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History
of Cycling
The Olympic Games have competitions in both road and track racing for a total of eight men's and women's events. Beginning in 1996, professional riders may compete in the Olympics.
The most prestigious road race is France's three-week Tour de France, founded in 1903 by newspaper editor Henri Desgrange. Riders compete in a variety of daily stages at distances up to 260 km (162 miles) around France, over the Alps and Pyrenees, and into portions of five neighboring countries. The winner is generally acknowledged as the world's best cyclist. Road races such as the United States' Tour Du Pont, Italy's Giro d'Italia, and Switzerland's Tour of Switzerland are preparatory races for the Tour de France. Other prestigious events are the classics, one-day marathons of about 255 km (158 miles). The top classic is Paris-Roubaix, held in northern France. Others include Italy's Milan-San Remo and Belgium's Het Volk.
Belgium's Eddy MERCKX is considered the greatest road racer ever. He won three world road race titles, and the Tour de France five times between 1969 and 1974. France's Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault have also won the Tour de France five times each. Among the top active riders is Spain's Miguel Indurain, who won his fourth consecutive Tour de France in 1994.
A number of American cyclists who have competed at the Olympics have turned professional and moved to Europe to compete. Greg LEMOND won the world pro championship road race in 1983 and 1989. LeMond also won the Tour de France three times - 1986, 1989, and 1990 - becoming the first non-European to win the event. Lance Armstrong won the 1993 world road race championship.
