What are the women’s cycling monuments? Do any actually exist?

Professional cycling is steeped in tradition, with teams often staying loyal to long-established methods and fans relishing the sport’s rich heritage. At the core of this history are the five monuments – Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia – races celebrated for their prestige, significance, and decades of tradition.

In recent years, the debate over whether Strade Bianche merits recognition as a sixth men’s monument has gained momentum. Critics argue the race lacks the historical weight and longevity of the established five, while others champion its character, the drama of its gravel roads, and its growing reputation as a modern classic. The discussion remains unresolved, with strong opinions on both sides of the men’s peloton.

For the women’s peloton, these conversations feel even less settled. While the monuments hold the highest status in men’s racing as a set of the best one-day races, it’s unclear whether women’s cycling has its own status for all of these historic races. As the sport has expanded its audience rapidly in recent years, the question of whether the monuments exist in women’s cycling and what races they are is still to be decided.

What is a monument?

Part of the issue surrounding what races to call monuments is that there is no clear, precise definition or any group which gets together and assesses the status of races that may use that term. Generally, they are the hardest races in men’s cycling, potentially the longest, and are typically seen as the races with the most prestige thanks to their age. As mentioned in the intro, the 5 men’s races which are considered to be monuments are Milan-Sanremo, Paris Roubaix, Tour of Flanders, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Il Lombardia.

The UCI has attempted to codify these 5 races as higher in status than the others by awarding more UCI points for doing well in those races. The Tour de France is the only race in the top category, with its sister Grand Tours of the Vuelta and Giro following behind in a category below. The highest one-day races are the group of 5 monuments which make up the 3rd highest category. That would seem to officially elevate these 5 races to a higher status than any other one-day races on the calendar.

For the women’s peloton, however, there is no such separation of events as all of the Women’s WorldTour one-day races are scored by the same points system. This keeps things simple as race classification is the deciding factor rather than the race’s prestige. Some of that is down to the changing nature of the women’s calendar. A few years ago there simply wasn’t a women’s Paris Roubaix or Sanremo Women for example and so the UCI would be changing which races belonged in which section every year. Some point to this as evidence that there are no women’s monuments due to the UCI’s points system. Often these are people who can be counted upon to have put down women’s cycling at some point previously as well.

But the prestige that the men’s events have seems to carry over to women’s races regardless of what points the UCI awards. The first edition of the Paris Roubaix Femmes was majorly hyped like nothing else other than the Tour de France Femmes as it broke new ground and instantly doubled down on its new-found status on race day. Epic conditions in the muddiest edition in modern times were matched by a solo break from Lizzie Deignan who arrived in the velodrome with blood pouring from her ungloved hands. If any race was due to be given instant monument status and delivered, that race was absolutely it.

Origin of the term ‘monument’ in cycling

The term “monument” in cycling has a debated history, tied to the sport’s traditions and language. It is now used to describe the five most prestigious one-day races, but its origins remain uncertain.

Some believe “monument” is a relatively modern term, gaining popularity in the last 30 to 40 years to distinguish these iconic races. However, the French-language Wikipedia cites the phrase “un monument du cyclisme” (a monument of cycling) as being used in 1949 to describe Paris-Roubaix. This suggests the term may have originated informally within French cycling culture.

The word likely reflects the races’ lasting significance and historical importance. Over time, it became a way to convey the unique cultural and sporting weight of these events, cementing its place in cycling’s vocabulary. While its exact timeline remains unclear, “monument” endures as a term that highlights the heritage of these legendary races.

Which races have a claim to being one of the women’s cycling monuments?

There are 5 men’s monuments but the situation is harder to call in women’s cycling. The 4 men’s monuments that also have women’s races often get referred to as the monuments for women, with even the UCI mentioning it when Lizzie Deignan won Liège-Bastogne-Liège back in 2020, including her win at Tour of Flanders in 2016 as a monument mention as well. There’s the well-known sticking point of just referring to the men’s 5 races due to the absence of a women’s Il Lombardia. That Italian race hasn’t attempted to create a women’s race yet but could eventually be a late entry if RCS do ever get around to holding a version of it.

Furthermore, whilst we could just replicate the 4 men’s races which also have women’s races as the monuments, it feels like there should be recognition of the separate history which has seen the women’s peloton reach this point. There are races with high prestige that have a long history, and whose long-term contribution to women’s cycling should be recognised. There’s also a keen steer to not make women’s racing just a facsimile of the men’s calendar if possible.

