UCI BMX Championships Birmingham

This is another cycling discipline that Brits excel in, with 23-year-old sensation Shanaze Reade looking to land a fourth elite world title. Taking place at the National Indoor Arena on 24-27 May, the event involves riders hitting huge jumps laid out on a purpose-built indoor track.

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Fort William

On 9-10 June you can watch the world's best mountain bikers hurl themselves down the ferocious Fort William course at speeds of 40mph. Look out for British former World Cup champion Steve Peat, who will compete against the current downhill world champion, Danny Hart.

Sky Rides

If you're looking for an incentive to get on your bike then sign up for a Sky Ride. There are 19 Sky Ride City events happening across the country between May and September, when the roads are closed off to motorised traffic. Or join a Sky Ride Local – small, community rides taking place across the UK. City events kick off with Sky Ride Plymouth on Sunday 13 May. Register for free at goskyride.com

Tour de France

Three weeks, 21 stages and 3,479km of racing will take elite riders on a loop of France – with a brief detour into Switzerland – between 30 June and 22 July. Having won five stages on his way to the green jersey last year, big things are expected of Team Sky's Mark Cavendish – so too of team-mate Bradley Wiggins, one of the overall favourites.

Social cycling groups

Get involved in one of the many fun and informal bike rides taking place across the UK. Just enter your postcode into the ride finder to search for groups near you and register to join for free. Members of British Cycling can set up their own groups.

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