Tour de Francia - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Tour de France is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in France, although it occasionally passes through neighboring countries.
- 2. The race was first organized in 1903 by newspaper L'Auto as a means to increase circulation. It has since become one of the most prestigious and well-known cycling events in the world.
- 3. The Tour de France is typically held in July and lasts around three weeks, with cyclists covering over 2,000 miles during the race.
- 4. The race consists of 21 stages, including flat stages, mountain stages, time trials, and rest days. The route changes each year, with different cities and regions of France hosting the start and finish of each stage.
- 5. The yellow jersey, or maillot jaune, is worn by the overall leader of the race. Cyclists compete for various other jerseys, including the green jersey for the best sprinter and the polka dot jersey for the best climber.
- 6. The most successful cyclist in Tour de France history is Belgian rider Eddy Merckx, who won the race five times between 1969 and 1974.
- 7. The most recent winner of the Tour de France is Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia, who won the 2021 edition of the race.
- 8. The race has faced controversy in the past due to doping scandals involving top riders. The most notable case was the Lance Armstrong doping scandal, which led to the American cyclist being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.
- 9. The Tour de France attracts millions of spectators each year, both in person along the race route and on television. It is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
- 10. The race is known for its grueling mountain stages, challenging time trials, and unpredictable weather conditions. It requires a combination of strength, endurance, and tactical skill to succeed in the Tour de France.