Grand Tour Cycling
The premier league of road cycling
Of all the cycling races that happen around the world, the three Grand Tours, Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana are the truest test for the elite group of road cyclists. Governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the three Grand Tours follow a similar format consisting of 21 stages and two rest days. These three week races cover a variety of terrain including flat, hilly and mountain stages, each testing the physical limits of what a human can achieve on a bicycle.
The oldest and arguably most well known of the three, the Tour de France dates back to 1903 while the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana date back to 1909 and 1935 respectively. Since the dawn of the 20th century, road bikes have evolved tenfold into the aerodynamic, electronic shifting, carbon fiber pieces of art we recognize today.
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Each of the 19 cycling teams in the Grand Tours enter stage one with a methodical, systematic approach to utilize unique talents across the team of 9 athletes. With each rider having a specific responsibility, the teams work as a unit to strategically gain as many points across the board in the least amount of time.
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Every single stage of the these Grand Tour races are a spectacle to watch. Wether the riders are bumping down a cobblestone road through the city center or cresting the Upper French Alps, there is never a dull moment when a stage win is on the line.
Photo Source: cyclingtips.comAttendance and Viewership
The three Grand Tours stand as major global sporting events that not only draw in substantial spectators traveling from around the world, but also captivate an overwhelming number of global viewers. With a claimed viewership of 3.5 billion people tuning in annually, the Tour de France stands as the largest of the three races. The Giro d’Italia trails behind with a viewership of 800 million people across five continents and the Vuelta a Espana reaching a comparable audience to that of the Giro d’Italia.
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A complex, heavily demanding team series, the three Grand Tours push the limits of both the cycling industry’s engineering and more so, an athlete’s mental and physical stamina and strength.
To learn more about the series, check out this brief video that offers a guide to the world of cycling. To learn more about the series as a whole, check out their website below.