10 Must-See Cycling Festivals Around the World

Cycling fanatics, have you ever mused about where your two wheels could take you?

Festivals that blend the thrill of biking with exuberant celebrations are happening across the globe, and they're not just about the race—they're a full-on fiesta for anyone with a fondness for pedal power.

Ready to add some pedal-powered festivity to your calendar?

From Californian classics to Italian extravaganzas, let's get a sneak peek at the world's most exhilarating cycling festivals!

Sure, anyone can hop on a bike and take a ride around the neighborhood, but these cycling festivals offer an immersive experience that's a world apart.

They're not just races; they're gatherings of culture, sweat, and gears where you can soak up the atmosphere, whether you're a pro cyclist or a two-wheeled tourist.

Trust me, there's nothing like the camaraderie of cycling enthusiasts, the crunch of gravel under tire, and the cheer of a crowd as riders cross the finish line.

Sea Otter Classic (USA)

Ever dreamed of kicking off your cycling season surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Monterey, California?

Well, mark your calendar for the Sea Otter Classic!

It's not just a festival—it's a carnival for anyone with a heart for two wheels.

Wondering what's in store?

Here's a sneak peek:

• Races Galore: Whether you're into the high-octane thrill of mountain biking, the cutthroat competition of road racing, or the muddy challenge of cyclocross, there's a race with your name on it.
• Expo Extravaganza: With 1,000+ brands setting up shop, you can chat with industry pros, get your hands on the newest gear, or just revel in the buzz of cycling innovation.

And if you're someone who loves numbers, how does attending the world's premier cycling festival sound?

Add in over 9,000 athletes and 74,000 fans, and you're part of something colossal.

Picture that!

From April 18-21, 2024, every moment at the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, presented by Continental, promises to be nothing short of legendary.

Worried you'll feel out of place?

Don't be.

The event is a melting pot for cyclists of all stripes.

Brush shoulders with cycling legends at the races or share stories with fellow enthusiasts.

Keen for a first-hand experience with the latest cycling innovations?

The Sea Otter Expo is where you can demo the tech that catches your eye.

All set for an adventure?

You'll find the details at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Prep yourself for four days of pedal-powered euphoria!

Are you ready to join the race, take a ride, and make memories that will last a lifetime?

The Sea Otter Classic awaits!

EuroBike (Germany)

Have you ever imagined a place where bike lovers from around the globe gather to celebrate the latest in cycling innovation?

Welcome to EuroBike!

Hosted in the vibrant city of Frankfurt, Germany, from 3rd to 7th July 2024, this is the cycling festival you simply can't miss.

What's on offer?

Whether you're a trade professional or just a pedaling enthusiast, there is a plethora of activities waiting for you.

Get hands-on with the newest gadgets during product demos, or feel the thrill of innovation beneath you on test rides.

Remember, it's not just about the bikes.

It's about the community spirit, the shared passion for cycling, and the collective anticipation for what's rolling next into the world of two wheels.

Are you ready to witness world stars from the trials and BMX scene in explosive show performances?

Or to join in the family-friendly vibe at the KIDS Area?

Perhaps the challenge of the Bembel-Crit bike races excites you?

Secure your ticket now and be part of the EuroBike experience that promises both a spectacle and a warm community welcome.

See you in Frankfurt!

The TweedLove Bike Festival (Scotland)

Ever imagined a place where all bike lovers come together for a bit of friendly competition and a lot of fun?

Pack your helmet and pump up your tires, because the TweedLove Bike Festival in Scotland's picturesque Tweed Valley is your dream destination!

Dates to Mark:

• Series Opener: 27 & 28 April
• Mid-Festival Clash: 15 & 16 June
• Autumn Showdowns: 14 & 15 Sept | 5 & 6 Oct

This isn't just any festival; it's a grand stage for both seasoned riders and those who've just kicked off their training wheels.

Picture a weekend brimming with events:

1. 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM: TweedLove Bike Expo & Demo

1. Get hands-on with the latest bikes and gear.

2. Children's Events:

1. Frog Bikes demo sessions for the youngsters – all free!

It's not just about watching and marveling—get involved!

Take a shot at the YT Industries TweedLove Enduro Series, with round 2 tantalizingly titled "The International".

Feeling social?

Mingle in the Festival Village, where conversation flows as freely as the drinks.

Remember, while it's a festival with a competitive edge, it's also a time when the cycling community bonds over shared passion.

So, who knows, you might just pedal away with new friends as well as memories!

Ready to ride and revel?

