Sports have been competitive events developed in the world throughout the ages; considering that a first appearance of cycling the event that dates back to the year of 1817, when in Germany a tour was made on this vehicle; identifying it as “Running machine” but years later is when its official competitions really start.
Brief history of cycling
The history of cycling as a sporting event practically begins in the year 1870 in Italy; where one of its first official competitions is held; however it is considered that based on historical testimonies its creation dates back to the times of ancient Egypt and China.
During this first event, a 33-kilometer route is made through a route from Florence to Pistoia, which was won by the American Rynner van Neste.
This paved the way for a whole series of competitions around the world; which led to many athletes dedicating themselves to cycling as a sporting activity; while for the 20th century these types of races were already official, which are divided into stages to provide them with more sections and different routes to travel.
Cycling sporting events
Cycling as a competitive sport has been included in important events; for being a category that stands out from many others and delight the fans with its exhibitions.
For this reason, the cycling championships that move the most emotions are precisely those that we mention below, which in turn are part of what is known as the Grand Tours:
Tour de France or Le Tour de France
Event that takes place throughout the French territory, since 1903, it is the oldest and most interesting cycling race in the world. She was awarded the Prince of Asturias award for sports in 2003.
Some of the award-winning athletes at this event have been Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil; in addition to other immortal stars of this discipline such as Geraint Thomas, Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi.
Italy spin
A competition that takes place within the Italian geography, giving rise to great champions who have offered all the fans contests without losing their cordial relationship.
These are Coppi and Bartali; who have left their mark on the world of cycling as eternal champions, along with other well-known figures such as Eddy Merckx, Alfredo Blinda and the current winner Chris froome.
The tour of Italy takes place in stages lasting three weeks, which are held during the month of May of each year; whose route is changed to make it more pleasant and striking.
The first of this type of competition took place in 1909 in the city of Milan, with 8 stages and a distance of 2,448 kilometers. The rider with the highest number of victories in this stage category is Mario Cipollini, with a total of 42.
Back to Spain
The third of the Grand Tours is that of Spain; popularly known as “La Vuelta” and one of the professional cycling races with which you can enjoy the wonderful Spanish geography.
It takes place during the month of August and mid-September of each year; starting from the year 1935 and suspended on four different occasions due to circumstances such as wars or the bad economic situation.
Win this cycling sports event; athletes who obtain 720 points with which they enter the Cycling Hall of Fame.
The most successful cyclist to date is Roberto Heras; however, competitors such as the current British national champion Simón Yates, Alejandro Valverde, Nairo Quintana, Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru among some others have stood out.
If cycling is a sport that you are as passionate about as we are, we invite you to read the other articles that are already published in the blog section and contain information that will surely be of interest to you. Don’t miss them.