Uncovering the World's Most Prestigious Cycling Races: From Grand Tours to Monumental Classics

Muhe - Monday, 11 August 2025 | 10:00 PM (WIB)

Uncovering the World's Most Prestigious Cycling Races: From Grand Tours to Monumental Classics

NEWZ TUBE, Sports - For cycling enthusiasts, there are several events considered the pinnacle of the sport. Victory in these races not only awards points and cash prizes, but also places a rider's name in the history books. These events are known for their long history, brutal routes, and unmatched prestige. Here is a list of the world's most prestigious cycling races.

1. Grand Tour: The Toughest Three-Week Test

The Grand Tour is a series of three major road cycling races in Europe. Each lasts approximately three weeks and consists of 21 stages that test the physical and mental endurance of the riders.

Tour de France: This is the most famous and prestigious cycling race in the world. Held annually in July, the race is known for its iconic yellow jersey and brutal mountain routes in the Alps and Pyrenees. Winning the Tour de France is every professional cyclist's dream.
Giro d'Italia: Known for its pink jersey, the Giro d'Italia is the first Grand Tour on the racing calendar. It is often considered more physically challenging than the Tour de France due to its steep climbs and unpredictable weather conditions.
Vuelta a España: The third and final Grand Tour of the year, the Vuelta a España, or Tour of Spain, is known for its red jersey. This race is renowned for its challenging route and often features steep climbs that can change the course of the race.

2. The Five Monuments: The Most Legendary One-Day Classics

In addition to the long Grand Tours, there are five one-day races known as "The Monuments of Cycling." These races are the oldest, longest, and most difficult in the one-day category.

Milan–San Remo: Known as "La Primavera," this is the longest Monument race at nearly 300 km. Although the route is generally flat, this race is known for its decisive climbs at the end of the race, such as the Poggio, which often set the stage for surprise attacks.
Tour of Flanders: This Belgian classic is known for its cobblestone roads and short, very steep climbs. Only riders with exceptional strength and technique can survive this highly technical race.
Paris–Roubaix: Nicknamed the "Hell of the North," this race is the most brutal. The route traverses legendary cobblestone sections and is incredibly uncomfortable. Just finishing the race is considered an achievement, let alone winning it.
Liège–Bastogne–Liège: "La Doyenne," or the oldest of the Monuments, is a race for climbers. Its long, hilly route in Belgium's Ardennes region demands incredible endurance.
Giro di Lombardia: Nicknamed the "Race of the Falling Leaves" because it takes place in autumn, this race is the last of the five Monuments. With its mountainous route around Italy's Lake Como, it's perfect for climbers and offers a dramatic season finale.

3. UCI World Championships: The Battle for the Rainbow Jersey

Every year, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) hosts the World Road Cycling Championships. This is a one-day race where riders represent their countries, not their trade teams. The winner gets to wear the iconic rainbow jersey for an entire year, making it one of the most coveted awards.***