Our European Classics

Selected TOURS and MONUMENTS below. We’ll follow them from the comfort of the living room, in chronological order…

Time to ZWIFT!

Tours & Monuments

1. Tour de France: The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and challenging cycling races in the world. The race covers over 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) over the course of 21 stages, and includes both flat and mountain stages. The race requires a combination of endurance, strength, and tactical skill to succeed.
2. Vuelta a España: The Vuelta a España is a three-week stage race that is held annually in Spain. The race covers over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), and includes a number of challenging mountain stages.
3. Giro d’Italia: The Giro d’Italia is a three-week stage race that is held annually in Italy. The race covers over 3,400 kilometers (2,100 miles), and includes a number of challenging mountain stages, including some of the highest passes in the Alps.
4. Paris-Roubaix: Paris-Roubaix is a one-day road race that is held annually in northern France. The race is known for its cobbled sections, which can be extremely rough and difficult to ride on.
5. Strade Bianche: Strade Bianche is a one-day road race that is held annually in Italy. The race includes a number of unpaved roads, and requires riders to have strong bike-handling skills and the ability to ride on difficult terrain.

These races are all considered to be among the hardest cycling races in the world, and require a high level of physical fitness, mental toughness, and strategic thinking to succeed.

Why is the TDF so special?

The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and iconic sporting events in the world, and is considered the pinnacle of professional cycling. Here are a few reasons why the Tour de France is so special:

• History: The Tour de France has been held annually since 1903, making it one of the oldest and most storied events in the world of sports. Over the years, it has become an important cultural institution in France and a beloved sporting event around the world.
• Challenge: The Tour de France is an incredibly challenging race, covering a distance of over 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) over the course of 21 stages. The race includes both mountain stages and flat stages, and requires a combination of endurance, strength, and tactical skill to succeed.
• Drama: The Tour de France is known for its dramatic and unpredictable moments, including breakaways, crashes, and unexpected turns of events. The race is full of exciting moments and surprises, making it compelling viewing for fans.
• International Appeal: The Tour de France attracts some of the best cyclists from around the world, making it a truly international event. This diversity of talent adds to the excitement and spectacle of the race.
• Tradition: TDF is steeped in tradition. The iconic yellow jersey worn by the race leader and the grueling mountain stages have become hallmarks of the event. The race is a celebration of cycling culture and history, and has become an integral part of the sport’s legacy.

TLDR

Overall, the Tour de France is special because it combines history, challenge, drama, international appeal, and tradition in a way that few other sporting events can match. It is a true test of athleticism, endurance, and strategy. The Tour remains one of the most important and prestigious events in the world of cycling.

—

PS, here’s more: https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-classics-monuments-cobbles