The likes of Trofeo Alfredo Binda, a women’s-only race, absolutely fall into that category and it’s the same for Flèche Wallonne and GP Plouay which have both been raced at the highest level of women’s racing for around 20 years at this point. There’s also a chance that because age isn’t quite as definitive a reason for a race to be a monument that Strade Bianche Donne can be included as a monument too. That would be for all of the reasons that people want to include it as the 6th men’s monument but without the same blockers or counter-arguments.

That potentially gets us up to 8 races which we can consider as the women’s monuments. There’s nothing which suggests there absolutely has to be only 5 monument races and until the return of Sanremo Women in 2025, this list would’ve only had 7 races on it as well. A similar balance to the men’s races has been achieved, the later season inclusive of GP Plouay helps to mirror the autumnal Il Lombardia away from the rest of the races which are all found in the Spring Classics season. We get a nice mix of Italian, Flemish, Ardennais and French monuments.

• Trofeo Alfreo Binda
• Strade Bianche Donne
• Sanremo Women
• Tour of Flanders for Women
• Paris Roubaix Femmes
• La Flèche Wallone Féminine
• Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes
• GP Plouay

Trofeo Alfredo Binda

The Trofeo Alfredo Binda, held in Northern Italy’s Province of Varese, always offers challenging racing on its hilly circuit around Cittiglio. First held in 1974 and now part of the UCI Women’s World Tour, the event remains a favourite for climbers and puncheurs due to its demanding terrain. The route nowadays features multiple laps of a 15km circuit with two key climbs: the short, sharp Casale Alto (0.8km at 7%) and the longer Orino climb (2.6km at 5%). The latter, located near the end of each lap, often proves decisive. Riders also navigated through Brenta, Casalzuigno, Cuveglio, and Gemonio, with technical descents adding further challenges.

The race honours Alfredo Binda, a five-time Giro d’Italia winner and three-time world champion. Since its inception as a regional event, it has grown into one of the most prestigious one-day races, joining the Road World Cup in 2008 and remaining in the Women’s World Tour since. Italian riders have dominated historically, but at the top level, it’s Marianne Vos’ 4 wins which is the most achieved by a rider.

Photo Credit: Getty

Strade Bianche Donne

Strade Bianche Donne, held in Tuscany, Italy, has quickly established itself as a modern classic since its first edition in 2016. The race is known for its white gravel roads, or sterrato, which add a unique challenge to the stunning rolling landscape of Siena and its surroundings. The route features multiple gravel sectors, totalling over 30km, interspersed with tarmac sections. These gravel stretches, often steep and uneven, demand exceptional bike-handling skills and positioning in the peloton. Key sectors like Le Tolfe and San Martino in Grania typically shape the race, with climbers and all-rounders excelling in the demanding conditions.

The final climb into Siena’s historic Piazza del Campo, with its sharp gradients on the Via Santa Caterina, provides a dramatic finish, favouring explosive riders capable of delivering a final, decisive effort. Past winners include the Netherlands’ Annemiek van Vleuten and Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini, both riders who have proven their strength and skill in tackling such demanding conditions.

Sanremo Women

Sanremo Women, set to debut in 2025, marks the return of a women’s race to the legendary roads of Milan-Sanremo. The event revives the legacy of the Primavera Rosa, held from 1999 to 2005, and aims to deliver a similarly thrilling challenge to modern women’s cycling. Lizzie Deignan has already described it as a monument at the 2024 Rouleur Live event.

The Primavera Rosa followed the final section of the men’s Milan-Sanremo route, featuring the iconic climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio in the Ligurian Riviera. These ascents, positioned in the race’s finale, often played a decisive role, favouring punchy climbers and sprinters capable of surging on the short but sharp gradients. The technical descent off the Poggio and the fast run-in to Sanremo required precision and nerves, making it a true test of all-round capability.

With Sanremo Women now joining the calendar, the spirit of the Primavera Rosa lives on. The new race promises to retain these key elements, providing a dynamic and tactical challenge. Past winners of the Primavera Rosa include cycling legends like Nicole Cooke and Zoulfia Zabirova, who excelled on this demanding course, and the inaugural rebooted edition of Sanremo Women is set to add a new chapter to the shared history of these iconic roads.

