All three monuments held so far this year have had debut winners: Jasper Stuyven in Milan-San Remo, Tadej Pogachar in Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and Caspar Asgreen in the Tour of Flanders. The Danish powerhouse defeated Mathieu van der Poel in a sprint contest that could be the biggest race banker for Dečuninck-Quickstep over the next few years.

The rule has already had an impressive classic season, winning the E3 on the way to victory in Flanders. He also finished second in the Tour de France on stage 20 and came within two seconds of a podium finish in the World Championship TT.

Interviewed by Victor Lindholm of Procycling (opens in new tab), Asgreen talked about his love for cycling. He explained: "I rarely think of cycling as hard work. I have the best job in the world and I don't feel sorry for myself having to sit on a bike for five hours in the rain. Some people pay me for that. I'm not complaining."

Also in this month's magazine, Primoš Roglic looks back on the Vuelta a España, which he won for the third consecutive year. From the moment the defending champion took first place in the time trial in Burgos, the GC script seemed to be written in permanent ink.

Along with the results of each stage, we also look back on the comeback of Fabio Jacobsen, the retirement of Miguel Angel Lopez, and the breakthrough of Bahrain-Victorias' Jack Haig.

With the "State of the Nation" series drawing to a close, "Low Countries" is next. This month it is the Netherlands' turn in the spotlight. They certainly dominate women's cycling and have talent at the top of the men's sport.

Thomas Olsthorn writes: "Ask a random foreigner what he or she knows about this small country on the North Sea, and besides windmills, cheese, and clogs, cycling will undoubtedly come up. Cycling is part of the Dutch cultural heritage. Countless generations have grown up with two-wheelers as the ideal means of transportation". He goes on to explain, however, that despite the overwhelming number of leisure cyclists, this culture does not guarantee the creation of new top professionals.

One of the standout teams this season has been Alpecin-Phoenix, whose ProTour team has been well represented, winning a stage and a classic in each of the three Grand Tours. Richard Abraham discusses their success, explaining that this team is no longer just Mathieu Van Der Pol's team.

"What began as a support team for a one-time superstar has evolved into something much bigger. Why change the winning formula? Abraham asks.

The final monument of the year is Il Lombardia, where the traditional end-of-season race returns to its frame at the end of October after a 2020 transition; Procycling looks at the fallen leaves race and its 116-year long history.

Also included this month are interviews with Alexandre Vlasov and Rachel Neylan. The former looks at the future of Astana's Golden Boy, while the latter reflects on a turbulent few years for the Australian, who moved to the Cofidis women's team.

There is also a good selection of regular features, including this month's Retro, which covers Freddy Maertens' last hurrah, his second world title in Prague.

The October issue also features a full lineup of regulars, including diarists Kevin Reza, Brody Chapman, and Charlie Quarterman, as well as Dan Martin and columnist Lawrence ten Dam.

Procycling magazine (opens in new tab): the best writing and photos from inside the world's toughest sport. Pick one up now at your local newsstand or supermarket, or subscribe to Procycling (opens in new tab).