The 2025 professional cycling season is poised to captivate fans around the globe with an exciting mix of historic races and intense rivalries. From the dusty white roads of Tuscany to the legendary climbs of the Alps, each event offers its own drama and allure. Below is a chronological guide to the most anticipated men’s WorldTour cycling events of 2025, complete with key dates, favorites, and reasons they promise must-watch action.
Strade Bianche (March 8, 2025)
The Strade Bianche has quickly become a modern classic. Set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, this one-day race features white gravel roads that create spectacular scenes and unpredictable racing. Fans love its blend of old-world charm and all-out aggression on the dirt sectors. Favorites: Multi-talented riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar thrive on these punchy climbs and gravel sections, making them top contenders if they line up. Don’t discount Tom Pidcock, the 2023 winner, or Wout van Aert, whose power and cyclocross-honed bike handling suit the rough terrain. The finale’s steep climb into Siena’s Piazza del Campo is the perfect arena for an explosive attack by a lone hero, which is why this race is so thrilling to watch.
Milan–San Remo (March 22, 2025)
Milan–San Remo is the first Monument of the year and the longest one-day race on the calendar (nearly 300 km). This Italian classic, often called “La Primavera”, tests riders’ endurance and tactics with a mostly-flat route leading to the decisive climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio in the final kilometers. The question every year is whether daring attackers can break free on the Poggio or if the sprinters’ teams will reel them in for a high-speed dash on San Remo’s Via Roma. Favorites: All-round stars such as Wout van Aert (2020 winner) and Mathieu van der Poel (who claimed victory in 2023) are once again top picks – they have the perfect mix of climbing punch and sprint speed for the Poggio and fast finish. Close on their heels are classic specialists like Julian Alaphilippe (2019 winner) who can surge on the climbs, as well as pure sprinters like Jasper Philipsen or Caleb Ewan, hoping to survive the hills and contest a small-group sprint. The sheer distance and tactical chess match make Milan–San Remo endlessly unpredictable and exciting.
Tour of Flanders (April 6, 2025)
Belgium’s beloved Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) is a Monument that delivers passion and pain in equal measure. Winding through Flanders’ countryside, the race is notorious for its steep cobbled climbs (hellingen) such as the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, where crowds pack the hillsides to cheer (and roar) for their heroes. This is a race where brute strength meets clever strategy — the cobbles can shatter the peloton, but timing an attack is key. Favorites: A fierce duel is expected among the kings of the cobbles. Mathieu van der Poel (two-time Flanders winner) and Wout van Aert (still seeking his first Ronde despite multiple podiums) will likely renew their rivalry here. If Tadej Pogačar returns to Flanders (he stunned everyone by winning in 2023), his climbing prowess and aggressive style could make him a wildcard threat on the cobbles again. Other contenders include past winner Kasper Asgreen and classics strongmen like Mads Pedersen, but everyone will need their best day to topple the “Big Three.” Flanders is always one of the most electric days of racing, thanks to its deep history and the sheer grit required to win.
Paris–Roubaix (April 13, 2025)
One week after Flanders comes the legendary Paris–Roubaix, known ominously as “The Hell of the North.” This Monument is an uncompromising battle over ~250 km that includes over 50 km of cobblestones, some in brutal five-star sectors like the infamous Trouée d’Arenberg and Carrefour de l’Arbre. Mud, dust, or shine, Roubaix’s cobbles spare no one – punctures and crashes are as much a part of the story as tactical brilliance. The race concludes with a lap on the historic Roubaix velodrome, often with a small group sprinting for glory, their faces caked in dirt. Favorites: The 2025 edition will likely see Mathieu van der Poel (the defending champion from 2023) and Wout van Aert at the forefront of the battle – their head-to-head clashes in Roubaix have been epic, though Van Aert still aches to claim this trophy for the first time. Also watch out for Filippo Ganna, whose immense engine powered him to a close second place recently; the Italian time trial star has proven he can handle the pavé and could solo away if given a gap. Other names like Mads Pedersen or Stefan Küng have the raw power suited to Roubaix’s demands. Unpredictability runs high here – a well-timed attack or sheer luck in avoiding mechanical issues can crown a surprise winner, which is why Paris–Roubaix remains a must-see spectacle.