Photo Credit: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images

Tour of Flanders for Women

The Tour of Flanders for Women, held in Belgium’s Flanders region, is a cornerstone of the UCI Women’s World Tour calendar. First run in 2004, the race is renowned for its cobbled climbs and relentless terrain, making it a favourite for classics specialists and puncheurs alike. The modern route features a mix of cobbled sectors and short, sharp climbs, including iconic ascents like the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg. These brutal climbs often serve as the launchpads for race-winning moves, with narrow roads and steep gradients creating decisive moments. The technical demands of the course, combined with unpredictable weather, often splinter the peloton into small groups or lone breakaways.

As a counterpart to the men’s Ronde van Vlaanderen, the women’s race has grown significantly in stature over the years. Notable winners include the Netherlands’ Annemiek van Vleuten and Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky, with Dutch riders frequently dominating the top steps of the podium in recent editions.

Paris Roubaix Femmes

Paris-Roubaix Femmes, introduced in 2021, finally brought the legendary cobblestones of northern France to women’s cycling, creating a modern monument that has quickly become a highlight of the UCI Women’s World Tour. Known as the “Hell of the North,” the race shares its brutal character with the men’s Paris-Roubaix, featuring the same unforgiving pavé sectors that have defined the sport’s history.

The route covers over 30km of cobblestones, with iconic sections such as the Mons-en-Pévèle, and Carrefour de l’Arbre serving as the key battlegrounds. Famously, the women have yet to race on the Arenberg. These brutal stretches, combined with exposed terrain and unpredictable weather, test riders’ endurance, technical skill, and sheer determination.

The inaugural edition in 2021, delayed due to the pandemic, saw Lizzie Deignan make history as the first winner, launching a solo attack on the cobbles that captured the spirit of the event. Subsequent editions have cemented the race’s reputation for thrilling drama, with Elisa Longo Borghini and Lotte Kopecky adding their names to the roll of honour. Finishing in the iconic Roubaix Velodrome, the Paris-Roubaix Femmes has quickly become a cornerstone of the women’s calendar, showcasing the grit and tenacity of its riders against the backdrop of one of cycling’s most iconic settings.

La Flèche Wallonne Féminine

La Flèche Wallonne Féminine, first held in 1999, has long been a cornerstone of women’s cycling. As part of the UCI Women’s Road World Cup from its inception until 2015, and the Women’s World Tour from 2016 onwards, the race is renowned for its relentless climbs and iconic finale on the Mur de Huy. The route weaves through the Ardennes, with repeated ascents of punishing climbs like the Côte de Cherave and the Mur de Huy. The Mur, averaging 9.3% over 1.3km with sections reaching 19%, is where the race is almost always decided. Its narrow, steep gradients demand not only climbing strength but also precise timing and positioning to launch a winning attack.

From 1999 to 2024, the race has become synonymous with dominance by standout riders. Marianne Vos has claimed five victories, while Anna van der Breggen set a remarkable record with seven consecutive wins from 2015 to 2021. The event’s steep climbs and tactical demands have made it a proving ground for some of the best climbers and puncheurs in the sport. Held alongside the men’s La Flèche Wallonne, the women’s edition has earned its own reputation as one of the most challenging and prestigious races in the calendar, with the Mur de Huy providing a fitting and dramatic backdrop for cycling’s elite.

Photo Credit: Getty

Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes

Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes, first held in 2017, has quickly become one of the most prestigious one-day races in women’s cycling. As part of the UCI Women’s World Tour, the race mirrors the character of the men’s La Doyenne, offering a challenging route through the Ardennes that demands strength, tactical skill, and endurance. The course takes in many of the same iconic climbs as the men’s race, including the Côte de la Redoute, Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, and Côte des Forges. These steep ascents, combined with narrow roads and technical descents, shape the race, with the Roche-aux-Faucons often proving decisive as it comes close to the finish in Liège.

The inaugural edition in 2017 was won by Anna van der Breggen, who went on to claim four consecutive victories, cementing her dominance in the Ardennes. Subsequent winners include Demi Vollering, who claimed her first Liège-Bastogne-Liège title in 2021 before adding another in 2023, and Annemiek van Vleuten, who added her name to the honours list with wins in 2019 and 2022. Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes has established itself as a crucial race for climbers and puncheurs on the Women’s World Tour calendar. Its combination of historic climbs and a dramatic finale ensures it remains a firm favourite among fans and riders alike. FDJ-Suez certainly considered that Grace Brown’s win in 2024 was her first monument victory.

