Cycling Betting August 2025: Complete Guide for UK Punters

Cycling betting has continued to emerge as a popular betting market for UK punters. Events like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España have helped to enhance its reputation and attractiveness, with quality competitors helping to make wagering on events increasingly appealing.

BestOdds has created a comprehensive cycling betting guide that readers can use to enhance their betting experience. BestOdds will highlight the most important things to know to maximise betting potential and effectiveness, including the teaching of how to read odds and understand why/how they are set and move.

By the end of this guide, BestOdds will have provided the top cycling betting tips, covering all of the major cycling events and outline what to look for when looking at cycling odds and markets. The team of experts encourage you to keep reading to acquire as much knowledge as possible to use against the bookies!

About BestOdds.com & Editorial Team

The BestOdds team are led by experts in their field who have been in betting for decades. They can be trusted to bring you the best cycling betting tips as they have first-hand knowledge of the sport and how to bet on it. The team also works with you in mind, as they want you to have the best chance of “beating the bookies” just as much as they do as individuals.

BestOdds has implemented a data-driven odds methodology to help readers make informed betting decisions, underscoring its commitment to providing punters with the best possible opportunities to maximise their cycling betting sessions.

How Cycling Betting Works

BestOdds continues to be the market leader for cycling betting tips. BestOdds offers readers unrivalled insights into core betting markets, explaining how they work and what punters should be looking for when placing wagers.

The tips and advice offered by BestOdds can be used by novices and experienced bettors, with each aimed at providing a complete understanding. With this knowledge possible to acquire, individuals can make sure they make the right bets based on informed judgements, enhancing win potential.

Outright Winner (General Classification)

The Outright Winner market in cycling involves betting on which rider will win the General Classification (GC) of a race, usually a multi-stage event like the Tour de France. The GC winner is the rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages.

Odds for outright winners can be presented in fractions or decimal formats in the UK. They can be converted into implied probabilities to understand the bookmaker’s estimation of each rider’s chances.

Implied Probability is calculated as the reciprocal of the decimal odds. For example, if a rider’s odds are 5.00, the implied probability is calculated as:

Implied Probability = 1/5.00 = 0.20 =20%

This means the bookmaker believes there is a 20% chance the rider will win the GC, taking into account their margin in the odds.

Stage Winner / Jersey Classifications

Grand Tour events can provide several betting opportunities for punters. It is possible to place bets on individual stage winners, which are daily races within a multi-stage event. Additionally, wagers can be made on jersey classifications:

• Green Jersey: Awarded to the leader in the points classification, typically favouring sprinters.
• Polka-Dot Jersey: Given to the best climber, leading the mountains classification.
• White Jersey: Designates the best young rider (usually under 25) in the GC.

In these markets, betting odds can be volatile, especially after rest days when press conferences and late team strategy disclosures often cause shifts in market perceptions and betting lines. This means that there can be additional value in the betting odds offered, making them popular with bettors.

Head-to-Head Match-ups

To add further excitement to cycling betting, bettors can explore head-to-head markets, which match two riders against each other, usually focusing on star GC contenders. Bettors select which of the two will perform better in terms of stage finish or overall classification.

These two-way lines simplify betting by eliminating the broader field and concentrating on direct rivalries, simplifying betting decisions. Bettors can focus on comparing specific riders’ characteristics, such as recent form, climbing or sprinting ability, team strength, and suitability to the stage profile. This can give an edge if one rider’s qualities better match the course or conditions.

Specials & Prop Bets

As with many other sports that can be bet on, cycling also features several specials and prop bets that UK punters have been enjoying. These bets can provide additional value as they can be based on outcomes that are more difficult to accurately predict, or they can involve specific things to happen.

Examples of specials and prop bets include:

• Top-10 finish by a specific rider
• The winning nation of the stage or the overall winners
• First mountain-stage winner, predicting the rider who will cross the first categorised climb line first

UCI Rule Changes

Bettors wagering on cycling should always be aware of the rules and regulations of the sport before placing bets. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the governing body of world cycling, and has recently introduced new rules that bettors must be aware of:

• 2024 Super-Tuck Ban: The UCI banned the super-tuck position (riders crouching low on the bike frame for aerodynamic advantage) for safety reasons, altering downhill speed and race tactics.
• 2025 Radio Usage Tweaks: Adjustments to team radio communication rules may affect race strategies and information flow during stages, which in turn can influence live betting odds and market reactions.

