Competitive cycling is a large business with millions to be made through sponsorship of events and riders.

The biggest and most well known cycle race is the Tour De France which takes place annually in July. The race lasts 22 days and covers around 1800 miles all over France and sometimes into neighboring countries. The now retired professional cyclist Lance Armstrong is well known for winning the Tour De France 7 times.

The UCI mountain bike world championships provide completion in downhill, cross country, dual slalom, 4 cross and trails riding. The event is held in different host counties each year with 2007’s in Fort William in Scotland and 2008 is scheduled to take place in Val Di Sole in Italy.