From Europe to Asia, via North America and Africa, choose your own adventure from among 300 of the world's greatest bike rides and best cycling races, featuring our pick of the must-ride sportives and gran fondos where you can really test your legs against both the terrain and your fellow riders.

Cheer on the world's top professionals from the roadside as they take on the Tour Down Under, or head into the Alps to watch the sport's greatest riders tackle the Tour de France. Conquer the US yourself on the Race Across America, or mountain bike your way through South Africa on the Cape Epic.

300 of the greatest cycling events to watch or ride, from the Tour de France to the biggest and best sportives.

* Pro stage race: Follow the world's best across the Dolomites at the Giro d'Italia.

* Road: Take after the professionals on the Etape du Tour of the Tour de France.

* Mountain bike: Watch the professionals fly through the air in Valparasiso, Chile.

* Night: Don't forget your lights for the London Nocturne.

* Pro one-day race: Cheer on your heroes as they take on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix.

* Cyclo-cross: Conquer Yorkshire's Three Peaks on two wheels.

* Long distance: Cycle across Africa in one of the world's longest bike races.

* Track: Race against international riders at Herne Hill Velodrome during the Good Friday Track Meet.

This list of ultimate cycling races is compiled by cycling writer Ellis Bacon, with contributions from some of the world's leading cyclists, including 2012 Milan-San Remo winner Simon Gerrans, and 2012 Tour of Britain and Tour of the Mediterranean champion Jonathan Tiernan-Locke.