Cycling 2025: Key Grand Tour Facts for UK Viewers

Grand Tours represent the pinnacle of professional road cycling, testing riders’ endurance, strategy, and versatility over three weeks of demanding competition. Three are contested across Europe annually, with each of them being hugely attractive to UK bettors:

Giro d’Italia

The Giro d’Italia, often referred to as “The Giro,” is the first Grand Tour of the professional cycling calendar, held annually in May. It primarily takes place across Italy, showcasing a diverse route that includes high mountain passes in the Alps and Dolomites, rolling hills, and flat sprint stages. The race covers approximately 3,500 kilometres over 21 stages and typically spans three weeks with two rest days.

Distinctive features of the Giro include its challenging mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, particularly in the high-altitude stages, which often play a crucial role in determining the General Classification (GC). The leader of the race wears the iconic pink jersey (“Maglia Rosa”), which symbolises the overall race leader.

The Giro is renowned for its passionate fan base and scenic routes through Italy’s cultural and historic landscapes. Occasionally, the race begins with a “Grand Départ” outside Italy to broaden its international appeal. In 2025, the race began in Durrës, Albania, marking the first time the Giro started in the country.

Tour de France

The Tour de France is the most prestigious and well-known of the Grand Tours, held annually in July. It is primarily hosted in France but regularly includes stages in neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Spain, and Italy. The Tour typically covers around 3,500 kilometres over 21 stages, featuring a mix of flat stages suited for sprinters, time trials, and mountainous stages in the Alps and Pyrenees.

Known for its strict time limits and intense competition, the Tour de France garners the highest global television audience among cycling events. The leader of the race dons the yellow jersey (“Maillot Jaune”), a symbol of overall race supremacy. The race tradition culminates on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, where the final stage is both a celebration and a sprint competition.

The Tour frequently starts with a “Grand Départ” outside France to enhance the event’s international profile. Over the years, the Tour has started many times outside France, including London (2007), Yorkshire (2014), Amsterdam (1954), and other European cities, with Edinburgh scheduled for 2027.

Vuelta a España

The Vuelta a España is the last of the three Grand Tours, held annually in late August and September. The race takes place mainly in Spain, with routes that encompass steep mountainous terrain, particularly in the regions of the Sierra Nevada and the Cantabrian Mountains, alongside flat and rolling stages suited to sprinters and breakaway specialists.

The Vuelta covers roughly 3,300 kilometres over 21 stages and is known for its aggressive racing style and unpredictable race dynamics. The leader of the Vuelta wears the red jersey (“La Roja”). The race often features late-season tactical battles among contenders aiming to secure or improve their position in the cycling world rankings before the season’s end.

Like the other Grand Tours, the Vuelta may commence with a “Grand Départ” outside its home country in select editions to attract a broader audience. Lisbon has been one location that has been used, with the 2025 edition of the race using Torino, Italy, with subsequent stages passing through France and Andorra before returning to Spain. Monaco is scheduled to host the start in 2026.

Latest GC Prices

BestOdds offers readers a daily snapshot of the latest GC prices for each Grand Tour. Readers can immediately identify which riders are considered to be the favourite for the GC market.

Movement Chart

BestOdds also offers a daily snapshot regarding the biggest movers/drifters in the market. Readers can continue to identify potential patterns and trends without having to go elsewhere, making BestOdds the #1 option for all cycling betting needs.

From Odds to Probability

UK sportsbooks will share cycling odds in fractions or decimals. The latter can be easier to use when trying to convert them into probability.

The simplest way to understand odds and the probability of an event outcome occurring is to use the Implied Probability formula used above. Remember, it is as follows:

Implied Probability = 1/decimal odds

Using two examples to highlight how this formula works and can be applied when betting on cycling, readers can consider the following:

1. A favourite to win a Grand Tour race has odds of 2.75. Using the formula, it can be determined that the rider has a 36.36% chance of winning (1/2.75 = 0.3636 = 36.36%).
2. An outsider to win may have longer odds of 67.00 to win. In this instance, they have just a 1.49% probability of winning the event (1/67 = 0.0149 = 1.49%).

Odds Theory

Odds represent the ratio of payout to stake, reflecting not just the likelihood of an event, but also bookmaker margin and market forces. Implied probability distils this into a percentage chance consistent with those odds.

Bookmakers build their margin (overround) into odds to ensure profitability, so the sum of implied probabilities for all outcomes usually exceeds 100%. Bettors aim to find odds where their estimation of true probability is greater than the implied probability, indicating a value bet.

