Cycling's Spring Classics are among the most eagerly anticipated events of the year, and three of the biggest classics - the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and Liege-Bastogne-Liege - each have an associated sportive, allowing amateur riders the chance to ride the same roads as the pros the day before.
Featuring cobbled sections of pavé, fanatical fans and a festival atmosphere in cycling's northern European heartland, these are sportives like no other - and the dates for the 2015 events have now been announced, with entries for the Tour of Flanders sportive opening this Saturday.
The dates for the 2015 Classics cyclosportives are:
Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen): 4 April 2015 - online entries open Saturday 1 November
Paris-Roubaix: 11 April 2015 - online entries open Monday 8 December
Liege-Bastogne-Liege: 25 April 2015 - online entries open Friday 12 December
Unlike summer sportives like the Etape du Tour and La Marmotte, with their endless set-piece climbs, the Spring Classics take place on relatively flat terrain with short, punchy hills that reward power and bike-handling skills. The main challenge on these events is the fabled pavé sections, where it can be hard enough to stay upright let alone change gears or brake as your bike jolts uncontrollably across the cobbles. Some cyclists love it, others hate it - ask Chris Froome - whatever your view, there's no denying the drama provided by these narrow rutted farm tracks.
But for all the carefully nurtured image of the Belgian hardman (or woman) defying the elements, the reality is that these are among the most enjoyable sportives you can ride. The pro race the next day lends a festive atmosphere with locals turning out in force to line the route, beers in hand, and cheer on the passing riders. There's nothing elitist about these sportives either: you'll see everything from mountain bikes to bakfiets tackling the parcours, and riders of all ages and abilities are given the same warm welcome.
We'll be building up to the Spring Classics with a series of articles offering practical tips and advice on how to get there, where to stay and how to prepare for the ride. In the meantime, why not check out our accounts of riding the 2014 Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix sportives - and of course, don't forget to sign up for a taste of the action yourself!
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