The Tour De France History
Originally posted on & updated on 19th April, 2025
The Tour de France is more than a cycling race; it’s a huge phenomenon that has captivated audiences for over a century. From its humble beginnings to its current status as the world’s most prestigious cycling event, the Tour de France has a history filled with iconic moments, legendary riders and unforgettable rivalries.
From Humble Beginnings to Huge Phenomenon
The Tour de France was born in 1903 as a clever marketing ploy by the newspaper L’Auto. The plan was to boost circulation by creating an exciting event that would draw readers. The first race, held on July 1, 1903, featured 60 riders who embarked on a gruelling 2,428-kilometre journey around France. The winner, Maurice Garin, completed the race in an astonishing 94 hours and 33 minutes.
Over the years, the Tour de France has grown exponentially, becoming a symbol of endurance, strategy, and athletic prowess. Today, it attracts millions of spectators and is broadcast to a global audience, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
The first annual Tour de France race took place over a century ago on the 1st of July 1903. A local chief cycling journalist, Geo Lefevre, came up with the idea of individuals and teams racing around the perimeter of France to promote the publication he worked for, L’Auto. The race was broken into stages, and the winner received 12,000 francs (approximately £1,200). Although the route has changed since the earlier races, they continue to end in Paris, and since 1975, the final stage has been along the Champs-Élysées.
Key Milestones in Tour de France History
The Tour de France is marked by several key milestones that have shaped its legacy:
- 1919: The yellow jersey (maillot jaune) was introduced to distinguish the race leader.
- 1910s: The first mountain stages were added, challenging riders with steep climbs and treacherous descents.
- 1930: The national teams format was introduced, allowing countries to field their own teams.
- 1953: The green jersey (maillot vert) was introduced for the points classification, rewarding the best sprinter.
These milestones have not only added excitement to the race but also contributed to its strategic complexity, making it a test of physical endurance and tactical acumen.
The War Years and the Tour’s Survival
The Tour de France has faced significant challenges, particularly during the World Wars. The race was suspended during both WWI and WWII, but it triumphantly returned each time. The post-war years saw the Tour de France regain momentum, with new routes, more international participation, and increased media coverage. The resilience of the Tour de France during these turbulent times is a testament to its enduring appeal and the dedication of its organisers and fans.
Legendary Riders and Rivalries
The Tour de France has produced some of the greatest cyclists in history, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The Greatest Tour de France Champions
- Eddy Merckx: Known as “The Cannibal,” Merckx won the Tour de France five times and holds the record for the most stage wins (34).
- Bernard Hinault: Nicknamed “The Badger,” Hinault, from the region of Brittany, also won the Tour five times and is renowned for his aggressive riding style.
- Miguel Induráin: The Spanish rider won the Tour five consecutive times from 1991 to 1995, dominating the race with exceptional time-trialing skills.
Fierce Rivalries That Defined the Race
- Greg LeMond vs. Laurent Fignon: The 1989 Tour de France saw an epic battle between LeMond and Fignon, with LeMond winning by a mere 8 seconds.
- Lance Armstrong vs. Jan Ullrich: The early 2000s were marked by the intense rivalry between Armstrong and Ullrich, with Armstrong ultimately winning seven consecutive Tours (later stripped due to doping allegations).
Record-Breaking Moments
- Eddy Merckx’s Five Victories: Merckx’s dominance in the 1970s set a benchmark for future champions.
- Tadej Pogačar’s Youngest Champion Win: Pogačar became the youngest winner of the Tour de France in modern times in 2020, at the age of 21.
Iconic Stages and Routes
The Tour de France is famous for its challenging and picturesque routes, which have become legendary in cycling.
Legendary Climbs That Shaped Champions
- Alpe d’Huez: Known for its steep gradients and hairpin turns, Alpe d’Huez in the Isere department has been the stage for many dramatic finishes.
- Mont Ventoux: Often referred to as the “Giant of Provence,” Mont Ventoux in Vaucluse is notorious for its barren landscape and punishing ascent.
- Col du Tourmalet: One of the highest paved roads in the Pyrenees, the Col du Tourmalet is a formidable challenge for even the strongest climbers.