Amstel Gold Race (April 20, 2025)
Shifting from cobbles to asphalt, the Amstel Gold Race in the Netherlands is the first of the Ardennes Classics. It’s a hilly one-day race famed for its twisting route through the Limburg region – riders face an endless succession of short climbs (over 30!) like the Cauberg and Bemelerberg, packed into a relatively short distance. The constant up-and-down usually whittles the group down for a dramatic finale. Recent editions have featured tactical cat-and-mouse games in the final kilometers and even photo-finish sprints. Favorites: Given its mix of climbing and sprinting, Tadej Pogačar is a headline name if he chooses to race; he dominated Amstel in 2023 with a long-range attack. Classics stars Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel also have a history here – Van der Poel’s incredible late comeback in 2019 is still talked about by fans. Tom Pidcock (a narrow runner-up in 2021) is another to watch, with the punch to attack on the climbs and a fast finish. With its winding roads and tactical complexity, Amstel Gold always keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
La Flèche Wallonne (April 23, 2025)
Mid-week between Amstel and Liège comes La Flèche Wallonne, famous for one thing above all: the Mur de Huy. This brutally steep hill (up to 19% gradient) serves as the finish and is typically climbed three times in the race, guaranteeing that the finale is an explosive test of who can sprint uphill the fastest. Flèche is shorter than the other Ardennes races, often leading to a tense waiting game until that final Mur showdown. Favorites: On the Mur de Huy, specialists in punchy finishes shine. Julian Alaphilippe, a three-time winner here, has an uncanny ability to time his uphill sprint perfectly; if he’s recovered his top form, he’ll be a major threat. Tadej Pogačar won Flèche in 2023 with a blistering attack and could repeat that feat given his mix of endurance and burst. Other contenders include Michael Woods and David Gaudu, who both excel on steep gradients. While Remco Evenepoel is more of a long-range attacker, he has surprised with a podium here before and could try to steal away early. The race is usually decided in the last two minutes of effort — a thrilling spectacle of pure climbing grit.
Liège–Bastogne–Liège (April 27, 2025)
Rounding out the spring classics is Liège–Bastogne–Liège, affectionately known as “La Doyenne” (the oldest Monument). This prestigious one-day race in Belgium’s Ardennes region traces a demanding out-and-back route from Liège down to Bastogne and back, packing in numerous tough climbs like La Redoute and Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons. Liège rewards stamina, smart tactics, and a bit of luck after 250 km of racing. In recent years, the finale has shifted to central Liège, often resulting in a small group sprinting for victory after the last climb. Favorites: Belgian fans will be eager to see Remco Evenepoel here – he’s won Liège twice (2022 and 2023) with long solo moves, showcasing his endurance and fearless attacking style. Tadej Pogačar is another top favorite, having won in 2021 and always a threat in hilly classics; if he’s in contention near the end, his sprint is lethal. Other names to watch include Primož Roglič, a past Liège winner (2020) who knows how to time a late attack or sprint, and Julian Alaphilippe, who would love to finally officially win this race (he crossed the line first in 2020 but was relegated). Liège–Bastogne–Liège is a true test of the champions – an attritional race where only the strongest and smartest survive to fight for the win in Liège.
Giro d’Italia (May 9 – June 1, 2025)
The Giro d’Italia, Grand Tour number one of the season, offers three weeks of high drama and beautiful scenery across Italy. Known for its passionate tifosi and challenging routes, the Giro often features a mix of flat sprinter stages, rolling time trials, and punishing mountain climbs – all set against Italy’s stunning landscapes, from the Dolomites to Sicily’s Mount Etna. The 2025 Giro is expected to uphold that tradition, potentially including iconic climbs and perhaps even some gravel road surprises (as hinted by the route announcement). Favorites: Much depends on which elite riders choose the Giro over the Tour, but speculation is that Remco Evenepoel might target the maglia rosa after his unfinished business here (he memorably had to abandon in 2023 while leading). If Primož Roglič decides to race the Giro again (he won it in 2023), he will bring experience and superb climbing skills to the fight. Other contenders could include Geraint Thomas – the veteran nearly won in 2023 and may take one more shot at pink – and young GC talents like João Almeida or Tao Geoghegan Hart. The beauty of the Giro is its unpredictability: surprise names often emerge, and Italian riders like Giulio Ciccone or Damiano Caruso could shine on home roads. With its epic mountain stages (and often unpredictable spring weather), the Giro d’Italia promises plenty of excitement and a worthy champion in Rome (where the 2025 race is rumored to finish).
