Tour de France

The Tour de France is an exciting bicycle race for men that happens every year, mainly in France. It is the oldest and most famous of the three big races around the world, called the Grand Tours. The other two are the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España.

The race began a long time ago, to help sell a newspaper. It did not happen during the two World Wars, but every other year it has taken place. The race is now a very important event in the world of cycling, and many teams from many countries join in.

Usually in July, the race goes through different parts of France, with challenging rides in the Pyrenees and the Alps. It ends on the famous Champs-Élysées in Paris. The race has 21 stages over about three weeks and covers around 3,500 kilometres (2,200 miles).

Riders race in teams, and each stage is timed. The rider with the lowest total time wears a special yellow jersey and is the leader of the race. There are also other prizes for the best sprinter, the best climber, the best young rider, and the best team. Winning a stage is also a big achievement. There is also a race just for women, called the Tour de France Femmes.

History

See also: List of Tour de France general classification winners

The Tour de France began in 1903. It started because of two newspapers in France, Le Vélo and L'Auto. L'Auto was created by journalists and businesspeople, including Comte Jules-Albert de Dion, Adolphe Clément, and Édouard Michelin. They made L'Auto because they were not happy with Le Vélo, which was backed by a rival company. The newspaper chose Henri Desgrange as its editor. He was a famous cyclist and owned a cycling track at the Parc des Princes with Victor Goddet.

L'Auto was not selling as many copies as they wanted, so they had a big meeting on November 20, 1902. A journalist named Géo Lefèvre suggested the idea of a big cycling race all around France. Long-distance races were popular because they helped sell newspapers, but nobody had tried a race this long before.

The first Tour de France took place in 1903. It was a five-stage race from May 31 to July 5, starting in Paris and stopping in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nantes before returning to Paris. Later, Toulouse was added to make the trip across southern France easier. The race was planned to go through the night, but this was too hard for the riders, so it was changed to 19 days with rest days in between. The first race started near a café in the village of Montgeron and was led away by a starter named Georges Abran. The winner was Maurice Garin, who finished much faster than anyone else.

The race became very popular, and L'Auto sold many more copies during the event. Over the years, the race changed a lot. Night riding was stopped after the second race in 1904 because of cheating. Mountain stages were added, and the number of stages changed many times. Rules about team riding and bike repairs were also changed over the years.

After World War II, the race was organized by new people. Different leaders won the race, and new rules were added, like special jerseys for different types of winners. The race grew to include riders from all over the world.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the race had problems with some riders using banned substances. This led to many changes in rules and testing to keep the race fair.

In recent years, new riders have won the race, and the Tour has continued to grow. In 2020, the race started later than usual because of health concerns, and in 2022, a Tour de France for women was started for the first time in many years.

Classifications

The Tour de France has a main competition called the "general classification". The winner wears a yellow jersey. Riders can also compete for three other titles: points, mountains, and a title for young riders. Each title has its own special jersey. If a rider leads more than one competition, they wear the yellow jersey.

General classification

The general classification is the oldest and most important competition. Riders’ times are added after each stage. The rider with the lowest total time leads the race and wears the yellow jersey. This jersey has been a symbol of the Tour de France since 1919. Famous riders like Eddy Merckx have worn the yellow jersey many times.

Mountains classification

The mountains classification started in 1933. Riders earn points for reaching the top of climbs. Harder climbs give more points. The leader wears a white jersey with red dots, called the "polka dot" jersey. Famous climbers like Richard Virenque have won this classification many times.

Points classification

The points classification began in 1953. It rewards riders for finishing well in stages and intermediate sprints. The leader wears a green jersey. Sprinters often aim for this classification, and Peter Sagan has won it a record seven times.

Young rider classification

This classification was added in 1975 for riders under 26 years old. The leader wears a white jersey. Some riders, like Laurent Fignon and Jan Ullrich, have won both the young rider classification and the overall race in the same year.

Minor classifications and prizes

There are awards for the most aggressive rider and the leading team. Winners of stages and classifications receive prize money, and the overall winner gets a large trophy.

Historical classifications

In the past, there were classifications for intermediate sprints and a combination of the main classifications, but these are no longer used.

Lanterne rouge

The rider who takes the most time is called the "lanterne rouge". In the past, this rider was sometimes given a small red light to carry.

Prizes

Winners receive cash prizes, and there are special awards for reaching high points in the race, like the Souvenir Henri Desgrange for reaching the Col du Galibier.

Trophy

The overall winner receives the Coupe Omnisports trophy, made by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres. Each stage winner and jersey leader also receive special trophies.

Stages

The Tour de France usually has 21 stages, one for each day of racing. These stages are grouped into different types: flat, hilly, and mountain.

Time trials are stages where riders race against the clock. The first time trial in the Tour happened in 1934. Often, the first stage is a short time trial to decide who wears the yellow jersey on opening day. There are usually two or three time trials during the race.

Some stages are especially famous. Many races end with laps around the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Sometimes, the final stage is a time trial. Certain mountain stages, like Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux, are known for being very difficult.

Hosting a stage start or finish is a big honor for towns, bringing excitement and business. The race organizers plan carefully to make each stage special and safe for all riders.

Advertising caravan

When cycling teams changed in 1930, race organizers needed money for the riders. To get money, they let companies advertise before the race. This group of colorful trucks and cars is called the publicity caravan.

At first, any kind of advertising was allowed. Performers entertained the crowds. Today, rules limit what advertisers can do. Companies pay to have their vehicles in the caravan and give out small gifts to fans. The caravan travels slowly ahead of the race, spreading out over many kilometers. It adds excitement and fun to the event.

