Lidl-Trek shine in the Classics - GCN Racing News Show

Depending on how you classify it, we are either in the middle of, or at the start of cycling's 'Holy Week' in Belgium, which means only one thing - it's cobbled Classics season.

Sure, the early-season stage races provided entertainment and 'Opening Weekend' allowed for a brief sojourn in Belgium, but in truth, most fans were waiting with eager anticipation for this exact moment, with the world's best one-day racers butting heads in the spring Classics.

Read more: Spring Classics 2024: Essential guide to the races and riders

The past week has whetted the appetite and raised expectations for this week's Tour of Flanders, if that were even possible, with the Classic Brugge-De Panne, E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem all delivering outstanding racing over the cobbles of Belgium.

Sitting in the hot seat in the GCN studio this week is Dan Lloyd, who runs his finger over all of the biggest talking points from the past week of racing.

Dan was on the ground at some of last week's races, and was left astounded by the speed at which the peloton tackled the Taaienberg cobbled climb. It was over these cobbles that Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) marched at a canter during his solo attack at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday.

The world champion ruled the roost at the race affectionately known as the mini-Tour of Flanders, and produced another great ride at Gent-Wevelgem, but it is not Van der Poel who has caught Dan's eye the most. No, that credit is awarded to Lidl-Trek, whose men's and women's squads have been firing on all cylinders over the last few races.

Read more: The Van der Poel rules: How to beat cycling's best Classics rider

Mads Pedersen was the man to beat Van der Poel in the men's Gent-Wevelgem, whilst Elisa Balsamo won the Classic Brugge-De Panne before only being narrowly beaten by Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) at Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday.

Between those two riders and their teammates - namely Jonathan Milan, Ellen van Dijk and Jasper Stuyven - Lidl-Trek look well set for yet more notable results over the coming days and weeks.

Racing is not all about the Classics though, and UAE Team Emirates' Tadej Pogačar certainly made plenty of headlines of his own at the recent Volta a Catalunya. The Slovenian was in unstoppable form as he rampaged to four stage victories, but there were also impressive performances from Mikel Landa (Soudal Quick-Step) and Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers).

Read more: Egan Bernal 'really proud' of first WorldTour podium since life-threatening crash

That is not to mention Coppi e Bartali and a look ahead to this week's races, which include Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders. We've got all that and more in this week's GCN Racing News Show. Join Dan and check out the video above.

For the latest news, interviews and analysis from the world of professional cycling, be sure to check out the Racing tab on the GCN website and visit our essential guide to The Spring Classics to stay up to date with all of the action from cycling's most exciting season.