The Three Biggest Bicycle Races in the World
Cycling transcends borders, connecting riders to nature, culture, and their own limits. Whether you’re chasing victory in a grand tour or enjoying a leisurely ride through your neighborhood, the magic of cycling remains undiminished. So grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and explore the world—one pedal stroke at a time and let’s dive into the details of the most prestigious cycling races:
- Tour de France is the most famous and oldest cycling race in the world with 21 stages spread over three weeks, covering 3,500 km throughout France and some neighboring countries. Cyclists compete in various terrains, including mountains, flat stages, and time trials.
- La Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain) this race consists of 21 stages spread over three weeks. The route generally includes mountain, flat, and low mountain stages and crosses different regions of Spain. A chance to witness Spain’s stunning landscapes.
- Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) another prestigious Grand Tour race held annually in Italy. consists of 21 stages, covering 3,386 km throughout Italy. Mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather and with some stages in the Dolomites and the Alps.
Important Races in Spain
– Volta a Cataluña: a prestigious stage race in Catalonia. From the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coast, riders face a mix of climbs, descents, and flat stages.
– Clásica de San Sebastián: one-day classic through Basque Country. The race winds through the picturesque Basque landscape, including the iconic Jaizkibel climb.
– Clásica Master Llodio: a challenging amateur race. Rolling hills, narrow roads, and passionate local crowds.
– O Gran Camiño: a scenic pilgrimage route for cyclists. Named after the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, O Gran Camiño combines spirituality with cycling. Riders pedal through lush forests, medieval villages, and historic churches.
– Vuelta a Andalucía Ruta Ciclista del Sol: a warm-up for La Vuelta. Riders use it to fine-tune their form before the grand tour.
Remember, cycling isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. From the exhilarating descents of the Alps to the serene lakes of Spain, every ride tells a story. So saddle up, embrace the wind, and let the wheels take you on unforgettable journeys.
Races calendar:
- Vuelta a Andalucía Ruta Ciclista del Sol: 14th – 18th Feb
- Gran Camiño: 22nd – 25th Feb
- Clásica Master Llodio: 10th Mar
- Volta Cataluña: 18th – 24th Mar
- Giro d´Italia: 4th – 26th May
- Tour de France: 29th Jun – 21th Jul
- La Vuelta a España: 17th Aug – 8th Sept.
- Clásica de San Sebastián: 10th Aug