Giro d'Italia

The Giro d’Italia is an annual multi-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy, occasionally passing through nearby countries. Inspired by the success of the Tour de France, the race was first organized in 1909 to boost sales for the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. Italian cyclist Luigi Ganna emerged as the victor in the inaugural edition, where the format awarded the rider with the fewest total points at the end of the race. Over the years, the Giro expanded its reach, attracting riders from around the world. Notably, Alfredo Binda, Gino Bartali, and Fausto Coppi asserted their dominance, and Italians dominated the race for decades. However, in 1950, the first non-Italian, Hugo Koblet, claimed victory. Since then, the Giro has witnessed a mix of Italian and international champions, including Bernard Hinault, Stephen Roche, Miguel Induráin, Alberto Contador, and more. The Giro’s challenging routes, mountain stages, and iconic finish in Milan continue to captivate cycling enthusiasts worldwide

Tour de France

The Tour de France was first organized in 1903 with a unique purpose: to boost sales for the newspaper L’Auto (now known as L’Équipe) 12. Henri Desgrange, a French cyclist and journalist, spearheaded this iconic race. Since its inception, the Tour has been held annually, except during the tumultuous World Wars. As it gained prominence and popularity, the race evolved. It lengthened its route, attracted international participation, and became a symbol of endurance and human achievement. The format of the Tour remains consistent: 21 day-long stages over a 23 or 24-day period, covering approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) in total. Cyclists battle through time trials, mountain chains (such as the Pyrenees and the Alps), and, traditionally, a triumphant finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The yellow jersey, worn by the rider with the lowest cumulative time, symbolizes leadership in the general classification. But the Tour isn’t just about individual glory; it features other contests like the green jersey for sprinters, the polka dot jersey for climbers, and the white jersey for young riders. Achieving a stage win adds prestige, often accomplished by sprint specialists or daring breakaway riders.

Vuelta a España

The Vuelta a España, or Tour of Spain, is the youngest of cycling’s three Grand Tours. Established in 1935, it is held primarily in Spain, occasionally venturing into neighboring countries. The Vuelta faced interruptions due to the Spanish Civil War and World War II, but since 1955, it has been an annual event. Managed by Unipublic and later in collaboration with the Amaury Sport Organisation, the Vuelta expanded its peloton from primarily Spanish riders to include cyclists from across the globe. Like the Tour de France and the Giro, the Vuelta is a prestigious Grand Tour. Its format includes 21 day-long stages over a 23-day period, with at least two time trials, mountain challenges in the Pyrenees, and a thrilling finish in Madrid. Originally held in spring, it shifted to September in 1995 to avoid overlapping with the Giro. Now, the Vuelta serves as crucial preparation for the World Championships. The race’s allure lies in its dynamic routes, fierce competition, and the quest for the red jersey—a symbol of excellence in Spanish cycling.

Jonas Vingegaard

Mads Pedersen

Lance Armstrong

Milano - Sanremo

The idea of a bike race between Milan and Sanremo originated from the Unione Sportiva Sanremese. In 1906, an amateur race was held over two stages: from Milan to Acqui Terme and then from Acqui Terme to Sanremo. Despite its modest beginnings, the concept gained traction. Enter Milanese journalist Tullo Morgagni, who had already launched the Tour of Lombardy in 1905. Morgagni proposed organizing a professional cycling race in a single day, spanning the course from Milan to the fashionable seaside resort of Sanremo on the Italian Riviera. His vision caught the attention of Eugenio Costamagna, the director of the popular sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. Costamagna took on the challenge of organizing this ambitious event.

On April 14, 1907, the inaugural Milan–San Remo race unfolded. The starting point was the Conca Fallata inn in Milan, where 60 riders registered. However, only 33 brave cyclists took the start. The race covered a distance of approximately 298 kilometers (about 185.2 miles). Riders embarked on a journey that would become a cornerstone of professional cycling.

