road race
/ˈrəʊd ˌreɪs/noun
A race conducted on a road (sometimes as opposed to a racetrack).
- In Cycling now usually denoting a long-distance point-to-point race held on open roads (as opposed to lap or track racing) in which a large number of riders start together, the event being intended to test endurance rather than speed. In Athletics similarly applied to a race run on a road, as opposed to track racing, cross-country running, etc..
Origin
Mid 19th century (in an earlier sense). From road + race.