How to Get Started With Cycling Betting

To get started and place a cycling bet, readers should do the following:

1. Choosing a Sportsbook

Only sign up with operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, the licence number is always displayed at the bottom of the bookmaker’s website. Compare different sites to see which ones provide the best cycling coverage, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, one-day Classics, and stage markets such as general classification, points jerseys, and head-to-head matchups.

You may also want to consider in-play betting, cash-out features, and each-way options. Don’t forget to check payment methods and withdrawal times, as well as the quality of customer support. In the UK, note that credit cards are banned for gambling, so you will need a debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, or another approved wallet.

2. Gather your verification documents

All UK-licensed sites must verify your identity and address before you can withdraw funds. To avoid delays, prepare a valid passport or driving licence, along with a recent proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months. Sometimes you may also be asked to prove ownership of your payment method, for example with a redacted bank statement or wallet screenshot. The key is to ensure that the details on these documents, your full name, date of birth and address, exactly match what you enter on your betting account.

3. Create your account and deposit

Click the “Join” or “Register” button on your chosen bookmaker’s homepage. You will be asked to provide your legal name, date of birth, address, email address, and mobile number. At this stage, you will also set up your login details including a password and possibly some security questions. Make sure the password is strong and unique. You can also decide whether you want to opt in to marketing communications at this stage.

Navigate to the cashier section and choose your preferred payment method. In the UK, debit cards and PayPal are the most common, with Apple Pay and bank transfers also widely accepted. Enter the details carefully, making sure they match your registered name and address. Deposits are usually instant, but always start with a small test amount to ensure everything is working correctly.

4. Place your first bet

Once your deposit is confirmed, head to the sportsbook section and select “Cycling.” Browse through upcoming races or tournaments, and choose a market such as stage winner, general classification, or head-to-head. Enter your stake, check the potential return, and confirm the bet. A receipt will appear in your betting history.

5. Withdraw responsibly

When you are ready to withdraw, go back to the cashier and select the same method you used to deposit. This is a requirement of UK regulation where possible. Processing times depend on the operator but can take one to three business days for bank cards, and sometimes just a few hours for e-wallets. Make sure your account is fully verified before requesting a withdrawal, otherwise delays may occur.

Tips for Getting Started with Cycling Betting

BestOdds regularly features the best cycling betting tips around, with its team of experts continually updating them with strategies and methods that have been used firsthand.

BestOdds wants to be the trusted #1 site for all things betting, which is why the tips that have been recommended are used by those who wager on cycling. Some of these include:

• Betting Small: Punters should always begin with small wagers to manage risk when beginning a cycling betting journey. Betting small reduces the risk of blowing the bankroll, as mistakes can still be made when the sport and its nuances are not fully understood in terms of cycling betting.
• Understand the Sport: Bettors should understand the sport as much as possible before betting. With different types of races and riders specialising in different formats, being an expert in these can improve a punter’s chances of a successful outcome.
• Research & Follow: Conduct research and follow races and riders to make better and informed bets. Being updated can be the difference between a good and a bad bet.
• Focus on Major Tours: Concentrate bets on well-established events like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España.
• Use Head-to-Head Markets: These simplify betting by focusing on direct rider matchups, making analysis more manageable.
• Shop for the Best Odds: Compare odds across bookmakers to maximise potential returns.
• Consider Team Strength: Cycling is a team sport; riders’ support squads impact race strategies and outcomes.
• Stick to Core Bets: Exotic markets have higher risk and complexity; stick to core bets until gaining experience.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set budgets and avoid chasing losses to maintain long-term betting health.
• Utilise Expert Analysis: Leverage cycling news, stats, and expert insights to inform your bets.

Read BestOdds’ comprehensive cycling betting tips page to learn about these tips and more in expanded detail.

Historical Trends & Betting Angles

When betting on cycling, it is essential to keep various factors in mind that can influence the outcome of a race or event. All UK sportsbooks will keep these in mind when releasing their cycling betting odds. Punters may forget this and believe that there is greater value in what is being offered than there actually is.

BestOdds has highlighted a few of the major trends and betting angles bettors should keep in mind, as each of these can have an impact on a potential outcome.

Weather & Cross-Wind Echelons

Crosswinds play a significant strategic role in cycling, especially on exposed coastal stages. Echelons form when riders arrange diagonally across the road to shield themselves from side winds. These formations cause splits in the peloton, leading to time gaps.

On average, strong crosswinds on coastal stages can cause time gaps of 30 seconds to over a minute between groups, significantly affecting race standings and betting outcomes. Bettors can track weather forecasts and identify stages prone to wind exposure to anticipate these decisive moments and make informed decisions.

