Ename Classic

The Ename Classic begins the cycling season in Oudenaarde, a Flemish city with deep cycling roots. It opens the Proximus Cycling Challenge, offering riders their first organized opportunity to test their legs after winter, whether they trained through the cold months or are just returning to cycling. Participants can select from 65 km, 90 km, 120 km, or 150 km routes, making the day suitable for recreational cyclists as well as stronger riders seeking a longer early-season effort. The route commences and concludes in Oudenaarde, combining less-traveled but demanding climbs with quicker middle sections across the Flemish countryside. It is designed for pacing: sufficient climbing to assess form, enough rolling road to establish rhythm, and enough variation to prevent the ride from resembling a simple training loop. The event also emphasizes the social aspect of cycling, uniting riders at the season's start and concluding with a complimentary bottle of Ename abbey beer or Ramon from Brewery Roman for all participants.