Cycling is a highly popular sport in America, with numerous prestigious cycling races and events drawing amateur and professional cyclists worldwide. Here are some of the premier events or races taking place:
1. Tour of California
Overview:
Before being put on hiatus after 2019, the Amgen Tour of California was one of the premier professional cycling races in the U.S. It hosted top cyclists from around the world as it traveled across California on its varied terrains.
As part of the UCI World Tour, this race was one of North America’s major cycling events.
2. USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships
Overview:
This event determines national champions in road racing and time trials for both men and women across America, using challenging courses with hilly terrain as its host venue.
An important outcome of winning the national championship is earning the right to wear the iconic stars-and-stripes jersey for races throughout the following year.
3. Dirty Kanza (Unbound Gravel)
Overview:
Renamed Unbound Gravel, this event in Emporia, Kansas offers one of the toughest gravel races around with up to 200 miles of rough and undulating roads to traverse during a race day.
The event has become a must-do on gravel enthusiasts’ bucket lists and represents its increasing popularity within the U.S.
4. Leadville Trail 100
Overview:
The Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race takes place annually in Colorado’s high-altitude town of Leadville and covers 100 miles with more than 12,000 feet of climbing over its 100-mile distance course.
Famed for its challenging conditions, this race is one of the oldest and most esteemed mountain bike competitions in America.
5. Tour of Utah
Overview:
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah is an international multi-stage professional cycling race held each summer across Utah’s mountainous terrain, considered one of the toughest races in America due to high altitudes and steep climbs.
Widely considered America’s Toughest Stage Race,” this event draws top international cycling teams.
6. Redlands Bicycle Classic
Overview:
Hosted annually in Redlands, California, this race is one of the oldest continuously running professional stage races in America. Famed for its demanding courses and as an arena to test up-and-coming cyclists.
Many professional cyclists have used the Redlands Classic as a springboard to greater success in cycling.
7. Sea Otter Classic
Overview:
The Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California is one of the largest cycling festivals worldwide and hosts road races, mountain biking events, and gravel races over its three days of celebration.
This event draws both participants and spectators and is an important date in the cycling calendar with numerous product launches and demos being showcased by industry professionals.
8. Race Across America (RAAM)
Overview:
RAAM is one of the world’s premier endurance cycling races, taking riders nonstop across approximately 3,000 miles across both coasts of America in just under 24 hours – whether individually or as teams.
The race is widely considered one of the toughest endurance challenges available worldwide, testing both physical and mental stamina to their limits.
9. Philadelphia Cycling Classic
Overview:
Held annually in Philadelphia, this challenging cycling race includes multiple trips up the Manayunk Wall–a steep ascent cyclists must ascend multiple times–which offers riders plenty of challenge.
This race boasts an illustrious past and is one of the cornerstone events on U.S. cycling’s calendar – particularly for sprinters and climbers.
10. Jingle Cross
Overview:
Jingle Cross, held annually in Iowa City, Iowa is one of the premier cyclocross events in the U.S. It offers riders an experience full of mud, grass, and obstacles that test their abilities as riders navigate a course rich with obstacles that test both speed and endurance.
As part of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, this race draws top international riders and stands as an important race within the cyclocross season.
11. Colorado Classic
Overview:
The Colorado Classic was a four-stage women’s professional road race held throughout Colorado that promoted women’s cycling while providing an exciting challenge course through the Rocky Mountains.
Although discontinued in 2020, this event was notable for promoting gender equality through cycling by offering equal prize money and media coverage for female riders.
12. Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb
Overview:
This event is a single-day race up the steep and challenging Mount Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire. At 7.6 miles in length, its course gains over 4,500 feet of elevation gain!
Recognized for its challenging gradient and unpredictable weather conditions, this hill climb stands as one of the toughest tests in America.
13. Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival
Overview:
Held annually in Wisconsin, this event includes an off-road 40-mile race through the forest of northern Wisconsin. As one of the largest and most well-attended mountain bike races in the Midwest region.
The race has long been popular with mountain biking enthusiasts due to its scenic and challenging course.
14. Midnight Sun Bicycle Race
W/T | Alaska This unique bicycle race takes place under the midnight sun during Alaska’s summer solstice and covers 100 miles on both paved and gravel roads for an unforgettable experience with 24 hours of daylight!
This race is famed for its beautiful Alaskan scenery and the unique challenge of racing through the night without darkness enveloping it.
15. Tour of the Gila
Overview:
Held annually in Silver City, New Mexico, this multi-stage race offers riders a wide variety of terrain including steep mountain climbs and quick descents.
The Tour of the Gila is an important race for North American cyclists, often serving as preparation for larger international events.
These events not only showcase athleticism, but also reflect the variety of cycling disciplines and terrains across America. No matter whether it is road racing, mountain biking, or gravel grinding that you prefer; there’s sure to be something perfect for everyone at one of these races across the US.