Diehard aficionados of competitive cycling of course think nothing of flying across countries and even oceans to witness blockbuster races like the Tour de France, the Giro d´Italia, and the Vuelta a España. But of course there are dozens of other high-powered international races across the world, and probably hundreds of regional ones. I got to thinking about continents beyond Europe, as well as races which most give visitors a flavor of the countries in which they take place, and here´s my take on the top half dozen—some on the circuit of the International Cyclists Union (UCI) the world body which governs the sport, others not—one from each continent (besides Antarctica, of course!), which besides pulse-pounding competition also delive beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, historic cities and towns, and memorable food experiences.
Africa — Tour du Rwanda
Starting and ending in capital Kigali annually in February–March, the sprawls for 700 to 900 kilometers (435-560 miles) through the verdant hills and high-altitude plateaus of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” The Tour´s stages wind over rolling terrain studded with terraced tea plantations, lakeside roads near Lake Kivu, and winding ascents amid lush vegetation.
For visitors, following the race is also a chance to experience Kigali’s dynamic art galleries and café culture, to head west for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, or to linger on the shores of Lake Kivu where fish markets meet scenic sunsets. Rwandan cuisine—steamed plantains, grilled brochettes, and peanut stews—complements the warm hospitality alongside vibrant street-side spectators on race day.
Asia — Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi, Malaysia
In late September to early October, it´s eight days of racing across 1,200–1,250 km (746-777 mi.) through Malaysia’s diverse Peninsular landscapes—starting from tropical island of Langkawi in the Andaman Sea, then down the Peninsula to Fraser’s Hill and its uphill climbs through pristine forest, and on to a finish in cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur. Stages might hug tropical coastline roads, rise through rainforested hills, or surge past idyllic beaches, rice paddies, and colonial towns.
For visitors, Le Tour pairs excellent racing with Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry: Malay, Chinese, and Indian culinary traditions; heritage streets in Melaka; the soaring Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur; and the serene beaches of Langkawi. It’s a race where food, history, and landscapes are as varied as the stages themselves.
Australia/Oceania — Tour Down Under, Australia
Held each January in the height of the Australian summer, the race´s six stages cover roughly 800–900 km (500–560 mi.) across South Australia, anchored in the compact, festival-friendly city of Adelaide. It traditionally opens the UCI WorldTour season, drawing top international teams to sun-drenched vineyard roads and coastal highways.
Stages roll through the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, where pelotons glide past cellar doors and neat vine rows, and often crest the decisive slopes of Willunga Hill, a short climb that draws packed crowds and sweeping countryside views. Other routes trace the rugged Fleurieu Peninsula coastline or finish on lively downtown Adelaide circuits, allowing spectators to see the riders multiple times in a single afternoon.
For visiting fans, the race pairs elite cycling with wine tastings, beach escapes, wildlife parks, and a relaxed culinary scene built on seafood, local produce, and multicultural flavors. The result is a warm, accessible, and distinctly Aussie blend of world-class racing and laid-back summer atmosphere.
Europe — Tour de France
Well, there´s no doubt that this is tops in Europe if not the world. From late June through late July, the Tour unfolds over roughly 3,300–3,500 km (2,050-2,175 mi.) in a three-week circuit that changes course annually. And it´s really more than just a bicycle race—starting towns, mountain villages, vineyards and coastlines become waystations in a moving festival of sport. Riders climb high Alpine cols above Mont Blanc, sprint along the lavender-scented roads of Provence, and test their endurance among the slopes of the Pyrenees before concluding with a celebratory parade down the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
For the spectator, every stretch of the route is an interaction with French culture: rustic markets beneath the Vosges forests, the Renaissance châteaux along the Loire, the culinary treasures of Lyon and Bordeaux, and seaside cafés along the Mediterranean. Whether you’re gathered by vines in Burgundy or cheering col sups in the Alps, the Tour is a panoramic journey through historic towns, storied landscapes, and of course some of Europe-s best cuisine.
Lëa-Kim Châteauneuf
North America — Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec/Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal
Staged in close proximity in September — Quebec City on Friday, Montreal on Sunday — these one-day races are part of cycling’s top-tier WorldTour calendar, which means the same elite teams and riders seen in the Tour de France line up at the start. Each race covers roughly 200–220 km (124-137 mi.) on urban circuits, allowing spectators to see the peloton multiple times without leaving a single vantage point.
In Quebec City, the course winds repeatedly through and above the UNESCO-listed Old Town, climbing punchy ascents near the historic fortifications and cobbled streets. The atmosphere feels almost European — fitting for a city whose stone architecture and French language set it apart within North America. Between laps, visitors can stroll along the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River, explore centuries-old streets, or dine in intimate bistros serving Québécois specialties like tourtière, duck confit, and maple desserts. Early autumn weather adds crisp air and golden light to the weekend.
Two days later, the focus shifts three hours southwest to Montreal, where the race circles Mount Royal Park. The repeated climb up Mount Royal is selective and dramatic, often deciding the race. Spectators gather along tree-lined roads as the skyline rises in the distance. The city itself offers a completely different urban texture — lively markets, contemporary art galleries, jazz bars, and one of North America’s most exciting food scenes.
What makes this September doubleheader especially appealing is its ease. Both cities are compact, walkable, and connected by efficient rail service. You can experience two major cultural centers, two elite races, and a taste of French North America — all within a single long weekend.
South America — Vuelta a San Juan, Argentina
In early January, this race lights up Argentina’s San Juan Province up in this country´s dry northwest, a four-hour flight from Buenos Aires. There are seven stages totaling around a thousand kilometers (621 mi.) of competition at the foot of the Andes. Though the race’s status on the calendar of the UCI (international cycling´s governing body) has varied, it remains a beloved fixture of Southern Hemisphere summer that draws international teams to early-season racing beneath high mountain horizons.
Spectators can enjoy rides through arid valleys, vineyard vistas where Torrontés and Malbec flourish, and day trips to the UNESCO World Heritage Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon, officially Ischigualasto Provincial Park, above) with its surreal rock formations. San Juan’s culinary scene features rich empanadas, grilled meats and verduras asadas (roasted vegetables), making race villages lively spots to mix local culture with the sport.
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