🚴♀️🧼📺 The Biggest Bike Races to Watch This April (and May)
Cobbles, climbs, and crits: from Paris-Roubaix mayhem to U.S. speedways, here’s your spring race survival guide.
Hello fans of cycling,
April came in hot. Dwars door Vlaanderen served as both teaser and head-scratcher, and Tour of Flanders delivered the fireworks—with a double-rainbow whammy to top it off. We’re also getting key early-season GC insights at Itzulia Basque Country, where we’re all hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s chaos. And that’s just the start.
The calendar ahead is stacked: Paris–Roubaix is on deck this weekend, followed by the punchy triple threat of Ardennes Week, crucial Grand Tour tune-ups like Tour de Romandie and Vuelta Femenina, and the always-spicy U.S. criterium circuit, now streaming on FloBikes.
To help you stay on top of it all, I’ve put together a clean, easy-to-navigate calendar with race dates, route highlights, and where to stream each one. Scroll down for the link and dive into the preview below.
🔥 What’s Coming Up
If you’re trying to catch as much racing as possible this spring, FloBikes currently offers the widest coverage, especially for North American races and European one-days. MAX is the newest player in the streaming game and is still finalizing rights for several races—so expect more to appear there as deals are confirmed. Peacock has limited coverage but includes a few big-name events.
🛑 Reminder: If you’re watching from outside the host country, a VPN may help—just be aware of the local regulations and streaming platform terms of service.
April 7–12: Itzulia Basque Country
Last year’s edition was accentuated by a crash-marred Stage 4 that reshuffled the GC and left riders battered and fans stunned. The Spanish stage race a key proving ground for Grand Tour contenders—and after 2024’s carnage, everyone’s watching to see who survives and who soars.
April 12–13: Paris–Roubaix Weekend
The Queen of the Classics returns, with Paris–Roubaix Femmes on Saturday and the men’s edition Sunday. Expect dust, mud, crashes, and probably a gritty solo attack that will make you scream at your screen. This isn’t just a race; it’s a war of attrition over cobbles. And you bet I’m writing some PR fan fiction and sharing it with you later this week.
April 20–27: Ardennes Week
It starts with Amstel Gold Race for women and men on April 20. Then it’s on to the Flèche Wallonne doubleheader on April 23, with the Mur de Huy waiting to ruin legs and hopes alike. Then, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the final of the Ardennes Classics and maybe the hardest one to win.
April 29 – May 4: Tour de Romandie
A hilly stage race in Switzerland with big implications for Grand Tour prep. Watch out for climbers and TT specialists making statements.
May 4 – 10: La Vuelta Femenina
Spain’s premier women’s stage race is growing in stature, and this year’s edition is one to watch. Expect fireworks in the mountains and a few surprises in the GC battle.
May 9 – June 1: Giro d’Italia
Three weeks. Twenty-one stages. One maglia rosa. The Giro kicks off the Grand Tour season in style, with punishing climbs and—if history’s any indication—a few weather-affected curveballs.
🇺🇸 And Don’t Miss the U.S. Crit Scene—Now on FloBikes
From April through May, FloBikes is the go-to spot for U.S. American criterium action. Races like the Sunny King Criterium, Athens Twilight, College Park Criterium, and the USA Crits Final bring high-speed laps, rowdy crowds, and plenty of late-race drama. If you like your cycling with a shot of chaos and cowbells, this is where to tune in. And don’t forget: USA Cycling Pro Road Nationals will also stream on FloBikes, showcasing the best U.S. American riders battling for national titles across road, time trial, and crit formats.
Need a podcast to help you make sense of the North American crit scene? Checkout Criterium Nation by Rob Kelly, part of the Wide Angle Podium Network. With sharp analysis and exclusive interviews with top racers, Kelly brings clarity, context, and character to the fast-paced world of North American criterium racing.
📅 Race Calendar Sheet – April & May 2025
Got requests? I’ll be writing previews, predictions, and fan fiction for a few of these races. If there’s a rider, storyline, or tactical angle you’re curious about, let me know!
Thanks for reading and riding with me. If you want to support this coverage and help me keep writing about the sport I love, consider becoming a paid subscriber. 🌍 💖
Rosael out. 🫡