An Animated History of the Tour de France (Video)

A Few Random Facts About the Tour de France: Did you know?

• The Tour de France was started as a publicity stunt for a newspaper wanting to grow circulation.
• Only 21 of 60 riders finished the first race.
• Riders rode single speed (fixed gear) bikes in the early days.
• Private citizens could ride in the early races.
• Riders rode through the night during the first two Tours.
• The closest race ever was 8 seconds between 1st and 2nd place.
• Only 10 riders finished the 1909 Tour.
• 3.5 billion people watch the Tour de France annualy