Cycling is gaining more and more credibility as a sport to wager on with the biggest event for turnover being the Tour de France held in July every year. Run since 1903, on a mixture of terrains, the Tour de France covers 3,600 kms (2,200 miles) and run over a different course every year. The rider with the lowest aggregate time of the race is deemed the winner and since 1975 is crowned the leading rider in the final stage along the Champs-Elysee.

From the early 20th century through to the 1980's French based riders had an enviable record in the race, with Jacques Anquetil winning five tours in the 60's. The Belgian rider Eddie Merckx was the first superstar of the event winning five tours in the early 70's until his crown was taken by Bernard Hinault who also won a total of five tours. Spain's Michael Indurain was the next multiple winner, the strong climber landing the tour five times on the bounce in the early 90's until the ultimate champion Lance Armstrong stormed to a record seven consecutive titles at the turn of the century.

Bookmakers will offer prices on a variety of markets on the event including outright winner, top sprinter, king of the mountains and also on every stage.

The tours of Spain and Italy are also betting events, but televised coverage is not as intense.

On the track due to the recent achievements of Team GB, there has been a larger number of markets available for European and World Championships as well as the Olympics due to the gold medal haul of such riders as Chris Hoy (Sir), Bradley Wiggins, Victoria Pendleton and Jason Kenny.