Climber vs Sprinter Profiling

Profiling riders as climbers or sprinters involves analysing power-to-weight ratios and vertical ascent meters per hour (VAM) benchmarks.

Climbers typically excel with high watts per kilogram on steep gradients, maintaining power outputs enabling rapid ascent speeds. Sprinters, by contrast, generate extreme peak power over short bursts, favouring flat stage finishes. VAM metrics allow comparison of climbing speed by normalising power output against bodyweight and slope, providing insights into a rider’s stage-winning potential.

Understanding these profiles helps bettors align rider strengths with race profile demands, thus allowing them to make informed betting decisions that carry a greater chance of success.

Team Tactics & Domestique Duties

Teams like Ineos Grenadiers are renowned for their expertly coordinated tactics and domestique support. Domestiques control peloton pace, chasing breakaways, protecting team leaders from the wind, and setting the tempo to sap rivals’ energy.

During mountain stages or critical flat sections, the team “train”, which is a line of riders taking turns at the front, dictates tempo, often causing fractures in the peloton and protecting their leader’s interests. This strategic control frequently impacts race outcomes and betting dynamics by controlling when and how breaks form or the peloton accelerates.

Bettors who are aware of tactics like these can use them to their advantage, as the information/knowledge may be used for more complex bets that could potentially return value compared to core/basic outright bets.

Advanced Markets Explained

Cycling betting sites will feature many betting markets that punters can consider wagering on. Some are simple, yet some can be more complex and advanced.

Bettors who are seeking more advanced options in an attempt to enhance their cycling betting experiences or acquire more value with their bets will want to consider the following:

In-Play Stage Trading

In-play stage trading in cycling involves placing bets during a stage as the race unfolds.

Bettors use real-time data such as GPS time-checks from team vehicles and race radios to assess breakaway groups’ sustainability versus the chasing peloton. Models estimate whether a breakaway can hold its lead based on rider strength, time gaps, and terrain.

Traders must account for latency in data feeds, which can vary and introduce delays between the actual event and displayed information, sometimes affecting betting decisions. Strategic in-play trading exploits these insights to adjust positions dynamically as the race situation evolves.

Exchange vs Fixed-Odds

Alternative cycling betting experiences can be obtained when using different types of betting platforms.

Betting exchanges operate by matching bets directly between punters and charge a commission on winnings, commonly around 5%. Exchanges provide “lay” liquidity, allowing bettors to lay bets (betting against an outcome) and hedge after intermediate sprints or race developments, a flexibility not available in traditional fixed-odds bookmakers.

Fixed-odds bookmakers set prices with embedded margins and offer promotional incentives but lack the peer-to-peer trading mechanisms of exchanges. Exchange odds are often better due to competitive market forces, but come with factors such as commission that bettors must recognise when placing bets.

How to Withdraw Winnings from Cycling Betting

Bettors who wish to withdraw any winnings that may have been made from cycling betting should follow the steps outlined by BestOdds below:

1. Go to the bookmaker with funds available and login to the account.
2. Head to the account area and click on ‘Withdraw’.

3. Select the payment method to withdraw funds from. This should be the same method used for depositing funds.
4. Enter the amount to withdraw and click ‘Confirm’.
5. The sportsbook will process the transaction request and funds will arrive within the timeframe specified by the operator.

N.B. Bettors may be required to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) checks at this stage if they have not been completed already. It is normal for the first withdrawal to also require further checks to be carried out.

If there are any other delays or issues, BestOdds recommends readers contact the betting site’s customer support team to find out what the trouble is. This will usually resolve any issues that are encountered.

UK Legal & Tax Position

All licensed gambling in the UK is governed by the Gambling Act 2005. The UK Gambling Commission oversees the Act and sets rigorous standards for operator licensing, fairness, player protection, and the prevention of crime and disorder.

Players must be 18 or older to engage in gambling. Licensed betting sites in the UK must carry out identity checks to verify a player’s age and eligibility. This can include checking a player’s date of birth, verifying their identity, and confirming their address.

For UK residents, all gambling winnings are completely tax-free, regardless of the amount. There is no income or capital gains tax on individual gambling profits. The government shifted tax responsibility to operators rather than punters in 2001, so bettors have no liability, whether betting occasionally or professionally (except if other taxable income, such as sponsorships, is involved).

To comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, licensed UK bookmakers carry out source-of-funds checks where appropriate. These are designed to ensure players are not betting with illicit funds and that betting activity is affordable and sustainable.

Enhanced affordability and financial risk checks are a forthcoming focus of regulatory reform, with new limits and obligations on operators to intervene if players accrue significant losses.