The TweedLove Bike Festival awaits your pedal prowess.

Don't miss the chance for an incredible biking experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish hills.

See you at the starting line!

Crankworx (New Zealand, Canada, Austria)

Have you ever experienced the rush of mountain biking amidst some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet?

Let's talk Crankworx.

Picture this: MTB slopestyle riders taking dramatic leaps in stunning locales like Rotorua, Innsbruck, and Whistler.

These festivals are not just about the races; they're celebrations where the culture and community of mountain biking come alive!

• Rotorua, New Zealand: Immerse yourself in the vibrant indigenous culture while watching the world's elite compete. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Crankworx Rotorua, and guess what? They pulled out all the stops despite a bit of wild weather.
• Innsbruck, Austria: Ready for a bit of European flair? From June 12 to 16, 2024, the charm of the Austrian Alps combines with gravity-defying bike action. It's the eighth consecutive year Innsbruck is hosting, so expect a seasoned and spectacular event!
• Whistler, Canada: The birthplace of Crankworx, where it all started. It's not just a

L'Eroica (Italy)

Have you ever longed for a ride down memory lane, quite literally?

Imagine pedaling through the rustic Tuscan countryside, decked out in wool jerseys and surrounded by the charm of yesteryear.

L'Eroica is your ticket to this nostalgic journey—a celebration of vintage cycling where history takes to the roads.

When: Annually in October

Where: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

The Vibe: Velvety smooth nostalgia, with a side of Chianti

Why's it so unique?

You're not just turning up with any old bike; L'Eroica is all about pre-1987 racing bikes, complete with down-tube shifters and toe clips.

And the dress code?

Think retro—merino jerseys and leather shoes.

You're not just joining an event; you're joining a tradition that reveres the golden era of cycling.

And the route?

It's a scenic affair with a mix of paved and strade bianche (white gravel roads), winding its way through olive groves, vineyards, and medieval villages:

• Short: Tailored for a taste of the experience without the burn
• Medium: A solid challenge with more hills and thrills
• Long: For those who eat miles for breakfast

But L'Eroica isn't only about the ride; it’s a festival that delights the senses.

Delight your taste buds with local Tuscan cuisine, get merry with a glass of the region's finest wine, and tap your feet to the beat of Italian music.

Fancy being part of this timeless pageant?

It's not just about the kilometers you'll conquer; it's the memories you'll forge along the way.

Ready to take the plunge into cycling's storied past?

L'Eroica is waiting for you.

The Sea Otter Europe (Spain)

Have you ever fancied a cycling festival that offers not just pedal-pushing competition but a whole expo to explore?

Sea Otter Europe in Girona, Spain should definitely tickle your fancy!

Why should you circle this event on your calendar?

Imagine spending three days (set for September 20-22, 2024) amidst some of the cycling world’s latest innovations.

With over 350 brands showcasing their fresh-out-the-lab gear, it's a cyclist's dream come true.

• Visitors Last Year: More than 64,000
• Sporting Heroes: +6,000 participants
• Brand Exhibitors: +402 and growing

Feast your eyes and hands-on free bike tests across various models.

It's like a candy store but with bikes!

You can join the pedaling action too, with road races, mountain biking, and the gravel rides that the festival is known for.

Here's a stat that might just push you over the edge: there were 220 stands last year, and the numbers only go up.

Whether you're in it for the sport, the spectacle, or the shiny new bike tech, Sea Otter Europe is a hub of cycling celebration.

With its mix of amateur enthusiasm and professional grit, what's not to love?

So, grab your helmet and mark your dates; Girona awaits your two-wheeled arrival!

Bike Festival Garda Trentino (Italy)

Hey there, are you ready to explore the ultimate bikers' gala against an awe-inspiring backdrop?

Let's pedal our way into the Bike Festival Garda Trentino, staged in the picturesque Riva del Garda.

This haven for mountain biking aficionados marries adrenaline-pumping races with serene tours around Lake Garda.

What’s the buzz?

From April 29th to May 1st, the festival turns the vibrant town into a hub for more than 3,000 sports enthusiasts and around 30,000 visitors.

Imagine mingling with fellow bike lovers in the pulsing heart of the fest – the buzz is simply contagious!

• Expo: The largest outdoor bike expo in Europe awaits with over 150 exhibitors.
• Bike Tours: Choose your adventure with an array of mountain bike tours.
• Competitions: Show off your skills in thrilling races and marathons.

Eager to see the latest and greatest in biking?

You'll be one of the many captivated by the Bike Festival Awards, where over 40 bicycle models are honored.

