Classics Story, The Northern Way

April 7 to 13 2025

The route will start in Ghent, from there we will challenge you over lots of legendary cobbled roads and bergs.

We will pass by sections of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne Brussel Kuurne, Nokere Koerse, Dwars Door Vlaanderen, E3 Prijs, Gent Wevelgem, Ronde Van Vlaanderen, Paris Roubaix, Amstel Gold Race, Brabantse Pijl, Flèche Wallonne, Liège Bastogne Liège Dwars Door Het Hageland and Brussel Cycling Classic.

In 2 of these races there are some gravel sections, and along the route, when we connect the different race passages, we have chosen the most secure roads, so some extra gravel roads are added for your security. But all of these sections will be smoother than the best cobbled section and we guarantee it is roadbike proof. Der Lokomotiv did test ride all with 25 mm tires and did not experience any flats. 

The start will be given the day after the pro Riders conquer their Tour of Flanders, so the races are never far. it is likely that you will see some pro riders recon the Roubaix course on your second day, please enjoy their passage and give them a big thumbs up. 

For those of you who would like to experience a little more cycling history during their adventure: In Roeselare we pass by Museum Koers, in Oudenaarde CRVV and at the Balenberg, Sven Nys Cycling Center.

We will finish in Valkenburg, close to the Cauberg. The finishers’ party is also planned here on Sunday, with live coverage of Paris Roubaix!

There should be enough time to finish this adventure with just daytime riding. If you decide to ride at night, it is mandatory to use appropriate front and rear lighting as well as high visibility reflective clothing. Be aware of the fact that cycling consecutively for many days, with littleor no rest, can cause hallucinations and drastically lower the threshold of attention on the road and the perception of danger. Therefore we don’t recommend participants to cycle during nighttime.

• Riders must respect local and national laws and the rules of the road.
• Riders must wear a helmet 
• Riders must complete the designated route from start to finish without outside help. The use of outside support from third parties is not permitted in any way whatsoever.
• Riders are required to use a (provided) GPS tracker during their ride at any time.
• The bike must be equipped with a bell, lights and reflective strips (in addition, riders must have a spare set of lights with them at all time)
• The use of running day lights at the front and rear is required
• All riders need to have a reflective vest with them at  all time (mandatory use in dark weather)
• A first aid kit is strongly recommended.
• Drafting is prohibited, except for registered pairs.Drafting non participants is not allowed.
• A medical certificate that says you are in good health, free of conditions incompatible with the practice of amateur cycling and, therefore, able to participate in a long distance non-competitive cycling event such as Classics Story is mandatory.

• No insurance, no ride.
• No prize money.

Registration

The Registration cost for the 2025 edition is € 230

In addition to the registration fee, you can optionally choose to take cancellation insurance. For 30 euros you can cancel or postpone your adventure up to a week before the start.

For those who want to ride as a pair, both the riders have to register and pay. Please give us the name of your team and riding partner in the comments when you register.

In the week after the Strade Bianche an email will be sent to all participants withmore detailed information, the gps track and a form to be completed. In this form you will have to send your medical certificate and we will request additional information  to present the different riders on social media and our website.

What you get from Der Lokomotiv:

• The route in form of a GPXfile
• Tracking device for the duration of the event
• A dotwatching platform during the event. We will also publish your  individual times on our website.
• Official race cap with your dot number
• A reflective vest as a souvenir, provided by raceviz.be
• A (Vegan) Snack at the riders meeting, the evening before the start
• We will take as many pictures as possible during the event (can’t guarantee we have yours but we will try)
• The transport of one small bag (hand luggage) from the start to the finish line

Not included:

• Riders insurance: Every rider must be in possession of a valid insurance (this is usually provided by the cycling association of your country. We recommend every rider to have a travel insurance, for non-European union residents travel insurance is mandatory.
• Your trip to start and back from the finish.
• Any kind of support during your adventure.
• The € 70 cash deposit for the GPS tracker. When we get your tracker back, you will of course get your money back.
• Transport of your bicycle case / big suitcase from Ghent to the finish line can be arranged as an option for € 25. To be paid at the start in cash.
• Everything that is not mentioned above

Join the Adventure

With cancellation insurance

  €260

The Previous Editions

The first edition went out in 2020, 3 participants drove their story, which unfortunately could not continue on the French roads under the influence of covid, so just like the pro peloton there was no Roubaix course this year. Rudy was the first to finish his 1100 km adventure in 3 days 10 hours and 5 minutes. It took Sven more than 2 days more and Bart reached the finish in more than 7 days, which puts him outside the set time. But he did finish.

in 2021 we were allowed to offer the entire course. 6 riders left the day after the world championship. Their challenge is to finish during the Roubaix pro race. 2 succeeded, Yves, in 3 days 12 hours and 53 min. Erik finished after 6 days 9 hours 32 min . For what they told us Bart, Tom, Michiel and Glenn also had a fantastic adventure that, however, ended early for various reasons.

In 2022 we did ride in perfect weather, so the 7 riders who did start, finished within 6 days. Justinas Leveika did it in 2 days 11 hours and 49 min and so he did put an amazing record time on the tables.

2023 started with a prelude that resulted in a beautiful film of Fatpigeon. The day after the ‘Ronde van Vlaanderen’ we start for the 4th time. 4 days 11 hours 35 minutes later, Stefaan & Taneli were the first duo ever to arrive at Le Baroudeur in Valkenburg, 24 and 3 minutes later, Bob arrived as the fastest solo rider in the Hotel steeped in cycling history.

Discover More Legendary Roads you will pass @Instagram

Of course you will pass more legendary places, so we hope to see some photos on your social media every day. 

Event partners