Muur Classic Geraardsbergen

One of the most self-explanatory races in professional cycling, the Muur Classic makes the most of the ban — for economic and political reasons — that De Ronde places on the Kapelmuur, claiming it as its own (even if many other races have long exploited Flemish cycling's most famous ramps and diluted the exclusivity the Tour of Flanders once held).

Up to 24 ascents are packed into just 179 km. In the first three laps, the climbs of Brusselsestraat (800m at 4%), Parikeberg (1 km at 4.2%) and Denderoordberg (1 km at 5.5%) are combined with the 'outside Muur', the Oude Steenweg (1 km at 7.8%).

Only in the final two laps do riders tackle the chapel (1100m with gradients of up to 18.5%), though the finish is placed, as in races like the Benelux Tour, at the bottom of the village on the Vesten ramp (600m at 6%).