Lone rider embarks on a frozen odyssey © Brudder/Getty Images

Iditarod, the most grueling single-bike race in the world, is a 350km mountain road endurance test that pushes riders to their limits in extreme cold and minimal supplies across Alaska's tundra.

Location: Alaska

Date: February 28th

Must-see reason: Riders must possess superhuman willpower to complete the event as Alaskan winter conditions are extremely harsh and not for ordinary mortals.

Tomas Zejda riding at Crankworx Slopestyle in Rotorua, New Zealand on March 29th, 2015

Crankworx Rotorua - The Reformation of Mountain Bike Racing Culture

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand

Date: March 9th-13th

Must-see reason: Spring's first major downhill mountain bike competition takes place at the slope-style heavy-hitter CranKworx Rotorua. Will we see another new star rise after last year's winner Brett Rheeder?

Loic Bruni competing at the 2015 Lourdes Downhill World Cup round in the famous French city of pilgrimage

UCI MTB World Cup - A Championship Showdown

Location: Lourdes, France

Date: April 9th-10th

Must-see reason: Loïc Bruni, this young French rider who won his first World Champion title in his debut season last year. Can he maintain his dominance on the podium?

The men start the 2015 XCO World Cup in Nove Mesto.

UCI XCO MTB World Championship - A Potential Upset Year

Location: Czech Republic

Date: June 28th-July3rd

Must-see reason:

When all eyes are focused on Rio Olympics next year, this year's championships may let an unknown dark horse emerge from among numerous participants. Mathias Fluckiger and his brother Lukas have a chance to break through successfully at Nové Město.

Coco Zurita performs at BMX Vert Finals during X Games Austin

X Games - Celebrating Three Years In America

Locations & Dates:

Austin (US), June2nd-5th

Must-watch reasons:

Daniel Sandoval aims to defend his park victory from last year.

Daniel Dhers with rich experience has been crowned champion five times before.

Tour de France

103rd edition of Tour de France starts July2nd-end-of-month with three weeks racing including iconic climb Mont Ventoux. Last year’s winner Chris Froome is considered a hot favourite due to versatility as cyclist.

Locations & Dates:

France; July2nd-end-of-month (approx.)

Must-watch reasons:

Peter Sagan could be underdog contender due to exceptional climbing abilities and extensive time-trial experience.

Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme

A transcontinental adventure spanning over Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok (9195 km)

Dates & Locations:

Starts Moscow; ends Vladivostok; Jul1st-Aug27/28

Reasonable expectation for thrilling competition between top cyclists across vast distance covering different terrains and weather conditions.

Red Bull Joyride

Whistler Mountain Bike Park hosts Boneyard stage for world-class Slopestyle competitions.

Dates & Locations:

Whistler Mountain Bike Park; August(Exact date TBA)

Reasonable expectations:

Rheeder vying against four-time Joyride champion Semenuk.

Potential breakthrough performance by Rheeder.

Aaron Gwin puts practice into action during Val di Sole World Cup finals day

World Championships UCI DH MTB

Val di Sole Italy

Aug8/11

Focus:

Gwin is renowned as best enduro rider but lacks rainbow jersey.

Could it be Gwin’s big achievement this coming season?