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Though my main focus - in the commentary box at least - is on the road, I've been tasked with the challenge of picking five must-watch races on SBS… and narrowing it down to five was no easy task!
In chronological order, I’ll kick it off with the women's Strade Bianche on Saturday, March 2.
For a race that is still in its infancy, it has quickly become one of cycling’s most prestigious races to win. That’s because of the course; the white roads of Tuscany make me dream of a summer Italian holiday.
I also believe Strade Bianche has played a big role in the rapid rise of gravel riding and racing.
Next up, I’m going to cheat, and bundle the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix together. You can’t have one without the other.
It’s Easter Sunday for Flanders, a truly holy sporting day for Belgian cycling fans, as is the following weekend for Roubaix.
Plus, we’ve got the men’s and the women’s race, so it’s essentially four races for the price of one emotional, viewing commitment.
Julian Alaphilippe has said that if he could only win one more race in his career, it would be Flanders, and, since the introduction of the women’s Paris-Roubaix, there isn’t a single female cyclist that doesn’t say she either wants to win it or stop everything she is doing to watch it.
From the classics, it’s on to the grand tours.
This year, we get to see Tadej Pogacar and Wout van Aert make their Giro d’Italia debuts, and it’s looking like a strong Australian contingent will join them.
Ben O’Connor has it on his schedule and is a genuine podium contender. Jay Vine will be there to support Pogacar and he’s capable of finishing in the top 10 while doing so.
It’s also on the program for Caleb Ewan and Sam Welsford, Australia’s two best sprinters.
Welsford is the early season man of the moment and Caleb will have Jayco AlUla’s support to get back on the winners dais.
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Obviously July is all about the men’s Tour de France. As good as the Giro and the Vuelta are, the Tour stands supreme. It’s where the most is at stake and no one is there for a dress rehearsal - it is the main show.
The men’s and the women’s races are separated by the Olympics this year, so the women kick off on August 12 in Rotterdam.
It will be a hectic start on flat, windy roads. Some of the climbers could be out of contention before the race even reaches French soil!
But the stage that is a must-watch is the final one, finishing at the top of Alpe d’Huez. Put Sunday, August 18 in your calendar because Sarah Gigante can win that stage.
If I can be sneaky and have the men’s and women’s Tour de France as one, I’ll add the UCI Road World Championships as my fifth race that can’t be missed.
The World Championships are in Zurich this year and will be where we get to see which of the climbers is the best one-day rider.
The winner is likely to be someone who has won a grand tour or is capable of winning a grand tour.
I can’t wait to get back behind the mic with the #couchpeloton.
