The 12 best nail-biting finishes in cycling, ranked

A new season of road cycling is upon us! And with it come so many fresh chances for the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Whet your appetite with our favorite finishes in bike racing.

SEE ALSO: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The Lance Armstrong team that dominated the Tour de France

No. 12: 1984 Summer Olympics

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In the first-ever women's Olympic cycling event, and after nearly 50 miles of racing near Los Angeles, American Connie Carpenter out-sprinted compatriot Rebecca Twigg to the line in a photo finish.

No. 11: Stage 15, 2014 Tour de France

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Ever had a crummy day at work? Try spending 135 miles in a two-man breakaway, and then come up 80 feet short of sweet victory.

No. 10: 1994 Tour of Flanders

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In Belgium's biggest race, Italy's best rider, Gianni Bugno, just gets it. (Watch from 3:30.)