Andrew Pereira
Cycle racing was popular as far back as 1903 when the first Tour de France race took place. Although followed by many there are other cycle tours across the world that deserve equal attention.
This race was first held in 1907 and March is the season. The length of the course is 185 miles; making the Milan – San Remo the longest course in one day racing. This race is mainly a test of endurance with the course consisting of long straight stretches and one large hump just where the road summits around Passo del Turchino; from this point the course takes a downward spiral towards the Italian Riviera and it's beautiful seaside towns. This race is commonly known as the sprinters classic with the latter part of the race ending in a sprint to the finish line. Main characteristics that define this race are unpredictable weather conditions, strong winds and the most stunning coastal views. This is a race that favours sprinters who throughout the course make the least amount of mistakes.
This popular race had its inception in 1896, with April being the race season. The length of the course is 150 miles with the race being nicknamed "Hell of the North". If the title piques your interest following this race certainly will, for the rather craggy trail consists of 30 bumpy cobbled regions from North West Paris up to the Velodrome in Roubaix. Along the way cyclists are dosed with bouts of inconsistent European weather and defiant terrain that cause an innumerable number of punctures. The Paris-Roubaix race is a fine example of relying on the best bicycle tyres chosen from a manufacturer specialising in bicycle racing tires where quality is based on material grading, valve functions and overall endurance; DSI Tyres are among the companies providing such tyres. Defining characteristics of this race are the bone jangling paved paths, mud, railroad crossings, crashes, punctures and other maladies that make this race live up to its nickname, "Hell of the North".
Held in Italy this race first started in 1909 and May is the season; this is a multiple day course which lasts for 21 days covering a distance of 2,000 to 2,200 miles. The race is truly a test of endurance with severe climbs across the Alps and Dolomites; add to this the dusty roads of Tuscany and you have a race that is quite a challenge. Main characteristics of the race are fog brought on by unpredictable spring weather, snow and rain in the mountain passes and not forgetting bunches of crazy fans who love the heroics performed by the adrenaline pumped participants.
This race first took place in May 2006 and continues in the same month. The course is an 8 day feat that covers a distance of 650 to 750 miles. This is a popular international race since the Amgen just a decade from its inception became the country's most popular race. Plus this race now attracts a large fraction of the UCI Pro Teams despite the tour coinciding with the popular Giro. The course runs across the beautifully rugged terrain of California covering the Sierra Foothills, lush vineyards, coastal redwood forests, farmlands of Central Valley and rocky coastal terrains. Traits that distinguish this race are the number of sprinters that take part and the live streaming of the entire event.
Started in 1903 this race held in July is probably the most popular of bicycle races. The course takes 21 days covering a distance of 2,000 to 2,100 miles. This race needs no introduction and is the one race that all established cyclist will strive to triumph. The start of the race consists of flat terrain that winds through Alpine passes. The race is the glitzy celebrity of all cycle races with parties along the way and the cream of the world's top cyclists taking part.
