In April, things really get going on the professional circuit. Three monuments take place this month, and alongside the somewhat smaller one-day races, these are the absolute highlights that should not be missed. But there are also some exciting tours. The Tour of the Alps, a race that is not part of the WorldTour, is an absolute tip from the editorial team.
You can't miss these one-day races
Dwars door Vlaanderen (1 April 2026)
The start of the Flemish classics series is short, intense and often chaotic - just right to get you in the mood for the big cobbles. It is also a perfect foretaste of what is to follow on the Easter weekend.
Tour of Flanders (5 April 2026)
A monument, a legend, a season highlight: Hellingen, cobblestones and a finale that can make history every year. The duel between the two giants Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel once again takes centre stage.
Paris-Roubaix (12 April 2026)
The Hell of the North is the ultimate classic. Whoever wins here not only wins a race, but a place in the cycling Olympics. Van der Poel has managed this for the last three years. Whoever is still missing this race in the Palmares: Tadej Pogačar. The monument should be an absolute thriller.
Amstel Gold Race (19 April 2026)
The Ardennes trilogy starts with the hilly roads in Limburg: a race for explosive riders, clever tactics and strong teams. It's not always the strongest who wins here, as Mattias Skjelmose proved last year.
La Flèche Wallonne (22 April 2026)
Here, almost everything comes down to one moment: the infamous Mur de Huy. Short, steep, decisive - and therefore so fascinating. It may be a little less important between the two big races in the Ardennes, but the outcome and the suspense are nonetheless there.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège (26 April 2026)
"La Doyenne" is the majestic finale of the Ardennes week: long, selective, often merciless - and a real yardstick for the best. It also marks the end of the spring monuments, after which many riders begin their final preparations for the three-week tours.
These tours have it all
Tour of the Basque Country (6 - 11 April 2026)
The Basque Country traditionally delivers short, tough stages with lots of climbs. Those who are consistently strong here show that their legs are already very strong.
Tour of the Alps (20 - 24 April 2026)
The Tour of the Alps is regarded as a mountainous, high-quality test of form for the Giro d'Italia: less show, but a lot of sport - and often a starting field that really whets the appetite for the climbing season. Although the tour is not a WorldTour race, it traditionally reads like one with the teams' line-ups.
Tour of Romandie (28 April - 3 May 2026)
The Romandie starts at the end of April and runs until the beginning of May. It typically combines time trials with tough days in the mountains - ideal for testing form and stability for the next big challenges. This year, even Tadej Pogačar is expected to ride the tour in Switzerland.
Leon Weidner
Working student
