For some, cycling is a leisure activity. For some, it is a workout. But for some, cycling is a passion. Did you know that bicycle racing on paved roads is the most common and popular bicycle racing competition? It is also known as road racing. Originating in the early 1900s, it became so popular that UCI came into existence. Union Cycliste Internationale is the governing body of professional cyclists throughout the world. It issues licenses and oversees world championships.
Top 5 Bicycle Racing Competitions
Here are the top five bicycle racing competitions in the world:
The Tour de France
The Tour de France is one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging bicycle racing tournaments. Also known as the “Le Grande Boucle” or “Le Tour”, it is mainly held in France. An annual event for men cyclists. A 23-day long event, it attracts spectators from all over the world.
One hundred ninety-eight races from all around the globe are selected. The event comprises 21 stages with 22 teams of nine races in each. One stage takes place every day, which covers 225 km. It takes approximately five hours to complete each stage. Out of the 21 stages, nine are flat; three are hilly, seven are mountain and two are time trials with two rest days. The winner of the Tour de France receives a cash prize of $500,000!
Giro d’Italia
Held in Italy, the Giro d’Italia comes only next to the Tour de France. Just like France’s biggest cycling tournament, the Giro d’Italia started in an attempt to increase the sales of a newspaper. However, it soon became one of the most loved and most complex bicycle races in the world. Held in multiple stages, it sometimes also leads through neighbouring countries. Taking place annually the route changes every year but passes through mountains. With time trials, the format remains the same. Apart from the tournament, several contests take place. The tournament’s winner receives a cash prize of €265,000 and the signature pink jersey.
Vuelta a Espana
The Vuelta a Espana takes place in Spain. The event started in 1995 following the worldwide appeal received by the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Since its inception, the race has been held annually, except for world war times. The route changes every year but passes through the Pyrenees. The finish line is always in Madrid. Also, the format of the race stays the same. This race is one of the UCI world tour events. The teams participating in Vuelta a Espana are UCI World Teams.
However, the organisers make a few exceptions, and some wild card teams are allowed to participate. With 21 stages spread over 23 days, the Vuelta a Espana is similar to the Tour de France, although all the stages are time trials. The winner gets €150,000 as the cash prize.
UCI World Championships
The UCI world championships, held every year, determine a champion cyclist. The Union Cycliste Internationale oversees the whole event. These championships are held in a different country each year. It involves different racing styles, such as track competitions, time trials, road cycling, mountain, gravel and indoor cycling, etc. Unlike the above two, these competitions are open to men and women.
Championships are held for disabled cyclists as well. The winners wear a white jersey which is also known as Rainbow Jersey. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded to the first three winners or the first three teams.
Santos Tour Down Under
Held in Australia, the first Santos Tour Down Under was conducted in 1999. The race is where the UCI World Tour event starts. All 19 UCI world teams participate in the Santos Tour Down Under. It holds both men stages and women stages. It is a 10-day event with a route that involves climbing, sprinting, circuits, etc. This event offers cyclists to participate in one of the biggest cycling races in the Southern Hemisphere.
However, it has a lot to offer to the spectators as well. During the Santos festival, you can attend street parties, take a village tour, shop for merchandise, and enjoy live entertainment. Children also get to participate in mass participation rides. So, you can get your girls’ and boys’ bicycles.
Conclusion
Now that you know about these amazing and prestigious cycling tournaments, it is time to take out your bicycle for women and men and elevate your practice. Whether you attend these races or not, you can always explore, master your techniques and upskill them.
