List of Most Famous Bicycle Races

Paris–Rouen – Organized in November in 1869, this was first ever bicycle race that covered the distance between two cities. Winner of it was famous English cyclist James Moore who covered distance of 123km in 10 hours and 45 minutes.
Tour de France – The most famous multi-stage race in the world and one of the three European Grand Tours. Established in 1903, this event was held over 100 times, with modern route covering 3,500 kilometers over 23 days. Only drivers have managed to legally win 5 times are Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain.

Giro D'Italia – Established in 1909 to promote the sales of newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, this highly respected European multi-staged race became regarded as second most difficult to win only behind Tour de France. This race has no fixed route, but it is usually held in late May or early June over period of 23 days. First winner of Giro D'Italia was Luigi Ganna, while record holders with 5 wins are Alfredo Binda, Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx.

Vuelta a España –The third famous European Grand Tour was established in 1935 after initial successes of the Tour de France and Giro D'Italia. During its long history it was held 69 times as of 2014, and in its modern configuration it consists from 21 day-long segments and 2 additional rest days. First winner of this event was Belgian cyclist Gustaaf Deloor, while Spanish cyclist Roberto Heras holds the record of most wins (2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005).
Tour de Suisse – This is the most famous bicycle race in Switzerland with history reaching all the way back to 1933 when the first race was won by the Austrian cyclist Max Bulla. Today this race is regarded as proving ground for cyclists who want to tackle Tour de France. Cyclist with most wins of this multi-stage road racing event is Italian Pasquale Fornara who managed to win it four times.

Paris–Nice – This race (also known as “Race to the sun” started its long history in 1933, and is today part of the UCI World Ranking. First victory on it was achieved by Belgian cyclist Alphonse Schepers, while the record holder for most wins is Irish cyclist Sean Kelly who triumphed on it seven times.
Critérium du Dauphiné – French road bicycle race that runs over 8 individual stages in the Dauphiné region was first established in 1947. This race is part of UCI World Ranking, and four drivers managed to win it three times - Nello Lauredi (FRA), Luis Ocaña (ESP), Charly Mottet (FRA) and Bernard Hinault (FRA).

Olympic Games – Road cycling sporting events became part of Olympic from the very beginning. At the first modern Olympic event held in 1896 Athens, five track events and one road race were held (87 km race from Athens to Marathon and back). Today, Olympic cycling for men and women is
Commonwealth Games – Sport competition originally called “British Empire Games” has always fully supported professional cycling events. Today both male and female processional cyclist can enter wide array of track and road cycling events. Mountain bikes are represented with the Cross Country race.