Nostrabet logo

Beginners Guide to Cycling Betting

Cycling is not one of the most popular sports across the world, but however, it has its own fanbase. Also, cycling events are among the available sports betting markets at most of the online betting sites. Due to that, we decided to write this full guide on cycling betting.

Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
By Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
  2. Betting Academy
  3. Betting on Cycling
Quick Navigation
Quick NavigationTOP

Understanding the Rules

Professional cycling events come in many different forms. From road cycling to track cycling, there are a lot of variations in events and competitions. The general aim, regardless of the type of race or terrain, is to get from point A to point B faster than the rest of the race.

The following section will dive deeper into the differences in cycling events and what each entails starting with road cycling race types.

Road Cycling Race Types

cycling race road

Single Day

Pro single day race distances can be very long. These can reach as far as 180 miles and be made up of several laps or a straight A to B. Races that take place over small circuits in cities are called criteriums. There are sometimes handicapped races where different ages and abilities are balanced out with differing start times.

Individual Time Trials

These races aren’t against other competitors per se but against the clock instead. They can be solo or small team events. Traditionally, time trials take place on public roads, and the racers wear streamlined clothing to give themselves an edge. Events can range from 10 miles to 100 miles.

Stage Races

These are made up of multiple races/stages that are ridden consecutively. Whoever has the lowest overall time for completing each stage at the end of the event is the general classification winner.

Stage races often have other awards such as individual stage winners, mountain classification winner, and sprint point classification. These races can take place over several days.

Track Cycling Races

cycling racing on track

Sprint

Often this race features pairs of racers who begin the race at the same time. The winner is the first person to cross a line at a set distance from three attempts. Sprints often begin from a rolling start, and riders are very tactical with regards to when they choose to sprint and how they use the draft.

Pursuit

This is a type of time trial where riders usually compete in pairs. Riders start at different points on the track, with the winner often knocking the other racer out from the competition.

Time Trial

Time trials are a race to complete a set distance (often one km) in the fastest time possible. These can be solo or group races and usually start with a standing start.

Points Race

Laps are nominated as sprints laps and indicated as so by a bell or a whistle. Points are given for performance on these laps. The first four to finish one of these laps are awarded 5, 3, 2, and 1 points as they finish. Any rider who laps the field gets an additional 20 points, whilst riders who are lapped lose 20 points.

Scratch Race

This race begins with all races level with places given depending on the order of the finish. Gaining a lap on the rest of the group until the finish line puts you ahead of the other racers with fewer laps done. These races often take place over 15 km.

Madison

First hosted in Madison Square Garden in the US, this race is 50 to 60 km and features two riders per team. Every 20 laps, there is a sprint for points. The team with the most points is the winner.

Keirin

This is a mass-start event with between six and nine riders taking place. Lots are drawn to decide on the starting position. There is a pacer on a motorbike that cyclists must remain behind until they leave at around 600 to 700 meters before the end of the race. The race takes place over around 50 km.

Omnium

This track event is made up of six different races. These include a time trial, a points race, a scratch race, an elimination race, an individual pursuit, and a flying lap race. The racers who finish each race receive points based on their position, with the overall total lowest points being crowned the winner.

Where to Find Cycling Betting Websites?

