Tour de France
The Tour de France is the biggest and most prestigious race in professional cycling. Held over three weeks every July, it is the highlight of the season and one of the largest annual sporting events in the world.
History
First held in 1903, the Tour was created by the newspaper L'Auto to boost its sales. The gamble paid off: the race quickly captured the public imagination and grew into a national institution that today draws millions of roadside spectators and a global television audience.
Its history is written by legends. Five-time winners Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Induráin defined their eras, while modern champions such as Chris Froome and Tadej Pogačar have carried the race into a new golden age. The overall leader wears the famous yellow jersey, coloured after the pages of L'Auto.
Official information & editions
Editions we hosted
Key facts
- First edition
- 1903
- Country
- 🇫🇷 France
- Organiser
- A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organisation)
- Leader's jersey
- Yellow jersey (maillot jaune)
- Race format
- 21 stages, ~3,500 km over three weeks