In 2023, the UK government published a Gambling White Paper outlining stronger protections, including financial risk checks and stake limits. This has included “light touch” checks at £125 monthly or £500 yearly net loss, and more detailed checks at higher thresholds.

Responsible Gambling

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission places a strong emphasis and focus on responsible gambling practices. Operators must abide by a specific set of rules and regulations that as part of the licensing terms when holding a UKGC gaming licence.

Betting sites offering cycling betting odds and markets with an active UKGC licence provide a range of tools and measures to ensure UK punters’ safety when placing bets. These can include resources such as:

• Reality checks
• Deposit and loss limits
• Self-exclusion opportunities
• Support and assistance for problem gambling

Players also have a responsibility to engage in responsible gambling practices. Bettors must ensure they stick to bankroll limits, whether by setting budgets or adhering to a set time period. Players are also advised to use these tools whenever gambling activities are participated in.

With the industry being heavily regulated in the UK, there are several organisations in place that can provide further help. These will be outlined in a dedicated section on a UKGC-licensed betting site, although access can be obtained from here:

• GamStop
• GameCare
• GambleAware

International Cycling Calendar 2025

A look at the upcoming Grand Tour cycling calendar can provide bettors with key cycling betting dates. The following are among the most notable to consider:

Race	Dates	Region(s)	Terrain Highlights
Giro d’Italia	9 May – 1 June 2026	Italy (Start: Bulgaria)	Expect Dolomites & Alps stages; iconic Italian climbs; stage details released Oct 2025.
Tour de France	4 July – 26 July 2026	Spain (Barcelona start), France	Team time trial in Barcelona, hilly Catalunya stages, possible return to Alpe d’Huez, Massif Central, Plateau de Solaison time trial, Paris finale.
Vuelta a España	22 Aug – 13 Sep 2026	Monaco start, Spain, Canary Islands	Monaco TT Grand Départ, Pyrenees & possible Alto de l’Angliru, Gran Canaria & Tenerife summit finishes, volcanic climbs.

N.B. Other races and events do appear regularly on the schedule. The Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España are the most prominent.

Main Takeaways

Cycling betting continues to emerge as a popular sport for UK punters. Betting on cycling can offer potential value, with many different aspects available for bettors. The duration of the Grand Tours can create unique betting experiences, with many elements to consider over the course of a three-week period.

When betting on cycling, bettors must understand cycling odds fully to understand the probability of an outcome. Once understood, prices can be compared, and value can be found. Remember, factors like the weather, terrain, injuries, and other data can all have an influence on the odds that are provided.

Above all, responsible gambling practices should always be followed and used. Using UKGC-licensed operators that offer cycling betting is the first step, as these will offer protections that offshore accounts do not. Betting sites with a UKGC licence will also provide players with the tools that can provide bettors with assistance, should it be required.

TL;DR:

• Cycling betting is gaining popularity across the UK.
• Three Grand Tours are the biggest to bet on: The Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España.
• Understand cycling odds before wagering due to various conditions/elements/aspects.
• Several diverse markets exist, but an understanding is required.
• Conduct research before placing cycling bets.
• Engage in responsible gambling practices.

FAQs

• When are Tour de France odds released each season?
  Tour de France betting odds can be released way before the July start. Some betting sites will offer odds on future markets ahead of time, whereas others will offer other betting options before it starts.

• How do dead-heat rules work if two riders post identical TT times?
  If two riders post identical TT times that cannot be separated by technology, they share the position equally, and prizes or points awarded for that position are usually split fairly between them. No rider is ranked ahead in that position.

• Can I cash out head-to-head bets mid-stage?
  Typically, it is possible to cash out head-to-head bets mid-stage during a cycling event. However, this can depend on the betting site that you are using.

• Are cycling winnings taxable in the UK?
  No, cycling winnings are not typically taxable in the UK. Winnings from gambling are excluded from taxation in the UK, unless wins are achieved by a professional gambler.

• Which UK-licensed sites stream live cycling?
  Many UKGC-licensed betting sites stream live cycling. Coral, Ladbrokes, and BetVictor are just some options available to UK bettors.

• Why do prices swing after team selections?
  Team selection significantly impacts cycling betting odds, as teams play a huge role in shaping race outcomes through rider support, strategy, and strength. Bookmakers react to these changes to ensure profit margins remain, while ensuring value can be obtained by punters.
• What each-way terms apply to GC outrights?
  It can depend on the sportsbook being used. Most will typically pay out on 3 or 4 places. Shopping around is recommended, as other betting sites may offer more.