Rating: 5.0/5
  • Trusted Online Betting Website
  • Licensed by the UKGC
  • Best Sports Betting Features
  • High Odds
New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply. #Advertisement
Get your bonusBet365 online
Rating: 4.9/5
  • Trusted & Secure Online Betting Site
  • Competitive Sports Betting Odds and Markets
  • Great Range of Casino Games
  • Professional Customer Support
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way. Full Terms apply | gamstop.co.uk
Get your BonusBetway online
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Fantastic bonuses
  • Good sportsbook
  • Amazing casino games
  • Many payment methods
#ad • +18 Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days and expires after 14 days • Bonus valid on selected Casino games only • Bonus wins capped at £500, excluding Jackpot wins • You must wager Bonus amount x40 – this requirement varies by game Full T&Cs apply | begamblingaware | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £/€30 Bonus888sport online
Rating: 4.2/5
  • An amazing sportsbook
  • Superb bonus offers
  • Cash-out feature available
  • Mobile apps
18+ | New Players only | Get up to £50 in FreeBets, an Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins and £10 Casino Bonus when you sign up to Sportingbet today. | T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get Your BonusSportingbet online
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Extensive sports library
  • High odds
  • Separate apps for sports, casino, and poker
  • Fully legal and licensed
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 2/1 (3.0) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Get your bonusBwin online
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Generous welcome pack + Free Spins
  • High-quality games by top suppliers
  • Regular Tournaments & Must-Drop Jackpots
Only available to new verified customers residing in the UK. Place a first ever sports bet (£10 min. stake; single bets only; min. odds 2/5). Get 2x£5 in free sports bets, £10 in bonus money at Casino and 20 free spins (£0.10 per spin) on eligible NetEnt Slots. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply. | 18+ |begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £10+£10+20 FS bonusVbet online
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Great Sports Betting Coverage
  • Secure Deposits and Withdrawals
  • Enhanced Player Security
  • Various Promotions
18+ begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply. New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via "My Offers" page within 30 days. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play, min odds 1/1. Max. extra winnings £100. Once claimed, 30-day expiry. Cashed out, System & EW bets do not qualify. Other Promotional Play Restrictions Apply. (Full T&Cs apply) | gamstop.co.uk | LeoSafePlay
Claim £100 bonusLeoVegas online
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Trusted & Licensed UK Brand
  • Great Customer Support
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Sports Betting Features
18+. UK Customers (Excluding NI) only. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 £5 max qualifying bets. 13 settled bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed on sportsbook within 30 days of opening account. Cashed out bets will not qualify towards your average stake. One free bet offer per customer, household or IP address only. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. 18+. T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Welcome OfferBoyleSports online
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Good looking website
  • An operator with a long history
  • Great selection of sports
  • Helpful customer support
18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Get your OfferCoral online
Rating: 4.7/5
  • Trusted Betting Site
  • Great Range of Daily Sports Betting Markets
  • Live Streaming & Other Features are Available
  • Mobile App for Android and iOS
18+. BeGambleAware.org. New customers only. Min Dep £10. Debit cards only. Opt in for bonus funds. Wagering, sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Sports bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical Restrictions and T&Cs Apply. | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your bonusUnibet online
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Huge amount of promotions
  • Live dealer and casino games
  • VIP program
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of €/$/£10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: €/$/£20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get €/£/$10 BonusInterbet online
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Attractive Odds
  • Fun bets available
  • Cash-out feature
18+ | UK new customers only | KYC verified | Min £10 bet | Max £20 free bet (2 x £10) full amount awarded on losing first bet only | Min odds 7/10 (1.70) | Free bet stake not returned | Certain Markets/sports/payment methods restrictions apply | Cashed-out and Bet Builder bets are excluded from this offer | Qualifying bet must be made within 30 days | Free bet valid for 30 days | T&C's apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get this bonusNovibet online
Rating: 4.7/5
  • Trusted & Licensed UK Brand
  • A wide array of promotions
  • Various Sports betting features
  • Various payment options
New UK 18+ only. Register with promo code WELCOME40, Bet £10+ on Sports in one transaction. Get £30 Free Bets & £10 free spins within 10hrs of bet settlement. Bonuses expire 7 days after issue. Min odds, eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £40 bonusBetfred online
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Good welcome offer
  • Active cash-out option
  • Plenty of sports
New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager 8 times deposit + bonus, max qualifying bet equal to initial bonus amount; valid for 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles or 2/5 per acca leg; Some bet types excluded; See full terms; 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your Bonus10bet online
Rating: 4.6/5
  • UKGC Licensed Bookmaker
  • Wide Range of Sports Betting Options
  • Competitive Odds
  • Professional Support
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, 7 days expiry. Valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Please gamble responsibly
Claim your OfferParimatch UK online
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Licensed bookie
  • A lot of betting features
  • Live betting
  • A ton of payment options
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MAX ONE £10 FREE BET. QUALIFYING BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. PAID AS BONUS TOKEN WITH MIN 4/5 ODDS REQ. SKRILL, NETELLER & PAYPAL NOT ELIGIBLE. T&C APPLY. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your BonusZetBet online
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Great range of sports betting options
  • Cash out is available
  • Wide array of casino games
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your BonusLuckster online
Rating: 4.2/5
  • Cash out option is available
  • Modern and stylish approach
  • Huge selection of games from several providers
Bet £10 Get £10 Free Acca Bet | T&Cs apply. New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 4.0 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £10 BonusMrGreen online
Rating: 4.1/5
  • available cash-out option
  • offers live streaming function
  • has apps for iOS and Android
If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day's betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free Spins on Smoking Hot Fruit Stacks. Even if your account is up, you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Free Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get €/£35 bonusQuinnbet online

Show More

You will likely find that all the big-name sportsbooks offer some form of cycling-related betting. It isn’t difficult to find a top bookie with cycling betting markets, so which one you opt for will come down to personal preference.

