The 3 Grand Tours of Cycling: The What, Where, When & Who
If you love cycling, you’ve probably heard of the 3 Grand Tours of cycling – the toughest, most prestigious stage races in the sport of riding. These three-week-long epic tours push riders to their absolute limits, testing their climbing, sprinting, and time trial abilities. But what exactly is a Grand Tour, and what makes them so special? Let’s dive into the world of cycling’s biggest races and explore routes, teams and winners.
What is a Grand Tour?
A Grand Tour is a multi-week stage race of daily stages, rest days, across a variety of terrain. These races are considered the pinnacle of professional road cycling, and winning one (let alone all three) cements a rider’s place in history.
Each Grand Tour follows a similar format: around 21 stages, a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous routes, and the battle for different classification jerseys. While the general classification (GC) riders chase overall victory, sprinters, climbers, and time trial specialists each have their own goals within the race.
What Are the 3 Grand Tours of Cycling?
The 3 Grand Tours of cycling are:
- Giro d’Italia (Italy)
- Tour de France (France)
- Vuelta a España (Spain)
The Grand Tours have been around for over a century, with the Tour de France dating back to 1903, the Giro d’Italia to 1909, and the Vuelta a España to 1935. These races are part of the UCI WorldTour, meaning all top-tier teams participate. They take place every year and are the biggest events on the cycling calendar for professional riders and cycling fans alike. Each race has its own unique characteristics, landscapes, and traditions, making them equally challenging and exciting.
Worth mentioning here that the women of the sport have historically lacked full-length Grand Tours, but that’s changing. The Tour de France Femmes, the Giro d’Italia Donne, and the Vuelta Femenina are gaining prestige, though they are shorter than their male counterparts, usually lasting around a week. More progress is being made to increase their status and duration
How Does Time Work in Cycling Grand Tours?
The rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages wins the General Classification (GC). Time bonuses are given on some stages, and penalties apply for rule violations. If two riders have the same time, the best stage placements break the tie.
Why Do Riders Usually Race Only One Grand Tour?
Grand Tours are so physically demanding that most riders pick one race as their main focus. Recovery is a major issue, as each race requires months of preparation and drains energy levels completely. Some rare cyclists attempt two in a season, but completing all three at a high level is nearly impossible.
Has Anyone Won All Three Grand Tours in One Year?
Only seven riders have won all three Grand Tours of cycling over the course of their careers: Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Felice Gimondi, Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome, and Jacques Anquetil. However, no one has ever won all three races in a single season – a feat considered almost impossible due to its extraordinary physical demands.
Giro d’Italia: The Beauty and the Suffering
When Is It?
Held in May, the Giro is the first Grand Tour of the season.
Route & Distance
The race starts somewhere in Italy (or abroad occasionally) and finishes in Milan or Rome, covering around 3,400 km.
Stages & Climbing
There are 20 or 21 stages, featuring legendary climbs like Stelvio, Zoncolan, and the Mortirolo, with a total elevation gain of 45,000+ meters.
Teams & Riders
Typically 22 teams, 8 riders per team.
Duration & Rest Days
The race lasts for three weeks including two or three rest days.
Important Jerseys
- Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey): General classification leader
- Maglia Ciclamino (Sprinter’s Jersey): Points leader
- Maglia Azzurra (Blue Jersey): King of the mountains
- Maglia Bianca (White Jersey): Best young rider
Iconic Winners
- Fausto Coppi (5 wins)
- Eddy Merckx (5 wins)
- Alfredo Binda (5 wins)
Tour de France: The King of Grand Tours
When Is It?
The Tour de France takes place every July and lasts for three weeks.
Route & Distance
The route changes yearly but traditionally starts outside or within France, ending on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The total distance is typically around 3,500 km.
Stages & Climbing
There are 21 stages, including time trials, flat sprint days, and brutal mountain stages. Riders face famous climbs like Alpe d’Huez and the Col du Tourmalet, with total climbing between 30,000 and 40,000 meters across the entire race.
Teams & Riders
The race features 22 teams with 8 riders each, totalling 176 riders.
Duration & Rest Days
The Tour lasts three weeks with two rest days.
Important Jerseys
- Yellow Jersey: General classification leader
- Green Jersey: Leader by points
- Polka Dot Jersey: King of the mountains
- White Jersey: Best young rider
Iconic Winners
- Jacques Anquetil (5 wins)
- Eddy Merckx (5 wins)
- Bernard Hinault (5 wins)
- Miguel Induráin (5 wins)
- Chris Froome (4 wins)
- Tadej Pogačar (4 wins)
Vuelta a España: The Brutal Spanish Challenge
When Is It?
The Vuelta takes place between August and September, making it the last Grand Tour of the cycling season.
Route & Distance
It starts in Spain (or occasionally abroad) and finishes in Madrid, covering 3,000 – 3,500 km.
Stages & Climbing
With 21 stages, the Vuelta is known for steep climbs like Angliru and Lagos de Covadonga, with total climbing reaching 40,000+ meters.
Teams & Riders
22 teams with 8 riders per team participate in the Vuelta a España each year.
Duration & Rest Days
Riders get challenged over a period of three weeks that include two rest days.
Important Jerseys
- Red Jersey: General classification leader
- Green Jersey: Points leader
- Polka Dot Jersey: Best climber
Iconic Winners
- Roberto Heras (4 wins)
- Primož Roglič (4 wins)
- Tony Rominger (3 wins)
- Alberto Contador (3 wins)
Passion for Saddle Surfing
The 3 Grand Tours of cycling are legendary tests of endurance, grit, and strategy. Whether it’s the history-rich Tour, the mountainous Giro, or the punishing Vuelta, each race offers drama, heroics, and cycling magic. At TEAMMC Cycles, we share your passion for cycling. Come by to have a chat over a coffee about all things cycling, or to get your bike tuned up for the season. Either way, let’s keep that cyclist’s heart of yours singing!
🚴♂️ Happy Cycling! 🚴♀️