Milan–San Remo is traditionally the first of the five Monuments of the cycling season. Held on the third Saturday of March, it marks the beginning of the major classic races. The race’s flat course, punctuated by the iconic Poggio climb near the finish, often favors sprinters. Yet, the Poggio has also provided opportunities for puncheurs and rouleurs to make their mark.

While Milan–San Remo celebrates speed and power, the Giro di Lombardia, held in autumn, is considered a climbers classic. Belgian rider Eddy Merckx stands as the most successful in Milan–San Remo history, with an impressive seven victories. During the interwar period, Italian Costante Girardengo achieved 11 podium finishes, winning the race six times.

In more recent times, German cyclist Erik Zabel and Spanish rider Óscar Freire have recorded four and three wins, respectively. Their names are etched into the coveted history books of this prestigious one-day event.

From its pioneering days to the present, Milan–San Remo continues to captivate cycling enthusiasts, weaving together tradition, endurance, and fierce competition along the scenic Italian Riviera.

Ronde van Vlaanderen

The Tour of Flanders was conceived in 1913 by Léon van den Haute, co-founder of the sports newspaper Sportwereld. In an era when newspapers and magazines organized cycling races to boost circulation, van den Haute envisioned a race that would resonate with the Flemish people in their own language. The event emerged from a decade-long battle with the French-speaking management of the national cycling federation in Brussels, which the Flemish ultimately won. Thus, the Tour of Flanders was born, and it has since become a symbol of Flemish pride and cycling excellence.

The Tour of Flanders covers a challenging route through the picturesque landscapes of Flanders. It features tortuous twists, turns, and narrow cobbled climbs that test the mettle of riders. The race is known for its iconic climbs, including the legendary Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Koppenberg. The finish line in Oudenaarde adds to the drama, where riders battle for victory.

The Tour of Flanders is one of the five Monuments of cycling, alongside Milan–San Remo, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and the Giro di Lombardia. Its rich history dates back to that inaugural edition in 1913, making it a cornerstone of the cycling calendar. Remarkably, the race has been organized without interruption since 1919, surviving even the upheaval of World War I.

Seven remarkable riders share the record for most victories in the Tour of Flanders. Belgians Achiel Buysse, Eric Leman, Johan Museeuw, and Tom Boonen, Italian Fiorenzo Magni, Dutch Mathieu van der Poel, and Swiss Fabian Cancellara each boast three wins. Their names are etched into the annals of this prestigious classic.

Since 2004, a women’s race has been organized on the same day as the men’s event, covering a shorter distance. Since 2021, the women’s race shares the Tour of Flanders name with the men’s race, categorized as the ‘Elite Men’ and ‘Elite Women’ editions.

Paris - Roubaix

Paris-Roubaix was first run in 1896 and has endured through the years, with only interruptions during the two World Wars and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The race owes its existence to two textile manufacturers from Roubaix: Théodore Vienne and Maurice Perez. These visionaries created a race that would become synonymous with toughness, drama, and the legendary cobbled sectors of northern France.

Paris-Roubaix earned its nickname, “The Hell of the North”, due to its treacherous pavé (cobblestone) sections. Riders face bone-rattling, jarring stretches of cobbles that test their endurance, bike handling, and resilience. The race’s unique chaos and unpredictability have made it a favorite among cycling fans.

Over the years, cycling legends have left their mark on Paris-Roubaix. Belgian rider Eddy Merckx holds the record for the most victories, with an impressive seven wins. Other notable champions include Roger De Vlaeminck, Tom Boonen, and Fabian Cancellara. Each year, riders battle not only against each other but also against the unforgiving cobbles and the elements.

The race culminates in the historic Vélodrome André-Pétrieux in Roubaix. Riders sprint on the velodrome’s concrete track, their faces covered in dust and mud, as they vie for victory. The sight of exhausted cyclists crossing the finish line, their bikes caked in mud, is etched into cycling lore. Paris-Roubaix remains a true classic—a race that combines history, grit, and sheer determination.