Always remember to make sure that your chosen sportsbook is trustworthy and reliable. Look online for user reviews and make sure they are fully licensed by a legitimate authoritative body before giving away personal information or making a deposit.

How to bet on cycling – Detailed Guide

Betting on cycling has its specifics, but there are also similarities with other sports. Here is an overview of each step.

  • Understand the rules – We recommend reading this guide a few times if needed until you are familiar with all of the specifics related to cycling.
  • Research the different cyclists and races – Albeit not offering as many sports as some of the more popular alternativeс, cycling has a lot of races and different cyclists.
  • Choose one of the recommended bookies – You are in luck because our team has reviewed all leading bookies and listed the best ones for betting on cycling.
  • Register and make a deposit – Regardless of the bookie you choose, you will have to register and make a deposit.
  • Select your betting market – Assuming you know which cycling race you want to bet on, choose your betting markets. Be careful because the odds will be different.
  • Place the bet – Add the selections to the bet slip, choose the amount you want to wager, and place a bet.

Cycling Betting Mistakes You Should Avoid

Cycling is an amazing sport, but not a lot of people who want to bet on it know what to do. In fact, our observations are that most people do not have an idea what they are doing, so they make a lot of mistakes. Here are some of them:

Not researching enough

As we have mentioned, research is key, especially for cycling. Learning more about the important races, the different cyclists, and everything related to them does make a difference. Saving a couple of minutes will most likely have a negative effect, so I do not recommend doing it.

Choosing a market solely based on odds

Odds are very important, and they can be indicative as to whether something is more likely to happen. This, however, does not mean you place a bet on something solely based on the odds. Try learning more details before wagering.

Emotional bets aren’t your friends

This is a general tip that can apply to people who wager on any sport, but our observations are that cycling fans are usually affected by it. Emotional bets are fun, there’s no arguing that, but they are usually not worth it.

Not paying attention to small races

Cycling is a popular sport with loads of races, and if you choose a top-tier bookie, you will find many options. Sadly, most people only focus on the big races, such as the Tour de France, and forget that there are smaller alternatives. Sometimes, the latter are also worth it.

Not paying attention to the weather

Cycling is a sport that takes place outside, so the weather plays a huge role. We recommend checking the weather forecast before wagering on a given event because this changes a lot of things.

Which Are the Most Popular Competitions?

cycling racing racers
Tour de France

The most famous cycling event in the world, hands down, is the Tour de France. This is a yearly multiple-stage cycling event unsurprisingly held in France. It makes up one of three Grand Tours and features 21 day-long stages across 23 days.

Giro d'Italia

Another one of the Grand Tours in Italy’s Giro d’Italia. Like the Tour de France, this is also an annual event through a country’s towns and villages. The first Giro took place in 1909.

Vuelta a Espana

The final of three Grand Tours is the Vuelta a Espana hosted in Spain. This is also a tour of the country and was inspired by the aforementioned races. This race first began in 1935 and attracted a large audience each year.

Short History and Facts

Cycling has a growing audience thanks to its diverse and varied events across both road and track. The sport is popular all over the world, but many of the top events take place in Europe. Betting on cycling is an increasingly popular pursuit for cycling fans, and you will find betting markets scattered all over the top sportsbook websites.

Final Thoughts

Betting on cycling isn’t too dissimilar from betting on any other competition or sport. The more experience you gain from watching and betting, the more informed your bets will become. It’s worth getting to grips with relevant betting terms and understanding cycling betting markets to find the best value bets. There are loads of top resources that will help you with cycling betting tips.

FAQ

Reasons to bet on cycling?

Suppose you’re into cycling or want to start watching competitive cycling. In that case, betting can be a great way to add a new element of excitement. In addition, you could win money from watching your favourite racers compete.

What are the most profitable markets for cycling betting?

This very much depends on the selections you make as a bettor. Some markets will have longer odds and are, as a consequence, a lot harder to be successful on. Markets with shorter odds are easier to predict but will take longer to accumulate a strong bankroll.

Where can I bet on cycling online?

Yes, you can bet on cycling via your web browser or via a mobile app for any top sportsbook.

Can I bet in play during cycling events?

Yes, live betting on cycling events can add another exciting way to win money on cycling events.

Where is the best place for online cycling betting?

This very much depends on your personal preference. Make sure to check if your chosen sportsbook is reliable and trustworthy before giving payment details.

Author
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Kristiyan KyulyunkovKristiyan Kyulyunkov specializes in bookmakers’ analyses. He has years of experience betting online and always keeps an eye on the different operators. His tasks in Nostrabet include writing, editing and publishing expert reviews.