The most prestigious races known as the classics date back to the turn of the century. With the Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Vuelta a Espana lasting only one day, the Tour de France and Giro D’Italia last 23 days. In these races, you can admire the skills and endurance of world-class cyclists such as Mark Cavendish, Tom Boonen, Cadel Evans, Chris Froome and Alberto Contador.
Milan-San Remo 2009 — Mark Cavendish
Known as one of the most prestigious one-day events in cycling, British sprinter Mark Cavendish won the Milano-San Remo ahead of Haussler and Hushov by shifting gears in the last 800m and stealing a 10cm advantage. Cavendish was only the second British rider to win the San Remo race after Tom Simpson in 1964 making his victory even more memorable.
Paris- Roubaix 2012 — Tom Boonen
Albeit being a big man, Boonen is remembered for his ability to control his bike as if he were a featherweight delivering extreme power. The Roubaix is a long and hard race with athletes having push through a total of 257km. The 31-year-old Belgian broke away comfortably at the final 16 kilometers to win by 1:39 from the second place Turgot. Boonen’s victory equaled Roger De Vlaminck’s all-time Hell of the North win record of four victories.
Tour de France 2011—Cadel Evans
Cadel Evans rode to become the first Australian to win the Tour de France after years of not rising to the occasion. With a rhythm capable of breaking the breath of Andy Schleck, the Australian won. Even though Andy Schleck was in the lead on Thursday, Evans rose to the occasion during the mountain stage finishing as the stronger ride of the two. Andy Schleck and his brother Frank Schleck finished in second and third place making it a first for the two to be sharing the podium.
Giro D’Italia 2018 — Chris Froome
The British rider Chris Froome soloed to victory on stage 19 of the 100th Giro d’Italia, 185 km from Venaria Reale to Bardonecchia. He attacked 80 km from the finish on the Colle delle Finestre. Second and third place went to Richard Carapaz and Thibaut Pinot, respectively. The winner and Maglia Rosa Chris Froome broke away from the group with 80 km to go. Although the roads were gravel, Colle delle Finestre was the perfect place to attack.
Vuelta a Espana 2012 — Alberto Contador
Two time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador showed sheer persistence in the 2,088 miles long ride of Vuelta a Espana 2012. Subsequently, it was his second Vuelta a Espana title after returning from a doping ban. With a solo effort, Contador won the race’s seventeenth stage. He won the overall race by 1.16 over runner-up Alejandro Valverde of the Movistar Team.
Conclusion
Whether following the arduous Girio d’Italia or mountainous Tour de France, followers of the sport are captivated into the journey, much like the captivating experienced when playing the games available at Casino UK. Nonetheless, the mental and physical strength of all cyclists is admirable at any level of competition.
