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| Road bicycle racing is overall the most popular type of bicycle racing. It takes place in the warmer months of the year (if one is prepared to follow the seasons around the world, road races can be found all year). Races range from the multi-day stage races such as the well known Tour de France to short Criteriums, in which multiple laps of a short circuit are performed. Criteriums are particularly popular in North America. |
| Mountain bike racing is relatively new to the bicycle racing scene. It peaked in popularity during the 1990's. Mountain bike races are entirely off-road, and usually involve a moderate degree of technical riding. There are several varieties of Mountain bike racing; the main categories are cross-country and Downhill. |
| BMX racing takes place off-road. BMX races are sprint races on purpose built off-road single lap racetracks. Riders navigate a dirt racecourse made up of various jumps, along with banked and flat corners. Bike trials is a sport where riders navigate natural and man-made obstacles without putting down their foot, or "dabbing". It is similar to motorcycle trials. Points are awarded for bike handling skills, and as such there is much overlap with BMX racing. |
| Bicycle races are popular all over the world, especially in Europe. The most competitive and devoted countries are generally thought to be Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, although the United States also has a high international standing, as do the Australian cyclists. The USA boasts seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, and Australia has seen success through the likes of Michael Rogers & Robbie McEwen |
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