Wielren

Wielren is the Dutch term for road bicycle racing, the sport of competing on bicycles over paved roads. It encompasses professional and amateur competition and includes multiple formats, most notably multi‑stage races and one‑day classics. In a stage race, riders cover several segments across days or weeks; in one‑day events, the race is decided in a single ride. The sport also features national championships and a variety of regional and criterium races.

The most prominent events are the three Grand Tours—Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España—along with the well-known one‑day classics such as Milan–San Remo, Paris–Roubaix, and the Tour of Flanders. At the elite level, professional road cycling is organized around UCI WorldTeams competing in the UCI World Tour, with teams and riders earning points and rankings.

Rules and safety are governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Races take place on public roads or closed circuits and use standardized regulations on course conduct, drafting, feeding, and equipment. Modern races emphasize rider safety, anti‑doping measures, and, in some events, communication between riders and team staff.

Equipment centers on lightweight road bicycles, with modern bikes typically featuring carbon frames and drop handlebars. Riders wear form‑fitting clothing and helmets designed for aerodynamics and protection.

Historically, road racing began in the late 19th century in Europe and evolved into a global sport with wide participation, sponsorship, and media coverage. Wielren remains a core discipline of cycling and a popular pursuit in many countries, especially in Europe and the Americas.