The 2025 Cycling season is shaping up to be an exhilarating mix of classic races and emerging events, ideal for fans and riders alike. Here's a look at the cycling competitions not to be missed next year, with prestigious grand Tours, grueling one-day classics and innovative new races. Here are the 8 cycling events not to be missed in 2025.
Video – The route of the Tour de France 2025 is known!
1. Tour de France
The Tour de France remains the pinnacle of professional cycling, attracting the world's best riders each July for 21 days of intense competition. The 2025 Tour promises an exciting combination of steep mountain stages, high-speed sprints and world-famous landmarks, including grueling routes in the Alps and Pyrenees. Fans can expect fierce showdowns between young talents and seasoned pros, each aiming to wear the coveted yellow jersey. Tadej Pogacar, favorite on the old and new sportsbook at -150, will try to defend his title, with close competition from his rivals Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.
2. Tour of Italy
Known for its stunning scenery and challenging mountain climbs, the Giro d'Italia is another must-see Grand Tour. Typically held in May, the Giro offers a magnificent route across Italy, including the Dolomites, Italian Alps and scenic coastal routes. The 2025 edition is set to include classic climbs like the Stelvio Pass, offering some of the most visually striking yet physically demanding stages on the cycling calendar. The Giro often attracts climbers who want to make a statement ahead of the Tour de France, creating compelling narratives and rivalries throughout the event.
3. Return to Spain
If you know everything about grand tours, you should know that the Vuelta a España completes the trio of Grand Tours, which usually take place at the end of summer. With its unique blend of steep slopes and challenging terrain, the Vuelta is often an opportunity for cyclists to take risks and push their limits. The 2025 edition is expected to include demanding routes through the mountainous regions of Spain, making it perfect for climbers and general classification contenders. The Vuelta has also become famous for its innovative race formats, which can include mountain time trials or explosive hill sprints. Fans can expect exciting battles on the slopes of mountains like Angliru, as well as fast-paced finales in Spanish cityscapes.
4. Paris-Roubaix
The Paris-Roubaix, often referred to as the “Hell of the North”, is a one-day race in April that takes riders over paved roads and rugged terrain across northern France. Known for its harsh conditions and brutal drops, this race tests endurance, resilience and tactical skill. The cobbled sectors, such as the Carrefour de l'Arbre, are particularly well known, which makes this race a unique spectacle. Winning the Paris-Roubaix is a great honor, as riders often finish covered in mud, showing the difficult demands of this iconic event.
5. Tour of Flanders
The Tour of Flanders is another prestigious one-day classic that showcases the pinnacle of Belgian cycling. Famous for its short, steep climbs and cobbled sections, this April race attracts the sport's elite, all vying for a place in Belgian cycling history. The challenging course combines brutal inclines, narrow roads and bustling local crowds. The 2025 edition is expected to feature iconic segments like the Paterberg and Koppenberg, where riders tackle some of the sport's toughest elevation changes. Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel, winner in 2024, will be eager to defend his title.
6. Strade Bianche
Although a relatively new addition, the Strade Bianche have become a fan favorite. Held in the Tuscany region of Italy in early March, this one-day race takes runners along the white gravel roads of the Italian countryside. The beautiful setting and unpredictable road surfaces make it a unique race, attracting the best riders from the Grand Tours and classics. With its finale in the magnificent Piazza del Campo in Siena, the Strade Bianche combines challenging terrain with a picturesque finish.
7. Amstel Gold Race
The Amstel Gold Race is the most important cycling event in the Netherlands and is one of the Ardennes classics, usually held in April. Known for its rolling hills and challenging climbs, this race requires both strength and strategy. The Cauberg climb often decides the winner, with its steep gradient providing a final test of endurance and power. The Amstel Gold Race is an ideal watch for fans who enjoy tactical maneuvering, as riders must carefully gauge their energy on many short, steep hills.
8. UCI Road Cycling World Championships
The UCI Road Cycling World Championships take place at the end of September and bring together the best riders from around the world to compete for the iconic rainbow jersey. The 2025 championships will take place on a difficult course, which changes every year in different countries. Fans can expect a time trial and road race, with routes designed to push riders to their limits. The World Championships have the distinction of representing their country rather than professional teams, which adds national pride to the stakes.
