The Official History Of The Tour De France
The Tour de France is the biggest cycling event in the world. It's a race that is known for its grueling mountain climbs, its breakneck sprints, and its stunning scenery. But what is the history of the Tour de France? How did it become such an iconic event? In this article, we'll take a look at the official history of the Tour de France.
Origins of the Tour de France
The Tour de France was first held in 1903. It was the brainchild of a French journalist named Géo Lefèvre and his editor, Henri Desgrange. Lefèvre proposed the idea of a race that would cross France, cover around 2,500 kilometers over six days, and be open to both professional and amateur cyclists. Desgrange loved the idea and set out to create the race.
The first Tour de France was a huge success, with 60 cyclists taking part. The race covered 2,428 kilometers over 19 days and was won by Maurice Garin. The race was instantly popular, with huge crowds lining the route to watch the cyclists pass by.
The Early Years of the Tour de France
During the early years of the Tour de France, the race was dominated by French riders. Between 1903 and 1939, French riders won 36 out of the 37 Tours. The only exception was the 1909 Tour, which was won by Luxembourg's François Faber.
The race continued to grow in popularity throughout the early 20th century, with more and more spectators turning out to watch the cyclists. The race route also became more challenging, with the addition of grueling mountain climbs that tested the riders to their limits.
The Modern Era of the Tour de France
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Tour de France began to attract international riders. The first non-French rider to win the race was Switzerland's Ferdi Kübler, who won in 1950. The race also began to be broadcast on television, which brought it to an even wider audience.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Tour de France became more commercialized, with more money being invested in the race. The race also became more competitive, with riders from around the world competing for the coveted yellow jersey.
The 1990s saw some of the most dramatic moments in the history of the Tour de France. In 1998, the Festina Affair saw nine riders arrested for drug offenses, which forced the race to undergo a major overhaul of its anti-doping policies. In 1999, Lance Armstrong won the first of his seven Tour de France titles, although these victories would later be stripped due to his involvement in doping scandals.
The Tour de France Today
Today, the Tour de France is still the biggest cycling event in the world. The race attracts riders from all over the globe, and is watched by millions of people around the world. The race route still includes some of the toughest climbs in the world, and the competition is as fierce as ever.
Despite some dark moments in its history, the Tour de France remains a celebration of human endurance and athleticism. It's a race that has captivated audiences for over a century, and will continue to do so for many years to come.
