How to Watch Classic European Bike Races

Most people are well acquainted with the Tour de France, but it is not the only bicycling event on the calendar. The European calendar includes a number of multi-stage races, as well as a number of single-stage races. Many of these races are just as important as the Tour de France, and many of the top riders who are "domestiques" during the Tour have serious aspirations to win one of the other races.

Instructions

1. Find the schedule of major bike races online. The best source for major cycling events is "Cycling News." This Web site is listed in "Resources."

2. Watch major bike races in the United States on the Versus television channel. Versus has coverage of bike races every Sunday on their program called "Cyclism Sundays." You can catch recaps of just about every race on this show. During the major multi-stage races known as the Grand Tours, including the Veulta a Espana and the Giro d'Italia, Versus carries full daily coverage.

3. Watch single-stage races on Versus as well. Some of the most famous bike races are single-stage classic cycle races known as the Monuments. Among the most significant races are the Paris-Roubaix, the Amstel Gold and the Giro di Lombardia. Not all of these races are covered completely, but you should be able to catch recaps of them on the Sunday show.

4. If you do not have cable or satellite, watching major European bikes races is next to impossible in the United States. Your best bet is to look for streaming video of these races on international news sites or on cycling Web sites such as Cycling Fans.

5. Catching coverage of major bike races in Europe is somewhat easier. Depending on the country, you may have better access to coverage on television. If there is no local coverage, your best bet is the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

• It can take a little more effort to watch lesser known races, but it is worth it. The racing is just as intense in these races as it is during the Tour de France.

• The Paris-Roubaix race is worth watching. It is considered the most brutal road cycling race on the calendar. Much of the race is on old cobblestones.

• Look for the best "domestiques" in the Tour to make some very aggressive moves in these other races.