The cycling schedule includes some iconic races. These races are unforgettable experiences with plenty of challenges along the route, thanks to the history of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees and the Alps, and the passion for the sport throughout the world. We’ve compiled a list of the most prominent and essential races on many cyclists’ bucket lists. Some people love the sport of cycling due to its fast pace, others like the scenery of the courses, and some love how the live betting odds fluctuate and offer excellent betting opportunities. Whatever your reason, you will love these upcoming events in 2023. This list includes both professional World Tour cycling events as well as amateur ones which anyone can get involved in.
1. Tirreno-Adriatico
Tirreno-Adriatico, often known as the “Race of the Two Seas,” accounts for half of March’s blockbuster week of stage racing. It was a famous San Remo warm-up until the organizers opted to visit one of Italy’s massive ski resorts for a yearly mountain finale, which sounds like a fantastic idea, until the stage is canceled due to bad weather!
2. Tour de France
Because of its lengthy history and status, the Tour de France is considered the most famous cycling race. The Tour de France began in 1903 and is still going strong today as one of Europe’s three big tours. The Tour de France typically lasts from 21 to 23 days, with cyclists obliged to complete one course per day. These courses are called “stages,” and are intended to test each cyclist’s endurance and strength. The event is traditionally divided into nine flat stages, six mountain stages, five hilly stages, five high-altitude finishes, and one individual time-trial stage.
3. Mallorca 312
Mallorca 312 has swiftly established itself as one of Europe’s most popular sportives. Its long route takes a massive tour across the island’s northwest region, with an elevation gain of around 5,000 meters. The 312 trail traverses the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, passing through the well-known summits of Puig Major and Coll de Femenia. The sportive is a great way to discover the island as you rack up the kilometers while admiring the rolling scenery and magnificent seaside views. As with many of Europe’s most famous/best Gran Fondos, thousands of competitors make their way to race in Mallorca 312.
4. Absa Cape Epic
The Absa Cape Epic is an eight-day journey through Africa’s picturesque Western Cape region. Riders can expect gravel roads, tricky terrain, challenging descents, and wild, stunning scenery. The course length varies, but the event typically includes 700 kilometers (435 miles) of cycling and 15,000 meters (49,000 feet) of climbing. Riders compete in two-person teams, and the event draws everyone from top-level pros to thrill-seeking amateurs. Meals and a mobile race village are provided during the race.
5. Giro d’Italia
The Giro d’Italia is the first Grand Tour of the year, and typically follows a similar pattern to the Tour de France in terms of having a mix of race stages, whether for sprinters or climbers, and venturing outside of Italy to broaden the event’s reach. However, it still has a very “Italian” feel to the event, and an intimacy that its French rival sometimes lacks.
6. Gravel Epic
We’ve long been fans of the multi-day Haute Route road sportive series, and if you are too, you’re invited to the gravel version. Gravel Epic has two events: one in Marrakech and one in Switzerland. Gravel Epic, like the road races, emphasizes point-to-point racing, high mountains, and grueling, if athletic, daily distances, with fully supported off-the-bike logistics, which means your luggage will be transferred between stages.
7. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Most riders and supporters do not consider the season to have begun until the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Belgium’s first race of the year, takes place. The “Omloop,” as it’s affectionately known, delivers everything we love about the Spring Classics: rain, wind, cobblestones, and numerous small, steep “bergs” that dot the Flemish countryside.
8. Milan-San Remo
Milan-San Remo, as the first Monument of any season, always generates great interest and enthusiasm. The long route does not include the constant hills and/or cobblestone parts found on other Monuments. This has frequently resulted in the race being decided by a group sprint. However, the race’s last peaks, the Cipressa and Poggio, often separate the peloton, and dump riders with exhausted legs. A brave attack on the Poggio by a rider in the final six kilometers of the race is what viewers want to watch, especially if they succeed.
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