Tour de France (July 5 – 27, 2025)
The Tour de France remains the pinnacle of the cycling calendar – the most prestigious and widely watched race in the world. The 2025 Tour spans 23 days (21 stages plus rest days) and will start in the Lille metropolitan area in northern France. After an unconventional finish in Nice last year, the race returns to its traditional Parisian finale on the Champs-Élysées on July 27. This year’s route is especially challenging: it kicks off with some hilly stages and even an early individual time trial, ensuring the GC battle ignites from Week 1. The course then tackles a hat-trick of mountain stages in the Pyrenees, a much-anticipated return of Mont Ventoux in Provence, and a climax in the Alps featuring multiple brutal ascents (including a queen stage to Courchevel with over 5,000m of climbing). In total, riders face six mountain-top finishes and two time trials, meaning a very well-rounded skill set is needed to triumph. Favorites: All eyes will be on the ongoing rivalry between Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, two riders who between them have won the last several Tours. Pogačar (Tour champion in 2020, 2021, and again in 2024) brings aggressive racing, brilliant bike handling, and a strong team – he can attack in the mountains and even steal seconds on descents or sprints. Vingegaard (2022 and 2023 Tour winner) is a master of steady climbing dominance and proved to be an ice-cool strategist; if the race comes down to high-altitude duels and time trials, the Dane’s metronomic style could prevail. Adding even more intrigue, Remco Evenepoel might make his much-awaited Tour debut in 2025 – the young Belgian superstar could shake up the script with long-range attacks, though surviving the full three weeks against seasoned Tour riders will be his ultimate test. We also shouldn’t forget Primož Roglič, now leading a new team, who may have a point to prove; and rising talents like Juan Ayuso or Jai Hindley, who have podium ambitions of their own. With its mix of flat sprints, treacherous mountains, and two crucial time trials, the Tour de France 2025 will be the ultimate showdown for the world’s best, and the battle for the yellow jersey is certain to be exhilarating from start to finish.
Vuelta a España (August 23 – September 14, 2025)
The Vuelta a España is the third Grand Tour of the year and often the most unpredictable. Held in late summer, the Vuelta is known for its scorching heat, steep climbs, and willingness to experiment with route design. Fans can expect multiple summit finishes on Spain’s punishing gradients – including the possibility of legendary ascents like the Angliru or Lagos de Covadonga if they feature in 2025 – and sometimes shorter, explosive stages that produce exciting racing. The Vuelta is also a race where new stars are born and tired legs from the Tour can falter, so surprises are frequent. Favorites: The start list is not set this far in advance, but typically many Tour contenders skip the Vuelta, opening the door for others. Remco Evenepoel could well return to the Vuelta; he won it in 2022 and might use it as a season capstone (especially if he forgoes the Tour or faces setbacks there). If Primož Roglič doesn’t ride the Tour or has a challenging Tour, he might target a fourth Vuelta title – Roglič has a special affinity with this race, having won three editions in a row (2019–2021). Spain’s own young talent Juan Ayuso, who impressed with a podium in 2023, is a hometown favorite who may lead Team UAE and chase glory on home soil. Other local riders like Enric Mas (multiple Vuelta podiums) will be keen to finally grab the top step. We could also see Tour riders like Jonas Vingegaard or Geraint Thomas make an appearance if they seek redemption or extra racing days, as happened in recent years. With its relentless climbing stages and unpredictable lineup, the Vuelta a España tends to deliver edge-of-your-seat moments and a deserving winner in Madrid.
UCI Road World Championships – Men’s Road Race (September 28, 2025)
In a unique highlight of the 2025 season, the UCI Road World Championships will take place in Kigali, Rwanda – marking the first time this prestigious event is hosted on African soil. The men’s road race, held on September 28, will attract the best riders from all nations (competing not for trade teams but their country and the honor of the rainbow jersey). Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” so expect the championship course to be hilly and challenging, likely featuring repeated circuits with short but steep climbs around Kigali. The combination of high altitude, heat, and punchy hills could shape the race into a war of attrition. Favorites: One-day specialists and punchy climbers usually target the World Championships. We can expect Mathieu van der Poel (the reigning world champion from 2023) to try to reclaim the rainbow stripes – his explosive power on short climbs and fearless descending make him a big threat on a hilly course. Wout van Aert, who has multiple Worlds podiums but no title yet, will be extra motivated to finally grab the rainbow jersey; a tough course suits his strength and endurance, especially after a long season. Riders like Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel also loom large: Pogačar can handle climbs and has a fast finish, while Evenepoel won the 2022 Worlds with a long attack and would love a second title if the opportunity arises. We could also see a breakthrough from an African rider on home turf – for instance, Eritrean star Biniam Girmay (a talented sprinter-climber who has already made history in one-day races) might find inspiration racing in Africa and contend among the favorites. The World Championships is always an unpredictable, one-day-all-or-nothing affair, and with the pride of a rainbow jersey and the significance of an African venue at stake, this Kigali showdown will be a monumental moment of the 2025 season.
