Road Racing Cups & Championships

1. Circuit Races. In circuit races, riders will complete X number of cycles around a predetermined course. The circuit is usually takes place on street roads in the outdoors, with all its natural peaks and valleys. Most circuit races are 1 day races. The super bowl for the road racing circuit race is the world championship, an established annual event since 1927. Unlike other races, the world championships are run in national teams. The first women's world championship was held in 1958.
   
   
2. Classics. The classics is another single day race, with a predetermined course that connects two major cities. The classics have been popular for over a century, and are held annually. Most of the classics venues are chosen for the lengths between two high profile cities, as well as for unique characteristics in terrains. So some classics venues are chosen for beautiful skyline backdrops, beautiful if the mountains on the sides of the roads, etc. or something to make the course interesting. One major classics is the Paris-Roubaix, a 270km course known for its beautiful cobblestone roads. Other popular classics is the 294km Milan-San Romo, and the 270km Tour des Flanders. The Fleche-Wallonne is famous for its Huy Wall at the finish line.
   
   
3. Stage races. Stage races are held over consecutive days (from 2 to 22) on a predetermined course. Two famous examples of stage races are the Tour of Italy and the Tour de France. Each stage of the race takes place on a single day, on a distance of not over 260km. On a given stage, each racer must complete the course, and his time from the start line to the finish is recorded. At the conclusion of the final stage, while his times are added together, and the winner is the racer with the shortest cumulative time.
   
   
4. Time Trials. The racers in the time trials ride at a higher average speed than at any other cups and championships. The most publicized time trial is the Grand Prix des Nations, an annual event beginning in 1932.