March is always one of the most exciting months of the cycling season, as the Spring Classics take center stage. From the gravel roads of Strade Bianche to the fast-paced cobbles of Gent-Wevelgem, March is filled with thrilling racing that sets the tone for the rest of the season. With some of the best riders in the world lining up to contest these prestigious races, here’s a look at what to expect from each of the major WorldTour events in March.

01/03 – Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad kicks off the month of March with a bang, traditionally marking the start of the Belgian Classics. This race has seen a mix of sprinters and puncheurs taking the victory in recent years, with Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogačar being notable winners. Expect aggressive racing with a lot of breaks and tactical moves on the cobbled climbs of the Belgian roads. Riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Sep Vanmarcke have also shown strong form here, making it a highly competitive race.
What to expect: A fast, hard-fought race with multiple teams trying to take the lead, and an exciting sprint finish if the breakaways are reeled in. Keep an eye on Van Aert and Pogačar again.

08/03 – Strade Bianche

The Strade Bianche has become one of the most iconic one-day races in recent years. Its gravel roads and picturesque Tuscan landscapes make it a fan favorite. With riders like Wout van Aert, Julian Alaphilippe, and Tadej Pogačar dominating in recent years, it’s clear that the race requires both power and tactical savvy. The unpredictable weather and rough gravel sectors often make for a brutal battle, and no rider can afford to relax until the final climbs.
What to expect: The last gravel sectors will likely decide the race, with top riders trying to break away before the final uphill sprint. Look for Van Aert and Pogačar to continue their dominance here, with Alaphilippe and Kasper Asgreen also poised to challenge.

09/03 – Paris-Nice

Known as the “Race to the Sun,” Paris-Nice is a key early-season event where climbers and GC contenders can show their form. Over the years, this race has been a stepping stone for riders preparing for the Tour de France, and we often see big performances from the likes of Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, and Primož Roglič. With a mix of sprint stages and tough climbs in the final days, it’s always unpredictable.
What to expect: Expect fierce battles for the overall classification, especially as we head into the hilly stages and the final day of the race. Riders like Roglič and Pogačar will be in the mix for GC, but don’t rule out a surprise performance from younger riders or lesser-known climbers.

10/03 – Tirreno-Adriatico

Rounding off the Italian stage races in March, Tirreno-Adriatico always delivers top-class racing. Known for its varied terrain, with flat stages, challenging hills, and a time trial, this race is a real test for all-around riders. In recent years, Tadej Pogačar has shown dominance here, winning multiple editions and proving he can compete across all disciplines. Expect to see great time trial performances, especially from specialists like Filippo Ganna and Rohan Dennis.
What to expect: Pogačar will likely be one of the favorites, but with the time trial and mountain stages, we could see a GC battle unfold between the likes of Roglič, Carapaz, and other stage-race stars.

22/03 – Milano-Sanremo

One of cycling’s most famous and oldest races, Milano-Sanremo offers a unique mix of flat stretches and challenging climbs like the Colle di Giovo and the Cipressa. Known for its sprinter-friendly profile, this race is often decided by a late attack or sprint from the strongest riders. Alberto Dainese and Wout van Aert have been in the spotlight in recent years, but it’s the big names like Matthew van der Poel and Pogačar that make it an unpredictable race.
What to expect: A thrilling final sprint, with riders trying to launch early from the climb or stay in position to contest the sprint. Expect a wide-open race with Van Aert and Pogačar both fighting for the win.

24/03 – Volta Ciclista a Catalunya

With a mix of tough mountain stages and sprint opportunities, Volta a Catalunya often sees a clash between the top GC contenders. The race is known for its challenging climbs in the final days, where riders like Enric Mas, Mikel Landa, and Primož Roglič have shone in the past. Expect a battle between climbers and stage-race specialists, with the final days of the race playing a decisive role in the overall classification.
What to expect: The GC battle will likely come down to the mountain stages, where Roglič and Mas will face off. Look for breakaways and strategic moves in the final stages.

26/03 – Classic Brugge-De Panne

The Classic Brugge-De Panne is a fast, flat race that’s ideal for sprinters, but it’s the wind and weather that can often decide the outcome. The short but intense race is perfect for power sprinters like Fabio Jakobsen and Tim Merlier, and we often see riders who can control the peloton in crosswinds making their move here.
What to expect: A chaotic sprint finale, with the peloton strung out and strong wind a likely factor. Keep an eye on Jakobsen, Merlier, and Van Aert.

28/03 – E3 Saxo Classic

The E3 Saxo Classic is often seen as a precursor to Gent-Wevelgem and Tour of Flanders, and it brings the same brutal cobbled sections and tricky climbs. Van Aert, Van der Poel, and Greg Van Avermaet are often the stars here, and it’s a race that demands both tactical nous and physical strength. Expect attacks on the climbs, and the final selection to be made in the final kilometers.
What to expect: A tough battle between the top cobbled classics riders, with a potential sprint finish or solo attack from one of the big names like Van Aert or Van der Poel.

30/03 – Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields

Rounding off the month, Gent-Wevelgem offers a unique combination of flat roads and tough hills, with several cobbled sections. Riders like Van Aert, Van der Poel, and Jakobsen are the usual suspects here, but the race can throw surprises, especially with weather conditions. This race often sees riders attacking early, with the finale typically decided by a sprint from a reduced group or a solo rider breaking away.
What to expect: A thrilling finale with Van Aert and Van der Poel again in the mix. If the weather is harsh, expect more breakaways and less control from the bunch.

What to Expect in March 2025

The month of March is always an exciting time for cycling fans, with so many legendary races packed into a few weeks. From the gravel roads of Strade Bianche to the brutal climbs of Milano-Sanremo, the competition will be fierce, and the unpredictability of these races ensures that anything can happen. Expect the likes of Van Aert, Van der Poel, and Pogačar to shine, but with the unpredictable nature of the Spring Classics, surprises are always around the corner.

Stay tuned for thrilling racing action as the Spring Classics get underway!