The first professional World Cycling Championship took place in 1927 at the Nürburgring in Germany and was won by Alfredo Binda, of Italy.

The event is a 'massed start' road race, with the winner the first across the line at the completion of the full race distance. There are also world cycling championships for track cycling and individual time trial disciplines, among others.

The World Cycling Championship, along with the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, forms the Triple Crown of Cycling.

World Cycling Champions:

No championships 1939-1945 due to World War II