GP Plouay (aka Classic Lorient Agglomération)

The GP Plouay, now officially known as the Classic Lorient Agglomération, has been a key fixture at the top of women’s cycling since 2002. Initially part of the UCI Women’s Road World Cup and later transitioning to the Women’s World Tour in 2016, the race has become known for its challenging circuit and unpredictable dynamics. Set in the Brittany region of France, the course features rolling terrain and repeated short climbs that favour aggressive racing.

The event has seen a variety of winners, from powerful sprinters to opportunistic attackers. Dutch riders have often dominated, with Marianne Vos claiming multiple victories, while recent years have seen riders like Annemiek van Vleuten and Elisa Longo Borghini showcase their strength on this demanding course. Mischa Bredewold has doubled up in the last 2 years with a repeat victory but no one has matched the 3 wins of Lizzie Deignan in 2015, 2017 & 2020.

Which races miss out?

Several races in women’s cycling have played pivotal roles in shaping the sport but fall just short of being regarded as part of the group of races that form the monuments. Despite some strong histories and fun races, these events sit just below the top tier in terms of prestige and global recognition within women’s cycling.

Ronde van Drenthe, held from 2007 to 2024, offered a mix of cobbled roads, exposed sections, and climbs like the VAMberg that often defined the race. Initially part of the UCI Women’s Road World Cup and later the Women’s World Tour, it attracted strong fields and memorable winners and would have had a serious chance of monument status if it hadn’t stopped after the 2024 edition. This was partly down to rules surrounding the way races were safely escorted getting stricter but also an independent organiser reaching the end of what it was able to to hold the race each year.

Vårgårda, last held in 2022, provided a Scandinavian flavour to the calendar with its road race and team time trial. Introduced in 2006 and joining the World Cup and later the Women’s World Tour, it gave us tactical racing on rolling Swedish roads but ultimately faded as, like the Ronde van Drenthe, rules about hosting races safely with police escorts became tougher and tougher, forcing the race to close.

Omloop het Nieuwsblad, held since 2006, but it only joined the Women’s WorldTour in 2023. While it has a long history of opening the classics season, its previous lower status meant it doesn’t yet carry the same weight as other spring races. Even now, it remains more of a prelude to the bigger Belgian cobbled events but gives us plenty of early-season excitement.

Gent-Wevelgem, first held in 2012 and elevated to form part of the Women’s World Tour since 2016, features iconic climbs like the Kemmelberg but has yet to truly capture the prestige of other Flanders-based races. Despite attracting top riders, it often plays second fiddle to the more challenging and dramatic Tour of Flanders. This may be down to the regular sprint finishes compared to other races but it just isn’t quite on the same level yet.

Amstel Gold Race has an unusual history, held briefly from 2001 to 2003 before a hiatus until its Women’s WorldTour debut in 2017. While it boasts a great list of winners and takes on the famous Cauberg climb, it has not quite reached the same level as La Flèche Wallonne or Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The Holland Hills Classic filled the gap during its absence, but without top-tier status, it never elevated the race’s standing. Like Gent-Wevelgem, it sits in that gap of being a race the big names want to win without quite being a monument either. The disappointment Lorena Wiebes showed when she celebrated early and missed out on the win in 2024 speaks volumes.

Which riders have won the most monuments?

Marianne Vos and Anna van der Breggen are the riders with the most wins in the women’s monuments. Van der Breggen’s wins are in large part thanks to her amassed collection of Flèche Wallonne wins. Her 7 wins in a row on the Mur de Huy form the majority of her total of 12 monuments. It’s similar for Vos in a way, she has 5 wins herself at the Flèche Wallonne, along with 4 more at the Trofeo Alfredo Binda but also has wins at the Tour of Flanders and and GP Plouay. Lizzie Deignan is 3rd with a total of 9 wins but she’s the rider with the most individual races won with 6 of the 8 monuments covered (only Sanremo and Flèche Wallonne are missing). A few riders like Anna van der Breggen and Elisa Longo Borghini have 5 monuments covered.

There’s an inherent bias towards modern riders who started their career around 8 to 10 or so years ago. Many of the races didn’t exist until 2016 onwards and the likes of Flèche Wallonne were often dominated by single riders over multiple years further reducing opportunities. The top end of the table is dominated by riders who either recently retired or are firmly into the autumn years of their career. Emma Pooley is a similar age to Van Vleuten but is arguably a pre-WWT generation rider along with Nicole Cooke, Mirjam Melchers, Zulfia Zabirova and Fabiana Luperini.