As the oldest classic, this race demands the most when it comes to a race of pure strength and attrition. The course is fairly straightforward, beginning in the center of Liege and heading south toward Bastogne. The riders tackle the majority of the obstacles on the return trip north to Liege, which gives the race its selective nature. As opposed to those in Flanders, these climbs are longer and with more constant pitches, therefore suiting true climbers, especially those able to follow sharp, uphill accelerations.