Politics

The first three Tours de France, from 1903 to 1906, stayed within France. In 1907, the race went into Alsace-Lorraine, which was part of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War. This needed a special meeting to happen.

In 1939, teams from Italy, Germany, and Spain did not join the race because of tensions around the world. When World War II started, plans for a Tour in 1940 were cancelled, and there were no races from 1940 to 1946. The race returned in 1947. German teams did not compete again until 1960, but some German riders joined other teams. After the war, the Tour started in Germany four times: in Cologne in 1965, Frankfurt in 1980, West Berlin in 1987, and Düsseldorf in 2017.

Corsica

Before 2013, the Tour de France had visited every part of France except the island of Corsica. Organizers said it was hard to provide enough space for everyone. In 2013, the first three stages were held in Corsica to celebrate the 100th edition of the race.

Accusations of sportswashing and greenwashing

The Tour de France has faced questions about its support of certain sponsors. Some worry that the race helps companies or countries look better, even if they have problems with human rights or the environment. These concerns have led to debates and protests during the race.

Start and finish of the Tour

Main article: List of Tour de France Grands Départs

Most stages of the Tour de France happen in France, but the race has visited nearby countries since the mid-1950s. It has gone through thirteen different countries: Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, San Marino, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Since 1975, the race has always finished on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Before that, from 1903 to 1967, it ended at the Parc des Princes stadium in western Paris, and from 1968 to 1974 at the Piste Municipale south of the city. In the 111th edition, because of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the race finished outside Paris for the first time, at the Place Masséna in Nice.

Starts abroad

The following editions of the Tour started outside France:

Broadcasting

The Tour de France started with just journalists from the newspaper L'Auto. Over time, more newspapers joined in. It was first shown in cinemas after the race. The first live radio broadcast was in 1929, and the first live TV broadcast was in 1948.

In the early days, TV used film that was edited and shown the next day. By 1958, live coverage from the side of the road began, and helicopters were first used in 1959. French television was controlled by the government until 1982 when private broadcasters were allowed. This led to more competition and higher fees for the race organizers.

Today, the Tour is shown by many TV and radio stations around the world. In the UK, ITV has shown the race since 2002, but in 2025, it will move to a pay-TV channel. In the US, NBC Sports has broadcast the Tour since 1999, with all stages now streaming on Peacock. The race's popularity grew after strict rules were enforced, leading to more viewers globally.

Main article: Parc des Princes
François Mitterrand
Antenne 2
FR3
TF1
Eurocopter
AS355 Écureuil 2
AS350 Écureuil
France Info
rights
Channel 4
Pete Shelley
ITV4
ITV2
ITV3
ITV1
free-to-air
Warner Bros. Discovery
Pay television
TNT Sports
Quest
broadcast
NBC Sports Group
Peacock
Outdoor Life Network
Comcast
NBC Universal

Culture

The Tour de France is a big event that many people in Europe enjoy. Millions of fans watch the race, and some even camp for a week to get the best spot.

The race has always been popular because it helps people feel connected to their country. Books and stories have inspired this feeling, showing the beauty and diversity of France. The Tour has also influenced music, comics, and films, making it a part of everyday culture. Artists and writers have used the race to tell stories and celebrate France.

Doping

Main article: Doping at the Tour de France

See also: Festina affair, Doping at the 1998 Tour de France, Doping at the 1999 Tour de France, Floyd Landis doping case, Doping at the 2007 Tour de France, and Lance Armstrong doping case

The Tour de France has had problems with unfair practices since it began in 1903. Riders sometimes used things like alcohol and medicines to ride better. Over time, rules were created to stop these unfair practices.

Many stories have talked about riders using special substances to improve how they ride. Because of this, race organizers and officials have worked to make sure everyone plays fair. They use more tests and checks to keep the race honest and safe.

Deaths

See also: List of professional cyclists who died during a race

Some cyclists and others have sadly passed away during the Tour de France. For example, in 1910, a French racer named Adolphe Hélière passed away while resting at the French Riviera. In 1935, Spanish racer Francisco Cepeda had an accident on a steep road called the Col du Galibier. In 1967, cyclist Tom Simpson faced health problems while climbing a hill called Mont Ventoux. In 1995, another cyclist, Fabio Casartelli, had a fall at high speed while riding down a mountain road named Col de Portet d'Aspet.

There have also been other incidents where people were hurt or passed away, such as accidents involving vehicles connected to the race and misunderstandings with cars in the parade before the race began. These events remind us of the risks involved in big sporting events.

Records and statistics

Some amazing records have been set in the Tour de France. Eddy Merckx won many awards in one year in 1969. Other riders like Bernard Hinault and Tadej Pogačar came very close to doing the same.

Some riders won the Tour without wearing the yellow jersey until the last day. Jean Robic did this in 1947, and Jan Janssen did it in 1968. Others led from the first day to the last, like Maurice Garin in 1903 and Ottavio Bottecchia in 1924.

Sylvain Chavanel rode in the Tour 18 times, more than anyone else. The closest race ever was in 1989, when Greg LeMond won by only 8 seconds.

Four riders have won the Tour five times: Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin. Induráin won five times in a row, which is a record.

Related events

L'Étape du Tour is a special event where amateur cyclists ride the same paths as the Tour de France. It began in 1993 and happens every July when the main race is not held.

There have been attempts to create a Tour de France race for women. In 2014, a new one-day race called La Course by Le Tour de France started, held at the same time as the men’s race. In 2022, an 8-day race for women called Tour de France Femmes began, and it was won that year by a rider from the Netherlands.

Other Tour de France events have taken place around the world, such as in Saitama, Japan since 2013 and in Singapore since 2022.