Liége - Bastogne - Liége

Liège–Bastogne–Liège was first organized in 1892 by the French-Belgian newspaper L’Express. Unlike some other classics, this race has always stayed in the southern, French-speaking part of Belgium, where Liège and Bastogne are located. Its roots are deeply embedded in the cycling culture of the Ardennes region.

Liège–Bastogne–Liège covers a challenging route through the picturesque landscapes of the Ardennes. The course is characterized by its demanding climbs, rolling hills, and winding roads. The race’s defining feature is the arduous length, making it one of the most challenging one-day cycling events globally.

As the oldest of the five Monuments of professional road cycling, Liège–Bastogne–Liège holds immense prestige. It usually takes place as the last of the spring classics, marking the transition from the classics season to the grand tours. The race is part of the UCI World Tour and concludes the Ardennes Classics series, following the Amstel Gold Race and La Flèche Wallonne.

Belgian rider Eddy Merckx stands as the most successful in Liège–Bastogne–Liège history, with an impressive five victories. Italian Moreno Argentin and Spaniard Alejandro Valverde both won the race four times, leaving their mark on this prestigious classic.

In 2017, the Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes was inaugurated, adding a women’s edition to the UCI Women’s World Tour. Liège–Bastogne–Liège became the second Monument to introduce a women’s race after the Tour of Flanders in 2014. Liège–Bastogne–Liège remains a true cycling legend—a race that honors tradition, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of riders

Il Lombardia

The Giro di Lombardia was first organized in 1905, based on an idea by the journalist Tullo Morgagni. Reportedly, the purpose was to give Pierino Albini the chance to confront Giovanni Cuniolo and have his immediate revenge after being defeated in the Coppa del Re. However, that first and storied edition was won by Giovanni Gerbi, who finished 40 minutes ahead of Giovanni Rossignoli and Luigi Ganna. Since 1907, La Gazzetta dello Sport has been organizing the event.

For nearly 70 years, when the World Championships were held in late summer (between August and September), the race was referred to as the “Autumn World Championship.” Il Lombardia later lost this special role following the UCI’s decision to change the international cycling calendar. This change involved scheduling the Giro d’Italia in May, the Vuelta a España in September, and the World Championships in October. Despite interruptions during both World Wars, the race continued throughout the First World War but was stopped in 1943 and 1944 during World War II.

The 100th iteration of Il Lombardia was held in 2006, and victory went to Paolo Bettini. He joined the elite group of riders who won Lombardia right after clinching the world title. The other five riders achieving this feat are Alfredo Binda, Tom Simpson, Eddy Merckx, Felice Gimondi, Giuseppe Saronni, and Oscar Camenzind. Fausto Coppi holds the record for the most wins in the race, with a total of five victories (including four in a row). Other notable champions include Alfredo Binda, Henri Pélissier, Costante Girardengo, Gaetano Belloni, Gino Bartali, Sean Kelly, and Damiano Cunego, each with three wins. Bartali also holds the record for the most podium placements, with nine overall, having finished first three times, second four times, and third twice.

The route has evolved over the years, but certain iconic elements remain. The climb from Bellagio to the tiny sanctuary of Our Lady of Ghisallo, the patron saint of cycling, has been a symbol of the race since forever.

Traditional finish locations include Milano, Como (first introduced in 1961), Monza, and Bergamo (in the late 1990s). From 2004 to 2010, the finish was moved back to the lakefront in Como, with the final punchy climb of Valfresca near San Fermo della Battaglia. From 2011 to 2013, the race finished in Lecco, and then Bergamo and Como took turns hosting the finish from 2014 to 2018. Como was confirmed as the finish location for 2019 and 2020. The history of Il Lombardia spans more than 100 years, and its legacy continues to captivate cycling enthusiasts worldwide.