Riding with the wind – there’s nothing better. But in reality, whether it’s multi-day or one-day cycling races, it’s often better to watch from the sidelines. Sweat and blood, injuries, and immense physical strain – all for what? Of course, to become the greatest cyclist of all time! Most of the races in our ranking of the most popular cycling events can significantly boost a cyclist’s score, and coincidentally, they are also the most beloved by both athletes (which is no surprise) and spectators. Let’s dive into where cyclists earn their ranking points.
1 Tour de France – 218 cyclists, history since 1903
The Tour de France is the cycling race of all time. Period. Just winning this race alone earns twice as many points as any other Grand Tour—an impressive 1,000. And let’s be honest, it’s the only cycling race that even those completely unfamiliar with sports can name.
2 Giro d’Italia – 127 cyclists, history since 1909
Last year, the Giro d’Italia celebrated its 100th race, originally organized by the sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (which, ironically, has been outshined in fame by its own creation). The newspaper not only awarded winners with a significant cash prize for that time but also introduced the now-iconic pink leader’s jersey.
3 Vuelta a España – 218 cyclists, history since 1935
Despite its impressive history, the Vuelta a España remains one of the youngest Grand Tours. One key reason for its popularity is its timing—it takes place in autumn, unlike most other cycling races, which are held in spring.
4 Tour of Flanders – 199 cyclists, history since 1913
The first of the “monumental” one-day classics in our list, the Tour of Flanders, is remarkable for its uninterrupted annual runs since 1919, making it the longest continuously held cycling race.
5 Liège–Bastogne–Liège – 247 cyclists, history since 1892
The history of Liège–Bastogne–Liège spans (with interruptions) over 126 years. However, its strict adherence to tradition was slightly relaxed in 2017, when a women’s version of the race was finally introduced.
6 Milan–San Remo – 200 cyclists, history since 1907
The longest one-day race (nearly 300 kilometers of non-stop riding), the “Primavera” truly lives up to its name by being held in early spring. One of its editions nearly turned into a disaster—heavy snowfall allowed only seven cyclists to finish.
7 Paris–Roubaix – 198 cyclists, history since 1896
Paris–Roubaix is the only cycling race where the winner is awarded a cobblestone trophy. This stone symbolizes the grueling challenge of the race’s 50-kilometer cobbled sections, which test even the toughest cyclists.
8 Giro di Lombardia – 168 cyclists, history since 1905
While not the oldest, the Giro di Lombardia is one of the most enduring races. It even continued during World War I, with its route passing dangerously close to battle lines. A total of 111 editions have been held.
9 Tour Down Under – 187 cyclists, history since 1999
What is a “newcomer” doing on this list of legendary races? The Tour Down Under rightfully earns its place. It was the first non-European race to receive “elite” status and remains wildly popular in its home country, Australia.
10 Tour de Suisse – 176 cyclists, history since 1933
The Tour de Suisse is not just a warm-up for the Tour de France. This independently renowned race, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, is one of the most thrilling mountain cycling events in the world.
