De Brabantse Pijl serves as a mid-week transition race, taking the peloton from the punishing pavé of Flanders and Northern France to the equally painful climbs of the Ardennes.
Over the course of 202km, from Leuven to the three finishing circuits in Overijse, the organisers have picked up what seems to be every possible climb. In the 23.4km final circuit alone there are five, three of which come in the final 10km and the last ending at the finish line, making for a tough day in the saddle.
Coming after Paris-Roubaix and before the Amstel Gold Race, the Brabantse Pijl is the domain of punchy sprinters or attackers, with past winners including Philippe Gilbert, Peter Sagan, Sylvain Chavanel and Thomas Voeckler.
