The three most famous road cycling races are all held annually in Europe: the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España.

Cycle Title Holders

The first Tour de France was held in 1903 and won by Frenchman, Maurice Garin. The winner of the first Giro d'Italia was Italian Luigi Ganna in 1909, and Belgian Gustaaf Deloor won the inaugural Vuelta a España in 1935. Famous winners of the Tour de France include Lance Armstrong with seven consecutive wins from 1999 to 2005, Miguel Indurain who was the first to record five consecutive wins from 1991 to 1995, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault, who have all won the Tour five times, and Philippe Thys, Louison Bobet and Greg LeMond, all of whom have been champions on three occasions.

European Cycling Winners

Gino Bartali's two wins were ten years apart in 1938 and 1948. Richard Virenque is famed for winning the 'King of the Mountains' seven times. And, riders from France have won the Tour de France more times than any other country. Notable winners of the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España include Alfredo Binda, Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, Tony Rominger and Roberto Heras. You can find a whole range of cycling history and memories available on skysportsdvd.co.uk.