Cycling Competitions for 2024

As we look ahead to 2024, the calendar for cycling competitions is packed with exciting events. Cyclists from around the world will push their limits in various disciplines and terrains. Below, we explore some of the most anticipated races and highlights for the upcoming year.

Tour de France

The Tour de France remains the pinnacle of competitive cycling. In 2024, the race will cover over 3,000 kilometers. Starting on June 29th, the Grand Départ will be hosted in Florence, Italy. Racers will traverse different stages, including mountain climbs, time trials, and flat sprint stages. Among the key stages is the challenge of Alpe d’Huez, known for its steep ascents.

Giro d’Italia

The Giro d’Italia is another major event on the cycling calendar. It will begin on May 4th in Turin. Riders will navigate beautiful but demanding routes through Italy’s diverse landscapes. The 21-stage race will conclude on May 26th in Rome. Important stages include high-altitude climbs in the Dolomites and the iconic Stelvio Pass. This race is a critical opportunity for cyclists aiming to showcase their endurance and climbing skills.

Vuelta a España

Scheduled later in the year, the Vuelta a España runs from August 24th to September 15th. This race is known for its challenging routes through Spain’s varied terrain. It includes multiple mountain stages, with a focus on the punishing ascents that often decide the winner. The race concludes in Madrid. Key stages to watch include the climbs in the Asturias and the Sierra Nevada.

UCI World Championships

The UCI World Championships will be held in Zurich, Switzerland, from September 22nd to September 29th. This event gathers the top riders across multiple disciplines. It includes road racing, time trials, and track events. Competitions will take place in scenic and challenging locations. The road race often draws the most attention. Riders will compete for the prestigious rainbow jersey, recognizing the world champion for the year.

Paris-Roubaix

The Paris-Roubaix, taking place on April 7th, is one of the most brutal one-day races. Known as the Hell of the North, it features cobblestone sections that test the riders’ skill and resilience. The race concludes at the velodrome in Roubaix. Cyclists must navigate around 250 kilometers of demanding roads. This event is a favorite among fans for its raw, unfiltered look at cyclists’ abilities and determination.

Tour of Flanders

The Tour of Flanders will occur on March 31st. It is famous for its short, steep hills, many with cobblestones. The Ronde covers around 270 kilometers in Flanders, Belgium. Key segments include the Koppenberg and the Paterberg, which frequently play decisive roles in the race outcome. It is a true test of strategic racing and raw power.

Milan-San Remo

The Milan-San Remo, known as La Classicissima, will be held on March 23rd. This is the longest professional one-day race, stretching around 300 kilometers from Milan to the coastal city of San Remo. The race is characterized by its length and the late-race climbs such as the Cipressa and the Poggio. It often ends in a thrilling sprint finish along the Via Roma.

Tour de Suisse

The Tour de Suisse, taking place from June 8th to June 16th, is widely regarded as a preparation race for the Tour de France. Riders will tackle challenging mountain stages in the Swiss Alps. The race includes a mix of time trials and mountain finishes. It’s a test of form and endurance, offering a glimpse of potential contenders for the Tour de France.

Dauphiné Libéré

The Dauphiné Libéré, running from June 2nd to June 9th, is another tune-up race for the Tour de France. This event is known for its tough climbs and varied stages. Key mountains often featured include Mont Ventoux and Col du Galibier. The race serves as a proving ground for riders looking to gauge their fitness and strategy ahead of the Tour de France.

La Vuelta de Colombia

La Vuelta de Colombia, set for August 11th to August 22nd, offers a unique and challenging race through Colombia’s diverse terrains. This race includes high altitude stages in the Andes, testing riders’ climbing abilities and endurance. The race offers opportunities for local and international riders to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Amstel Gold Race

Held on April 14th, the Amstel Gold Race is the Netherlands’ most prestigious cycling event. The race is known for its numerous short, sharp climbs, known as bergs. Covering approximately 260 kilometers, it twists through the Limburg region. The Cauberg, often a decisive climb, appears multiple times throughout the route. The race tests riders’ ability to handle constant elevation changes and technical descents.

Critérium du Dauphiné

The Critérium du Dauphiné, from June 10th to June 17th, is another important preparation race for the Tour de France. Held in southeastern France, it features difficult mountain stages. Riders face punishing ascents such as the Mont Ventoux and Col de la Madeleine. This race allows riders to test their form against some of the toughest climbs they will face in the Tour de France.

Gent-Wevelgem

The Gent-Wevelgem race, happening on March 24th, covers 250 kilometers. It’s known for its challenging cobblestone sections and the climbs of the Kemmelberg. These elements combine to make the race both unpredictable and exciting. The profile suits strong sprinters who can endure harsh conditions and numerous hill climbs.