And it's not just about showing off your bike and your gear; get ready for legendary trails and maybe even take home a trophy in categories like Hardtail, Fully, eMTB, and (e)Gravel.

Rest assured, whether you're a die-hard cyclist or just starting to ride, this festival is the perfect starting line for an unforgettable biking season.

Are you in for this pedal party?

Gear up and circle the dates—this is where your biking soul can truly glow!

Granfondo Stelvio Santini (Italy)

Have you ever imagined pedaling through the breathtaking Italian Alps, pushing your limits on some of the most legendary climbs in the world?

If that's your kind of adventure, then the Granfondo Stelvio Santini should be at the top of your list!

When: Typically held in early June, the Stelvio Pass opens its winding roads to cyclists after the snow melts.

This is your chance to join the throng of riders reveling in the fresh Alpine air.

Routes: A trio of distances caters to different levels of daredevils:

• Short: 60km, for a taste of the mountain magic.
• Medium: 137km, where endurance meets awe-inspiring vistas.
• Long: 157km, the ultimate test in this cyclist's paradise.

Don't worry, you won't be going home empty-handed.

The event spoils participants with a custom race pack, including a premium, made-in-Italy cycling jersey by Santini Maglificio Sportivo—talk about riding in style!

Yearning for a number to pin to your jersey?

Your name will shine brightly on the custom bib, making you feel like a pro as you tackle each climb.

And let's talk about that climb!

Over 1,000 riders compete for the honor to ascend the Stelvio Pass, with elevation gains ranging from 1,236m to a whopping 2,628m daily.

Remember: The weather at the peak of the cols is always a roll of the dice, but isn't that part of the thrill?

It's the unpredictable elements that spice up the tales you'll share later.

So, grab your gear and join the cycling fest that'll stamp your passport to exhilaration.

The Stelvio awaits your conquest—will you answer the call?

Maratona dles Dolomites (Italy)

Ever imagined cycling through Italy's heart-stopping Dolomite mountain range?

Picture yourself pushing the pedals on climbs that echo the triumphs of cycling legends.

That's the magic of the Maratona dles Dolomites.

Since 1987, this jewel of Italy has drawn cyclists who crave a test of endurance and a feast for the eyes.

So, what can you expect?

Choose your challenge: there are three distances.

1. Sellaronda Course: At 55km, it’s the shortest but still packs a punch with 1,780 meters of climbing.
2. Middle Course: This middle ground spans 106km and ratchets up the challenge with 3,130 meters of ascent.
3. Maratona Course: The full-blown 138km route, with enough elevation change to leave your legs singing the next day.

Here's a kicker: 9,000 participants!

Yes, it's not just a race; it's a gathering of the global cycling community, all chasing that feeling of accomplishment against a backdrop of jaw-dropping views.

And, because details matter when planning your adventure:

• When? July's warmth makes it perfect.
• Where? Start and finish lines weave through the Dolomite valleys.
• Training: Arriving early? Join the pre-race festivities and acclimatize with group rides.

But hey, it’s not all about the grind.

There are parties, chances to rub shoulders with fellow cycling enthusiasts, and loads of Italian cuisine to refuel on.

After all, what's a ride without a glorious plate of pasta at the end?

Mark your calendar, prep your bike, and ride the same roads that have tested the spirit of cyclists for decades.

Maratona dles Dolomites is calling—will you answer?

Roc d'Azur (France)

Ever wanted to rub shoulders with some of the world's most enthusiastic mountain bikers while soaking up the sun in the French Riviera?

The Roc d'Azur festival in Fréjus, France, is your golden ticket.

Picture this: more than 150,000 visitors, a stunning Mediterranean backdrop, and the thrill of the ride — it's mountain biking paradise!

Since its humble beginnings in 1984, this event has grown massively.

What started with only seven riders now attracts over 20,000 participants.

You're in for five days of pure mountain biking bliss from October 4 - 8, 2023.

Whether you're an amateur or a pro, young or old, there's a race that'll feel like it's been crafted just for you.

• Cross-country races - Test your endurance
• Enduro - For the thrill-seekers
• Gravel Rides - Something for everyone

Not just about the races, Roc d'Azur also boasts an expansive expo where you can check out the latest gear and gadgets.

It's not just a festival; it's a vibrant community where you can exchange stories, tips, and maybe even find your new riding buddy!

Mark your calendars, pump up your tires, and get ready to experience the beauty of the outdoors at the world's premier mountain bike festival.

See you at the starting line?