The Most Memorable Tour de France Finishes
From epic sprints to dramatic breakaways, the Tour de France has seen its share of unforgettable finishes. The Champs-Élysées in Paris has been the iconic finishing point since 1975, providing a spectacular backdrop for the race’s grand finale.
How the Route Has Changed Over the Decades
The early routes of the Tour de France were relatively straightforward, focusing on long, flat stages. Over the years, the route has evolved to include more varied terrain, incorporating mountain stages, time trials, and even cobblestone sections. This diversity has added layers of complexity and excitement to the race, making it a true test of versatility and endurance.
These days, many spectators camp along the route days before the event even begins, and some holidaymakers plan their trips around the route, booking rooms at various points along the way to make sure they don’t miss out on any of the action. Plenty of people visit in July each year without even knowing the race is going on or crossing paths with it once.
If you plan to visit France around this time, plan ahead. Several roads will be closed during the three weeks, so make sure you find out in advance if your journey is likely affected. And don’t assume that it will be an easy ride just because the road is open. Remember, there will be many spectators trying to get from one stage to the next, and with most Tour de France stages ending in a completely different city from the one they begin in, there is a lot of ground to be covered.
Fascinating Facts and Hidden Stories
The Tour de France is filled with quirky facts and unusual incidents that add to its charm and mystique.
Quirky Tour de France Facts
- Did you know a rider once drank wine mid-race for “energy”? This was a common practice in the early days of the Tour, when riders relied on whatever they could find to keep going.
- The Tour de France has seen its share of unusual incidents, from cows blocking the road to protests and costumed spectators adding colour to the race.
Unusual Incidents in Tour History
- In 1919, the yellow jersey was introduced to make the race leader more visible to spectators and officials.
- The 1986 Tour de France saw Greg LeMond become the first non-European winner, marking a significant milestone in the race’s history.
The Role of Team Tactics in Tour Success
Teamwork is a crucial element of the Tour de France. From drafting to strategic attacks, the success of a rider often depends on the collective efforts of their team. The domestics, or support riders, play a vital role in protecting the team leader and setting the pace, making team tactics an essential part of the race.
Cultural Impact and Global Reach
The Tour de France has had a profound impact on cycling culture and has become a global phenomenon.
Le Tours’ Influence on Cycling Culture
The race has popularised road cycling worldwide, inspiring countless riders and fans. It has also driven innovations in cycling technology and training methods, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on two wheels.
The Media’s Role in the Tours’ Fame
From black-and-white newspaper photos to live global broadcasts, the media has played a crucial role in the Tour de France’s rise to fame. Today, the race is covered by hundreds of journalists and photographers, bringing the excitement and drama of the Tour to audiences around the world.
Tour de France Traditions and Rituals
The Tour de France is steeped in traditions and rituals that add to its allure. The caravan parade, featuring a procession of colourful floats and promotional vehicles, is a beloved part of the race. The team presentation and the iconic Champs-Élysées finish are also cherished traditions that make the Tour de France a unique and unforgettable experience.
Behind the Scenes of the Tour
The Tour de France is a complex operation that involves much more than just the riders.
How Riders Train
Preparing for the Tour de France requires intense training, meticulous nutrition, and careful recovery strategies. Riders undergo rigorous training regimens, often spending months honing their skills and building their endurance. Nutrition plays a crucial role, with riders consuming thousands of calories daily to fuel their efforts.
The Unsung Heroes
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of mechanics, race directors, and medics work tirelessly to keep the race running smoothly. These unsung heroes ensure the riders have the support they need to compete at the highest level.
The Evolution of Cycling Gear
Cycling gear has evolved significantly from the early days of wool jerseys and steel bikes to today’s carbon fibre speed machines. Modern cycling equipment is lighter, more aerodynamic, and packed with advanced technology, helping riders push the limits of speed and endurance.
The Tour de France is more than just a race; it celebrates human endurance, strategic brilliance, and the indomitable spirit of competition. As it continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide, the Tour de France remains a testament to the power of sport to inspire and unite.
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