E3 BinckBank Classic

The E3 BinckBank Classic, scheduled for March 29th, is another testing ground for riders aiming to perform well in the cobbled classics. Held in Flanders, it includes many of the same roads and climbs as the Tour of Flanders. The race’s difficulty lies in its numerous short, sharp climbs, often on cobbled roads, which test riders’ power and strategy.

Strade Bianche

The Strade Bianche, taking place on March 2nd, is one of the newer classics. It’s unique for its white gravel roads, or strade bianche, that wind through the Tuscan countryside. The race covers around 184 kilometers, starting and ending in Siena. The final climb to the Piazza del Campo is steep and decisive, often determining the winner.

Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Liège-Bastogne-Liège, on April 28th, is the oldest of the classics. Known as La Doyenne, it covers 260 kilometers. The race includes several tough climbs in the Ardennes region. Key segments include the Côte de la Redoute and La Roche-aux-Faucons. This race demands constant focus and endurance, rewarding those who can handle its relentless challenges.

Race Across America (RAAM)

The Race Across America is one of the most grueling ultra-endurance events. Starting on June 11th in Oceanside, California, it covers approximately 3,000 miles, ending in Annapolis, Maryland. Solo riders and teams compete in this non-stop event. It requires strategic pacing and extreme mental stamina. The race is a serious test of human endurance.

Tour Down Under

The Tour Down Under, running from January 13th to January 21st, opens the UCI WorldTour calendar. Held in and around Adelaide, Australia, it includes varied stages from sprints to challenging hill climbs. The race attracts top professional teams and riders, setting the tone for the year ahead. The race’s highlight is the stage ending at Willunga Hill, a decisive climb for the general classification.

Tour of California

The Tour of California, from May 13th to May 19th, is the premier cycling stage race in the United States. Covering diverse terrain from the Pacific coast to challenging mountain stages in the Sierra Nevada. Key stages often include time trials and summit finishes at high altitudes. The race attracts a strong international field and offers significant preparation for European races.

Tour de Yorkshire

The Tour de Yorkshire, set for May 2nd to May 5th, is a relatively new but popular race. It features a variety of stages, including hilly terrain and flat sprints. The race travels through scenic countryside and historic towns in Yorkshire, England. Riders must adapt to sudden weather changes and rough roads. The race is a brilliant showcase of Britain’s growing enthusiasm for cycling.

Tour of Utah

The Tour of Utah, occurring from August 5th to August 11th, is known for its high-altitude stages and challenging routes. Riders face lengthy climbs and technical descents. The race includes stages through picturesque but demanding landscapes. It’s a critical race for those preparing for the later season European competitions.

Tour of Guangxi

The Tour of Guangxi, running from October 15th to October 20th, concludes the UCI WorldTour calendar. Held in southern China, it features stages with diverse terrain. This race is essential for riders looking to finish their season strongly. It includes flat sprints and challenging climbs, offering opportunities for all types of riders to shine.

The RideLondon-Surrey Classic

The RideLondon-Surrey Classic, occurring on August 4th, began as part of the 2012 London Olympics legacy. The race includes sections through central London and the Surrey Hills. Known for its fast pace and mix of flat and hilly terrain. Key climbs like Box Hill often play a critical role in the race’s outcome. This event draws both top professionals and enthusiastic amateurs.

The Clásica de San Sebastián

The Clásica de San Sebastián, held on August 3rd, is known for its beautiful but demanding route. It includes several steep climbs in the Basque Country. The Jaizkibel climb features prominently and often influences the race’s final standings. The race is valued for its mix of challenging climbs and scenically rewarding paths.

The Canadian WorldTour Races

Canadian WorldTour races include the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec on September 13th and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on September 15th. These races feature challenging circuits with multiple short, steep climbs. They attract top international talent and offer a thrilling spectacle for fans. The urban circuits require technical skills and strategic prowess.

Santos Tour Down Under

The Santos Tour Down Under, scheduled from January 14th to January 21st, is the first UCI WorldTour event of the year. Taking place in Adelaide, Australia, it draws top international teams. The race features varied stages, from flat sprints to tough hill finishes. The iconic climb to Willunga Hill is a key stage, often deciding the overall classification.

Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne

Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, happening on February 25th, is a classic early-season race in Belgium. It complements the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, held the previous day. The race includes cobbled sectors and short climbs. It typically ends in a sprint finish, favoring riders who can handle tough conditions and fast-paced racing.