After the bicycle was developed through the 19th century, the first road race on bicycles was held in 1868 in Paris over just 1200 m. At the end of the 19th century the first classic races were held. In the early 20th century a new type of race was introduced: the stage race, which were held over longer periods with the result of all the stages making up the classificiation. Time Trials, which were part of many stages races, also developed in an individual event. The Union Cycliste Internationale was founded in 1900. Next to major championships like Olympics and World Championships, the Classic races are major events. The biggest events of the year are the grand tours, especially the Tour de France, which status, coverage and attentdance can hardly be equalised in sports.
Olympic Games: