Professional cycling is one of the most popular sports in the world. It’s watched by tens of millions of people throughout the globe and features packs of incredibly talented athletes that push themselves to the limit in order to win. The races are almost always long and difficult, and most pro cyclers will spend months or even up to a year in preparation for a single event.

Cycling events take place all the time, from small MTB events to larger tournaments that can span entire countries such as the following:

1. Vuelta a España

While the Vuelta a España is among the youngest of the larger tours. It takes place toward the end of the season, although it has largely been neglected by pros and fans alike, with many of the higher-tier riders avoiding it altogether. But there’s no doubting its overall popularity and it’s provided a place for cyclists to have another chance at glory.

One of the reasons that it has such a passionate following is because it’s one of the more difficult events to predict. The races are always interesting to follow, and you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen next. It’s also a great place to find the up-and-coming talent as they hone their skill.

2. Giro d’Italia

The Giro d’Italia needs little introduction, but its global popularity and prestige means that it deserves a place on this list. Not only is it a hotbed for professional competition, but the circuit itself is truly spectacular, taking the cyclists as well as the viewers up through incredible passes and mountain ranges, including the Alps and the Dolomites.

It’s a hard race, but it’s enjoyed by everyone along the path, and has become something of a cultural norm for those that live on the route. It’s also long been a favourite for some of the best performances that the pro cycling world has ever seen, often even more so than the Tour de France.

3. Tour de France

Lastly, we have an event virtually everyone in the world can recognise: The Tour de France. The Tour takes place through much of the country of France, and it is among the longest and oldest cycling events in history. References to the event can be found in just about every sphere imaginable; there are movies about it, documentaries, books – it’s even possible to find references to it in video games or in popular casino resorts or even on NZ casino games.

Any cyclist of the last 100 year’s worth knowing took part in this event at least once in their careers, and some would win so often that they would become notable celebrities in the public eye. It’s also an extremely tough event, pushing a cyclist to their absolute physical limit, and allowing only the most skilled to make it to the end. Winners of The Tour de France have every right in the world to include themselves in a very small circle of the very best cyclists of all time.