As the Tour Down Under kicks off this Friday, with the women’s race followed by the men’s event, the cycling world seems to be slowly easing into its 2025 season. However, for many, it won’t truly feel like the season has arrived until later this spring, with the real excitement building up in late February.
The Tour Down Under, taking place in Australia, is now a staple of the calendar, marking the official start of the WorldTour season. Yet, despite its importance—boasting UCI points, strong competition, and a loyal fanbase—it feels somewhat like a precursor rather than the main event. The cyclo-cross season is still ongoing, and the World Championships remain weeks away. For many cycling enthusiasts, especially in northern Europe where winter’s chill still lingers, it’s hard to fully embrace the beginning of the season. Even though races in the Middle East are just around the corner, the focus remains on the classics and the big races that follow later.
The question of when the cycling season truly begins is one that has sparked ongoing debate among fans and professionals alike. Historically, the sport has grappled with defining the “start” of the season. For many, including myself, the answer is clear: it’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, traditionally held at the end of February. That’s when the classics begin, and with them, the heart of the cycling calendar. Until then, everything feels like a warm-up, and it’s difficult to summon the same level of excitement for races that feel far removed from the sport’s pinnacle.
While the Tour Down Under has earned its place as a significant event—marking the 25th edition of the men’s race—it is still early in the year. As riders focus on longer-term goals, especially with major events like the Tour de France months away, the energy around these initial races feels subdued. In contrast, the hype surrounding races like the Tour Down Under is often dampened by the cold reality of winter in northern Europe, leaving many spectators, myself included, feeling disconnected from the action in Australia.
The Tour Down Under, however, still draws more enthusiasm than races in the Middle East, such as the AlUla Tour or the UAE Tour, where the lack of fans and a more training-oriented atmosphere can make it hard to generate excitement. While a win in Oman or Dubai is still a victory, it doesn’t carry the same weight as a stage win in the classics or a prestigious European stage race.
This overabundance of early-season races has become a growing concern in the cycling world. The calendar has expanded significantly, leading to a sense of saturation, where it becomes harder to stay engaged throughout the entire season. For many fans, the excitement doesn’t truly begin until late February, when the classics finally get underway. Until then, for me, the season remains in training mode—awaiting the intensity and drama of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the races that follow.
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