Why Klassieker?
The simple concept behind launching this title, two years in the making, was to produce the magazine that we most wanted to read. Engaging articles that are actually about something, punctuated with large numbers of interesting photos. A consistent and broadly positive voice reflecting our passion for the sport. Absolutely nothing hidden behind a paywall and no infomercials for VPN masquerading as content.
Over the many years we’ve followed the sport one thing became abundantly clear. The overwhelming majority of column inches will be dedicated to stage races. There are some one day races that cut through but they are in the vast minority. We intend to redress that balance as much as is possible and hopefully increase awareness and interest in some of the less visible races.
Our inspiration comes from the golden age of cycling sport journalism and classic titles such as Miroir-Sprint, International Cycle Sport, Sporting Cyclist and Le Miroir des Sports.
We aim to bring back the eye witness account of races that has largely been lost to the increase in TV coverage. Not as the only way to find out about the sport as it once was but to convey a feeling of the races themselves. We intend to pass on our experience of working on many, many races over the years to help encourage more and more fans to take to the side of the road and become a part of this beautiful sport. To meet people that share their passion and immerse themselves in the culture that surrounds it.
Of the 301 one day races on the 2026 UCI calendar 177 take place in Belgium, France or Italy. A massive 71 are Belgian. The Wielerklassieker is part of life there in a way that football is in Britain or Ice Hockey is in Canada. It seemed fitting that our name reflected that and showed our appreciation and respect for the country and its contribution to the sport we love.
Everyone involved in Klassieker has a background in photography. It is the guiding light that leads us. It is absolutely central to our vision for this publication. To restore the value of the still image. We have a massive archive of images which grows all the time and our strategic link with Vélocité Image Agency (VIA) gives us access to many more.
As photographers it is our job to capture history in the making. Through our writing we also look to animate the legends of the past, their stories and the achievements that elevated them to that status.
We believe in human creativity and, as has already been alluded to, we have a deep seated belief that we can learn a lot from the history of the sport and the journalism that reported on it. It is with that in mind that we have a strict no AI policy with regard to writing, image creation, mapping and all other aspects of the creative process. We do use Google Translate, however, as we’re not fluent in multiple languages. We also use features within Adobe Photoshop to remove grain and minor editing that now have some AI elements as part of the standard program. It’s not that we’re against AI, it’s just that we firmly believe that it should be used to enhance humanity, cure diseases and solve problems. Not to replace creativity with a regurgitated and ultimately soulless form of writing. As for AI images, the less said about them the better. While others may disagree that is their choice. We stand behind this editorial decision.
Another aspect that was at the forefront of our thinking when developing Klassieker was how people tend to consume media in the current age. While there are still many people that read on laptops and desktops it is clear that significant numbers almost exclusively view the internet on their phones. We wanted to create a format that blends the best of the original paper magazine with the technological advantages that come from digital distribution. We want to provide a diversion from the constant problems of the world that are only a click away. To make the daily commute or coffee break a less anger inducing part of life.
Finally, we hope that you enjoy reading, commenting on social media and sharing this labour of love as much as we will creating it. As much from the roadside as behind the laptop.
