Cycling is one of the world’s most popular sports and an activity that many people around Southern California love. The sun, space and awesome trails this part of North America offers makes cycling around the local area pretty special after all!
Cycling is also something which people in the rest of the USA and the world have a love for too. While this can include getting out on a bike, it can sometimes mean finding cycling-based things to enjoy when at home. One great example of this is keeping an eye out for the top cycling events to catch in 2022.
Finding out about these awesome events is also great if you like to bet on cycle races. This is because you not only know when they are happening to place wagers but also find out more about who to bet on when researching events. Finding a top online sportsbook for cycling fans is crucial and many will opt to use the MaximBet platform for the generous bonuses, safety and range of markets to bet on it offers.
But which cycling events in 2022 are worth keeping tabs on?
Tour de France
Although this may have already started in early July with a surprise stage 1 result in Copenhagen, it is worth including here because it will run until late July. This means you still have plenty of top road racing action to catch from France if you have not been tuning in yet.
With top riders such as UAE’s Tadej Pogacar, Jumbo-Visma’s Jonas Vingegaard and INEOS Grenadier’s Geraint Thomas all battling it out, the race for the yellow jersey should be truly fascinating. As arguably cycling’s premier event on a global scale, watching this stage of Europe’s Grand Tour is not to be missed.
Vuelta a Espana
This is the next stage of Europe’s Grand Tour and is known by many people as the Tour of Spain. 2022’s version is worth catching and is due to run from mid-August until mid-September. Interestingly, it is not going to start in Spain this year but in the Dutch city of Utrecht instead before moving down to Spain.
Fans of mountain racing will be especially pleased during the second week, where steep climbs in the south of the country come into play. As with the Tour de France, this is a great cycling event to watch for the beautiful scenery, top-class field and incredible drama. The 2019 Vuelta stage win by Sepp Kuss shows just what a special event it is!
Tour of Britain
Although it has actually been a regular event on global cycling’s calendar, it is only recently that the Tour of Britain has picked up major attention. As the name suggests, this race takes place in the UK and has riders battling it out as they move across the country. Starting in early September and lasting for one week, the majority of the racing takes place over flat or hilly terrain.
The first stage of 2022’s Tour of Britain is set for Aberdeen in Scotland and the racing then moves all the way down to The Isle of Wight eventually. Although it all looks pretty exciting, expect to see fireworks at stage four. At this stage, the riders must navigate steep climbs over Carlton Bank and Newgate Bank. The most pressing question is whether the current champion Wout van Aert can hold onto his crown.
Tour of Lombardy
Although it might only be a one-day event, Italy’s Tour of Lombardy is a spectacle worth seeing. 2022’s edition is the 116th time it has been held and this means it has a lot of history behind it to savor. Taking place on October 8th, it is known as one of the last major races in cycling each year and a truly majestic event. Due to the time of year it is held, this event is also known as the ‘Race of the Falling Leaves’.
As with other top events on our list, this race involves the top teams and names in cycling. It also gives you a look at the scenery in this beautiful part of Italy. The superb Tadej Pogacar is the current title holder after outgunning Fausto Masnada last year in a thrilling sprint finish.
Top cycling events to stay busy with in 2022
Although getting out on your bike is always great, there may be times you feel too tired, or the weather makes it impossible. You may also have enjoyed a ride for the day and be ready to rest up a bit! In these instances, it pays to know the major cycling events in 2022 to fill your spare time with.