Which cycling Monument, first held in 1892, is the oldest of the five Monuments?

Liège–Bastogne–Liège, first held in 1892, is the oldest of cycling’s five Monuments. Its long history earned it the nickname La Doyenne, French for “The Old Lady.” The race runs through Belgium’s Ardennes, from Liège to Bastogne and back.

The event is a one-day classic traditionally held in late April. Its course is famous for numerous steep, short climbs rather than the cobbles associated with races such as Paris–Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. That terrain often favors strong climbers and stage-race contenders, although the race’s length and repeated ascents make it demanding for every rider.

Liège–Bastogne–Liège is part of the Ardennes Classics sequence and generally concludes the spring Classics season. It is also one of the five Monuments, cycling’s most prestigious one-day races, alongside Milan–San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, and the Giro di Lombardia.

Eddy Merckx holds the race victory record with five wins. The other listed races are also Monuments, but they began later: Milan–San Remo in 1907, the Tour of Flanders in 1913, and Paris–Roubaix in 1896.