Introduction
The Tour de France is one of the most famous and prestigious cycling races in the world. The annual event has been held every year since 1903 and attracts hundreds of thousands of fans and cyclists from around the globe. In this article, we will explore how the Tour de France works, including its history, structure, format, key rules and regulations, and how to follow the race.
Brief History of the Tour de France
The Tour de France was first held in 1903 by the French newspaper L’Auto. The race was created to help boost circulation of the paper and was originally run over six stages and a total distance of 2,428 kilometers (1,510 miles). Over the years, the Tour de France has evolved and grown in popularity, with the 2020 edition consisting of 21 stages and a total distance of 3,470 kilometers (2,157 miles).
Overview of What It Is
The Tour de France is an annual multi-stage bicycle race that takes place primarily in France, although some stages have been held in other countries in Europe. The race is split into 21 stages, each of which is either an individual time trial or a mass-start road stage. The overall winner of the Tour de France is determined by the cumulative time taken to complete all 21 stages.
Structure and Format of the Tour de France
Overview of the Stages
The 21 stages of the Tour de France are divided into nine flat stages, three hilly stages, seven mountain stages, one individual time trial, and one team time trial. The flat stages typically involve long distances, while the hilly and mountain stages are more challenging and feature steep climbs and descents. The individual and team time trials are races against the clock, where riders compete alone or in teams.
Key Rules and Regulations
The Tour de France is governed by a set of rules and regulations set out by the International Cycling Union (UCI). These rules cover everything from the type of bicycle and equipment allowed to the number of riders in each team. There are also strict rules regarding doping and cheating, with violators facing severe penalties.
How to Follow the Tour de France
Live Coverage Options
The Tour de France is broadcast live on television in many countries around the world. In addition, there are several online streaming services available for those who wish to follow the race live. Online coverage usually includes detailed analysis, interviews with riders and team managers, and up-to-date standings.
Notable Moments and Winners
The Tour de France has seen some of the greatest moments in cycling history. The most notable winners include five-time champion Eddy Merckx, seven-time winner Lance Armstrong, and four-time winner Chris Froome. Other memorable moments include Greg LeMond’s dramatic victory in 1989 and Bernard Hinault’s historic win in 1985.
Conclusion
Summary of Information Covered
In this article, we explored how the Tour de France works, including its history, structure, format, key rules and regulations, and how to follow the race. We discussed the various stages of the race, the rules and regulations set out by the UCI, and the various ways to follow the race live.
Resources for Further Reading
For more information about the Tour de France, please visit the official website at letour.fr. Or, you can check out these articles from The Guardian: “What is the Tour de France?”, “The 10 Most Iconic Moments in Tour de France History”, and “The Five Greatest Tour de France Riders of All Time”.
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