The most popular cycling races in the world and runs for everyone in Russia

The cyclist is perhaps the most interesting of the sports areas. And even more tempting for amateurs - it seems that it is realistic to get in the right shape in a short time in order to participate seriously in competitions. However, this is a misleading impression - for a reason, about a dozen types of bicycle competitions are distinguished, each of which has its own subtleties! The most stringent requirements are put forward for a professional athlete - from constant improvement and strengthening of physical form to compliance with the nuances of technology.


However, no one canceled amateur competitions! If it's exciting to watch the Tour de France or other cycling races, why not prepare for a run in Russia? Moreover, such events are held in many regions, and some also impress with a long history of existence.

World class racing

Let's first remember what runs are known to the whole world. If only because the competitions are spectacular - it's exciting to watch high-speed races. They also inspire you to your own accomplishments!

The Tour de France is a multi-day road cycling race founded in 1903. It began as an advertising project for the newspaper L'Auto, but has grown into a global event. Each year, riders compete for several titles over 21 days. The winner receives a yellow jersey, which indicates complete victory in the Tour de France.
✅ "Giro d'Italia" - inferior in age to the aforementioned French competitions. This is an annual multi-day cycling race, founded in 1909, which each time takes place on different routes. But athletes always travel only through the territory of Italy, overcoming mountain climbs and descents on the way. The winner of this competition receives a pink jersey.
✅ "Tour of Switzerland" is another annual road cycling race. It is believed that cyclists who dream of getting on the Tour de France participate in it. This competition did not originate on the first attempt - the races took place in 1908 for the anniversary of the Swiss Cycling Federation, but then there was a break until 1924. And again, the tradition could not be consolidated - because of the high cost of the organization. Since 1933, the Tour of Switzerland has been held on a regular basis.
✅ "Classic of San Sebastian" is a one-day classic cycling race that takes place in Spain. Since a significant part of the route is characterized by strong elevation changes, mountain bikers feel most confident in the competition. In total, athletes overcome about 230 kilometers, including the ascent of Mount Haysikbel - if they manage to reach it, the participant is very close to the goal. Then there are only 30 kilometers to the finish line
✅ Six Days of Bremen is a six-day cycling competition that has been held in Germany since 1933. But for the first time races took place in Bremen in 1910, and they became truly regular in 1965. The bike ride is considered one of the most difficult in the world: the paths are distinguished by the presence of unusual inclinations on turns - 56 degrees, which complicates the task of the cyclist



These are far from all the exciting competitions that are held annually in the world for cyclists! Athletes come to Spain to participate in the Vuelta event - the races were founded in 1933, and among professionals they are no less prestigious than the Tour de France. By the way, according to the results of the competition, the winner also wears a T-shirt of a certain color, with the difference that its color scheme has changed several times over the years of the run.



Honorable and prestigious is the Tour of Flanders, a one-day race in Belgium. It is impossible not to mention one of the oldest events in the world - this is the Paris-Brussels cycling race, initiated back in 1893. But let's move on to the events that regularly take place in our latitudes and, most importantly, are organized for everyone.

Russian bike rides for amateurs

It is interesting to watch how professionals compete, but even more fun is the personal participation in the race! No wonder amateur competitions are in great demand. And Russia is no exception.

Race on the Garden Ring

This is the most sensational event with a long history of existence. The event was first held in 1920, and then only Muscovites took part in it. But very soon the race acquired an all-Russian scale. For amateurs, participation in this event has become prestigious and desirable.

? Over the years, up to 1000 people participated in the run.
? Among the judges at one time were Budyonny, Kashuba, Rotmistrov
? In the Soviet years, the event was certainly covered by the all-Union newspaper "Krasny Sport"
? Some winners after the race along the Garden Ring received awards at world competitions - Fedor Tarachkov, Rostislav Chizhikov, Evgeny Klevtsov, Anatoly Cherepovich
? The race was held even during the Great Patriotic War, confirming the fighting spirit of the people



The event takes place in Moscow, in recent years, you can register for it via the Internet, choosing an acceptable format. You can participate in the entire distance or in individual clusters, which predetermines the amount of the contribution.



You can come to the races with any by bicycle, except for an electric bike, recumbent or tandem Transport. It is prohibited to use devices that reduce wind resistance.

GranFondo Russia

In 2016, the most popular series of road races in the world came to Russia. Both amateurs and professionals take part in it. Although the competitions have been held in the Russian Federation for only a few years, they attracted a large number of participants - the organizers share that in the first three years alone, about 15 thousand people managed to drive into the competition.

? Gran Fondo Russia runs from May to September
? Cyclists overcome different routes: up to 40 km, 60-70 km, 95-120 km



To participate in the run, you must register, prepare a bike and equipment. A mandatory requirement is the provision of a certificate of good health.

Tour de Tatarstan

These are two events that take place in June and July, one in the vicinity of Almetyevsk, and the second in Kazan. The Tour de Tatarstan is organized by the largest sports community of Tatarstan Timerman.



Conditions of participation:

? Register and pay a fee in accordance with the selected distance
? Issue a medical certificate of admission to cycling competitions
? Prepare transport and equipment



25, 50 and 100 km races are open to persons over 18 years of age. Drafting and use of TT bikes is prohibited.

Tips for beginner cyclists

To achieve a professional level, it is desirable to study from childhood. But an adult, who relatively recently sat on the "iron horse", will also be able to participate in the amateur competition. Naturally, this should be prepared and thoroughly worked.

✅ Daily workouts are required - preferably about 2 hours a day, including work with simulators to create and strengthen the muscle frame
✅ It is important to change the diet - you need to monitor the variety and nutritional value of the menu. Since the body needs a lot of strength to train
✅ You should gradually build up endurance - for this it is useful to drive on a hill, not aiming to set a temporary record
✅ It is extremely important for a novice racer to learn to think one step ahead in order to learn how to enter turns and brake in advance
✅ It is useful to track your own resource by defining a specific training goal and noticing how much time and effort it takes to achieve it
✅ Do not forget about recovery exercises. Good sleep and body massage also contribute to maintaining a healthy athletic shape.



But it's worth starting with motivation! Why do you want to race, what is the goal? If there is a good and weighty motive for you, you will surely achieve what you want.