Cycling championships around the world captivate audiences with their challenging courses, legendary stories and legendary winners. There are a huge number of different races around the world of different ranks – from small regional to large international ones. Every cycling fan should definitely check out these three most popular world cycling championships.
The Tour de France, first held in 1903, is the most famous and prestigious cycling race in the world. Organized by the newspaper L’Auto (now L’Équipe) to boost circulation, it has grown into a monumental three-week event every July. The race covers approximately 3,500 kilometers, featuring a mix of flat stages, time trials, and grueling mountain climbs in the Alps and Pyrenees.
Over the years, the Tour de France has seen many legendary winners. Eddy Merckx, often considered the greatest cyclist of all time, won the race five times. Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain also share the record with five victories each. Lance Armstrong’s seven consecutive wins were stripped due to doping violations, highlighting the race’s strict anti-doping regulations.
Tour de France Info:
The Giro d’Italia, established in 1909, is Italy’s premier cycling race and one of the three Grand Tours. Organized by the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Giro takes place over three weeks in May and covers a variety of terrains across Italy. The race is renowned for its picturesque routes and challenging mountain stages, particularly in the Dolomites and the Alps.
Fausto Coppi and Alfredo Binda, both five-time winners, are among the Giro’s most celebrated champions. More recent victors include Marco Pantani, who achieved a historic Giro-Tour double in 1998, and Vincenzo Nibali, known for his complete riding skills and tactical acumen.
Giro d’Italia Info:
The Vuelta a España, Spain’s foremost cycling race, was inaugurated in 1935. Held annually in late August and September, the Vuelta spans three weeks and covers around 3,300 kilometers. Known for its steep climbs and heat, the race includes iconic ascents such as the Angliru and the Sierra Nevada.
Spanish riders have dominated the Vuelta, with Roberto Heras holding the record for most victories with four titles. Other notable winners include Alberto Contador and Chris Froome, who both secured multiple Grand Tour titles throughout their careers. The Vuelta is often seen as a proving ground for up-and-coming riders due to its challenging course and timing in the cycling calendar.
Vuelta a España Info:
These three Grand Tours: the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España represent the pinnacle of professional cycling. Each race offers unique challenges and opportunities, attracting the world’s best cyclists and creating unforgettable moments in the history of the sport. Give yourself pleasure and become one of the spectators of these unforgettable events!