Sports Betting: Guide to Cycling Bets

Cycling Betting Guide

Cycling, while not the most popular sport for American sports bettors, is quickly growing in popularity in the US. Fans and cyclists alike can’t wait to watch the performances of their favorite riders, and bettors are excited for the biggest races. But how do cycling bets work, and what types of markets are available? That’s what we’re going to explore in detail. We’ll cover everything you need to know about cycling betting and how it works.

First, let’s clarify a few fundamental points. The world of cycling betting is full of surprises and offers a lot of excitement. However, like any type of betting, there are pitfalls. Victory is never guaranteed. For that reason, it’s important to bet responsibly.

It’s also essential to note that not all betting markets are available for every event. There are two main types of cycling races: one-day races and stage races. Among the stage races, we have some of the most famous events, such as:

Giro d’Italia (held every year between May and June)
Tour de France (typically in July)
Vuelta a España (usually between late August and September)

These three races, if won by the same rider, award the title of Grand Tour Champion, which is essentially a "Grand Slam" of cycling, similar to tennis.

Let’s now further explore the world of cycling betting. We’ll take a closer look at the main betting markets and offer some tips that could prove useful.

📈Cycling Markets
✍️Cycling Betting Tips
💡Keep In Mind
✅Conclusion

Grab a Bonus!

Main Betting Markets

In our analysis, we’ll focus on the primary betting markets you’ll find on the major US sportsbooks. Remember to use only legal, licensed betting sites. Each event, especially the major ones, may offer other types of bets, but let’s start with the most popular ones:

Race or Stage Winner
Event Winner
Winner of Specific Classifications
Podium Finish
Under/Over Stage Wins

Race or Stage Winner

This is the classic bet you’ll find on online betting sites. You predict which cyclist will win the race or a particular stage.

Event Winner

In stage races, this is one of the most popular bets among fans. The odds for this bet fluctuate based on the results throughout the race.

Winner of Specific Classifications

As we’ll discuss later, each race is designed for specific types of riders. This is reflected in the fact that there’s an overall classification, but also several others. For example, in the Giro d’Italia, besides the overall winner’s Pink Jersey, there are other jerseys: the White Jersey for the best young rider (under 25), the Blue Jersey for the best climber, and the Cyclamen Jersey for the rider who accumulates the most points in the intermediate and final sprints.

Podium Finish

If you don’t want to risk betting on the outright winner, you can try to predict who will finish in the top three.

Under/Over Stage Wins

This is one of the more interesting and complex betting options due to the higher odds. You bet on whether a cyclist will win more or fewer stages than a certain number indicated by the sportsbook.

Cycling Betting Tips

Now that we’ve covered the main markets available, let’s go over some key tips for betting the right way. These won’t guarantee a win, but they can increase your chances of success.

Race Analysis and Statistics
Weather Conditions
Type of Course
Physical Condition

Race Analysis and Statistics

Studying previous races is a great starting point. It gives you insights into how races might unfold. Of course, these are just indications, and anything can change at any time.

Weather Conditions

Since most races are held outdoors, particularly stage races, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the weather conditions leading up to the event. A stage in rain or strong winds could be canceled or might play out very differently than expected.

Type of Course

The course profile is something that should always be considered. A flat stage is ideal for sprinters, while a mountain stage is perfect for climbers, who can showcase their skills on the ascents. In short, every race is suited to specific rider categories.

Physical Condition

If there’s one sport where physical condition matters most, it’s cycling. These events require extreme physical effort, and a rider with a cold or even a mild sore throat might underperform. It’s important to gather as much information as possible about the riders' current condition before committing to a bet.

What to Keep in Mind When Betting

Here are a few additional factors, both for cycling bets and betting in any sport, that should be taken into account to avoid issues.

Choosing the Right Betting Site
Managing Your Budget
Bonuses

Choosing the Right Betting Site

It’s important to pick a legal and regulated sportsbook. Look for one with a license from the relevant regulatory authorities to ensure your safety. Betting with an unlicensed platform puts you at risk, such as not receiving payouts when you win.

Managing Your Budget

Before placing any bets, set clear limits on how much you can spend in a given period. Once you hit that limit, don’t go over. It’s better to wait for the next period to start.

Bonuses

One of the best ways to minimize risk is by taking advantage of betting bonuses. These offer free money to bet with, reducing the amount of your own funds at risk. Just make sure to review the Terms and Conditions before committing to a promotion.

In Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of our in-depth article on cycling betting. We’ve covered how it works and what the key markets are. We also provided some essential tips to enhance your betting strategy. All these elements will help increase your chances of success.

At this point, you should have all the information you need to start betting online. Just remember to bet for fun, and always do so responsibly.