Think of it as riding in Hell, Hell of the North, times eight.

Eight rides filled with punishing Flemish cobbles, wicked weather, punchy leg snapping climbs and unbelievably narrow roads covered in mud and manure where you must continually fight for position.

That best describes the 2023 Continental Classic Tour. It is Belgium’s toughest amateur series, designed to break a rider physical and mentally on the same roads crisscrossed by the world’s best riders in the pro versions of springtime classics.

Starting with the legendary Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Cyclo on 26 February and ending 16 September at the Super 8 Cyclo, the series also includes Dwars door Vlaanderen Cyclo on 18 March, the famous Ghent-Wevelgem on 25 March, Tour of Flanders 1 April in Oudenaarde, Scheldeprijs 8 April, the Freccia of Brabant 15 April and Ride Leuven 15 August.

Be sure to join the after-party at each event and do what Belgian’s do so well, tell tall-tales of peloton mischief, pain and suffering while quaffing a stout beer or two.

Hell never felt so good.

Continental Classic Tour information and registration available HERE

Photos: Continental Classic Tour