The Five (5) Monuments of Cycling are generally considered to be the oldest and mostprestigious one-day events on the calendar.

MILAN – SAN REMO (Italy) – the first true Classic of the year, its Italian name is La Primavera (the spring), this race is held in late March. First run in 1907. Notable for being the sprinter's classic, this race is particularly long though mostly flat enabling sprinters to compete.

TOUR OF FLANDERS (Belgium) – also known as the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the first of the 'Spring Classics', is raced in early April. First held in 1913. Notable for the narrow cobbled hills (hellingen) which force the best riders to continually fight for space at the front.

PARIS–ROUBAIX (France) – the "Queen of the Classics" or l'Enfer du Nord ("Hell of the North") is traditionally one week after the Tour of Flanders, and was first raced in 1896. Notable for its many long sections of pavé (cobblestones) making it the most unpleasant one day race.

LIÈGE–BASTOGNE–LIÈGE (Belgium) – late April. La Doyenne, the oldest Classic, was first held in 1892 as an amateur event; a professional edition followed in 1894. Notable for its many short sharp hills and so favouring climbers and even grand tour specialsts.

GIRO DI LOMBARDIA (Italy) – also known as the "Race of the Falling Leaves", is held in October. Initially called the Milano–Milano in 1905, it became the Giro di Lombardia in 1907 and Il Lombardia in 2012 along with a new, earlier date at the end of September. It is notable as a climber's classic with a varied course and flat finish.