Il Lombardia (October 11, 2025)
As autumn leaves begin to fall, the last Monument of the year, Il Lombardia, closes out the major racing calendar. Known as “The Race of the Falling Leaves,” this Italian classic is set around the picturesque lakes and mountains of Lombardy, with a course that typically runs from Bergamo or Como and includes long, grinding climbs. Legendary ascents such as the Madonna del Ghisallo (with its famous cycling chapel) and the punishing Muro di Sormano or Civiglio often feature, making it a climber’s dream one-day race. After a long season, only the strongest legs make it to the finish on the shores of Lake Como. Favorites: Two-time (and reigning) champion Tadej Pogačar has practically made Il Lombardia his personal playground in recent years – his blend of climbing talent and descend-at-will confidence has earned him multiple solo wins here, and he’ll be the man to beat if he arrives in top form again. Primož Roglič, who won this race in 2019, is another contender; the Slovenian veteran often targets Lombardy as a late-season goal and has the diesel engine needed for those lengthy climbs. Remco Evenepoel could also be a factor if he’s not exhausted by the Tour or Vuelta – he’s hungry for Monument victories and this one suits a strong climber with a powerful attack. Italian fans will cheer for their own hopefuls too, such as Giulio Ciccone or Andrea Bagioli, to mix it up with the international stars. Il Lombardia’s romantic scenery and the weary legs at season’s end give it a unique, somber intensity – it’s the last big chance for glory until the next year, which often inspires truly courageous rides.
Conclusion: Key Riders to Watch in 2025
The 2025 season will be defined not just by its events, but by the superstar riders who animate these races with their talents and personalities. Here are five of the most prominent favorites who keep appearing in discussions of the big events, along with a brief look at what makes them so strong and where they might be vulnerable:
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Tadej Pogačar: A phenomenally versatile rider, Pogačar can do it all – he climbs with the best, sprints explosively from small groups, time-trials solidly, and even conquers cobbled Classics. His attacking flair and fearless tactics often break races apart. Weaknesses: He occasionally pays for his aggression with fatigue, and in the high mountains of a Grand Tour, he’s been outpaced when isolated by a strong team like Jumbo-Visma in the past. Managing his season-long ambitions (from Classics to Tours) will be key to avoiding burnout.
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Jonas Vingegaard: The Danish Tour de France champion is a master climber with ice-cool focus. Vingegaard’s steady pacing on severe gradients and improved time trialling make him the benchmark for stage race consistency. He rarely has a bad day in the Grand Tours and is tactically astute at defending a lead. Weaknesses: Compared to some rivals, he’s less explosive and doesn’t typically attack from long range – he excels in a controlled battle. He also doesn’t race one-day classics, so he’s laser-focused on stage races; if the terrain or strategy deviates from long climbs (for example, an explosive attack by a punchier rider), he can be put on the back foot briefly before his diesel engine kicks in.
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Remco Evenepoel: This young Belgian superstar is known for his powerful solo attacks and relentless engine. Evenepoel can blow a race apart with a daring move from far out, as seen in his World Championships and Liège victories. He’s also an elite time trialist, often gaining significant time against the clock. Weaknesses: The high mountains of a three-week Tour remain relatively unproven territory for Remco – long alpine climbs and successive days of hard climbing can wear him down, and he’s still refining his pacing strategy in such situations. Additionally, his aggressive style can sometimes backfire if he goes too deep too soon, so balancing effort is an area of growth.
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Wout van Aert: Arguably the most versatile rider in the peloton, van Aert can win mountain stages, sprint stages, time trials, and Classics. He’s a workhorse for his team and a threat in nearly every race he enters, thanks to his immense engine and all-around skills. In one-day races, his tactical acumen and team support often put him in the perfect position. Weaknesses: Van Aert has sometimes been dubbed the “eternal second” in Monuments – he frequently makes the podium, but converting those into victories has been a challenge at times. His jack-of-all-trades ability means he juggles many goals (green jersey sprints, Classic wins, team duties in Tours), which can leave him slightly less fresh or outmaneuvered by specialists in the biggest moments. In a razor-close finish, he has been out-sprinted or out-attacked by rivals like Van der Poel, so choosing when to conserve energy versus when to go full throttle is his constant juggling act.
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Mathieu van der Poel: A brilliant bike handler and explosive attacker, Van der Poel turns races into personal showcases with his fearless moves. Whether it’s launching a blistering attack on a short climb or bunny-hopping obstacles on a cyclocross course, his technical skills and raw power set him apart. He has won Monuments (Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Milan–San Remo) and the World Championship by seizing moments when others hesitate. Weaknesses: Van der Poel’s all-or-nothing racing style can sometimes lead to inconsistency – on days when his form is slightly off, his aggressive efforts can crack him before the finish. Endurance over the longest races used to be a question, though he’s largely silenced that by winning 6+ hour events. He also occasionally struggles in the highest mountains or stage races, but since he focuses on one-day races, that’s rarely an issue. Avoiding injury and maintaining peak condition for targeted races will be crucial, given his go-for-broke approach.
In a season as packed as 2025, these five riders (and many others) will continuously test each other’s limits. Each brings a unique style and strength to the peloton, and watching their strengths play out – and their weaknesses tested – is what makes this sport so compelling. With such talent on display, cycling fans are in for a memorable year from the spring classics straight through to the fall finale. Here’s to an exhilarating 2025 on the roads!
