In a significant shift for the 2027 professional cycling calendar, the traditional season opener, the Tour Down Under, will be preceded by two notable events in Mexico and the Canary Islands. These developments are set to reshape early-season racing strategies and team preparations.
Vuelta Ciclista a Canarias: A New Beginning
Scheduled from January 14 to 17, 2027, the Vuelta Ciclista a Canarias will mark the first professional stage race in the Canary Islands. This four-day event, classified as a UCI 2.1 race, will traverse the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The Canary Islands, renowned for their favorable winter climate and high-altitude training facilities, are expected to attract a strong field of WorldTour and ProTeams. (cyclingnews.com)
Clásica de la República and MEX Tour: Mexico’s Resurgence
Mexico is set to re-enter the professional cycling scene with the introduction of the Clásica de la República, a one-day race on January 17, 2027, and the MEX Tour, a stage race from January 19 to 23, 2027. The return of these events is closely linked to the growth of cycling in Mexico and the impact of rider Isaac del Toro, who achieved a third-place finish in the 2026 Tour de France. (ciclismoaldia.es)
Impact on the Tour Down Under
The Tour Down Under, traditionally the first WorldTour event, is scheduled from January 19 to 24, 2027. However, with the Vuelta Ciclista a Canarias and the MEX Tour taking place earlier, the professional racing season will commence several days before the Australian event. This earlier start is expected to influence team strategies and preparations for the upcoming season. (cyclingflash.com)
Looking Ahead
The introduction of these races in Mexico and the Canary Islands signifies a dynamic evolution in the professional cycling calendar. Teams and riders will need to adapt to this new schedule, potentially altering training camps and race selections. As the 2027 season approaches, the cycling community eagerly anticipates how these changes will impact the competitive landscape.
Highlights:
- Racing will start even earlier in 2027 – New 2.1 event in Canary Islands to kick off pro road calendar in January, Published on Wednesday, September 30
- Willunga Hill with a twist and a Stirling finale for double race days of 2027 Tour Down Under, Published on Tuesday, June 30
- Same course, same day, same distance – Women’s Tour Down Under to run alongside final three days of men’s race in 2027, Published on Thursday, May 21