeped in legend, where the hallowed bergs bear witness to new triumphs and tribulations as they echo with those of the past.

Fans line the routes, from the cobblestone streets of Belgium to the winding roads of France and the Netherlands, they flock in droves, braving the elements to cheer on their heroes. It's a spectacle that transcends sport, a celebration of cycling's rich heritage and enduring spirit.

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