There are so many events that people can attend or watch on television, with a lot of them also providing betting opportunities for those who are interested in this field.
Cycling has become even bigger in the last decade, with more television coverage and ways for people to track what is happening. The sports betting opportunities may also surprise people as there are a lot of markets. Bettors might think that there are just a few different potential markets here (things like who is going to win the race) but AskGamblers UK provides info on the top events by country, and this includes plenty of other cycling markets relating to qualification or even the times that contestants might set. When an event like the Tour de France comes around, a number of bookmakers and sportsbooks add more markets due to increased interest.
Events in 2025
What are some of the events that people might be following with interest? The variety of events and race formats means bettors have a wide range of markets to explore, not only outright winners but also stage victories and special classifications.
One of the most significant events of the season will be the Tour de France. This is the first event that people tend to look for on the calendar, and this year it is taking place from July 5 to July 27. The Tour remains the most prestigious race in cycling, with some of the best riders in the world and millions of fans.
The 2025 edition will see the return of the traditional Paris finish after the 2024 race had to end outside the French capital due to Olympic preparations. The full route was announced toward the end of 2024, so people have had time to check out exactly what to expect for the race. With its grueling stages and unpredictable breakaways, the Tour offers loads of betting markets.
Before the Tour kicks off, the Giro d’Italia will be the first grand tour of the year, providing bettors with an early look at form. This is a popular race that’s known for its steep climbs and passionate Italian fans who follow the route. The Giro is often a proving ground for future Tour de France contenders. The unpredictable nature of the race makes it particularly interesting for betting, as lesser-known riders often rise to the occasion. It is an opportunity for people to scout the riders before they participate in the French event.
Spain’s premier race, the Vuelta a España, will run from August 23 to September 14. The Vuelta has built a reputation for being the most unpredictable of the three grand tours. It has some brutal mountain stages and the late-season fatigue that many riders experience makes things even tougher. The Spanish race frequently features explosive uphill finishes that can make it an interesting option for bettors focusing on climbing specialists and general classification contenders.
A lot of people think only of the grand tours, but 2025 will also see a full schedule of one-day classics and shorter stage races. The Tour of Flanders on April 6 and Paris-Roubaix on April 13 will be intense races that favor tough riders.
Betting on these races often involves predicting which specialists will shine on the unforgiving terrain. Riders like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel have bossed some of the recent editions but surprises can always happen in these one-off contests.
Betting Markets
The betting markets available for cycling events have grown in recent years. This is true in a lot of different scenarios as technology and the sport’s increasing popularity in the gambling world make finding an attractive market easier.
One of the most common bets is the outright winner, where bettors place wagers on which rider will claim victory in a given race. Some people do believe that alternative markets can often provide better value. The stage winner market, for example, allows bettors to focus on individual days of racing rather than committing to a long-term bet that covers a whole grand tour event. This can be applied to a lot of sports where races are done in stages, such as Formula 1. Much like in football where you’d need to keep track of injuries, in Formula 1 you’d need to keep track of bans, like Max Verstappen’s ban ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, for example.
Another popular option is the podium finish. This involves betting on a rider to finish in the top three. This market is particularly appealing when backing consistent riders who may not always win but frequently place highly. Head-to-head bets are also common, where two riders are matched against each other and the bettor may wager on who will finish ahead in a race or stage. There are also some time-based bets available.
For those looking for longer odds, betting on special classifications can be an exciting alternative. The King of the Mountains competition, awarded to the best climber in stage races like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, provides opportunities for bettors who can identify riders who excel in uphill battles.
There is also a betting option called points classification, which rewards sprinters for consistent top finishes and allows for wagers on speed specialists who thrive in flat finishes.
Considerations for Betting
There is a lot to take on board when bettors are thinking about how they can boost their chances or pick a potential winner. The number of different markets has meant even more research is required for those who want to cover all of the angles.
It is worth remembering that cycling can be really unpredictable. Things like injuries play a part and bettors know when they are choosing their bets that the weather can often change things entirely. This is one of the reasons why a lot of people would rather bet on shorter-term markets.
Responsible gambling is always crucial when it comes to online betting. Only bet what you can afford to lose and never bet when angry or frustrated. However much research you do, there is always an element of fortune at play and it is possible to lose as well as win. All of these cycling events have unpredictable histories, and bettors should remain alert.
The post The Best Sports Betting Opportunities For Cycling Events in 2025 appeared first on PezCycling News.
