It’s the most important cycling race of the year. All of the biggest names are involved. Eternal glory is on the line. Le Tour de France is the Super Bowl of cycling — if the Super Bowl ran for 21 days straight. It’s a physical and mental test that challenges even the fittest of riders. Mechanical doping, regular doping, poop doping(?) and a host of other scandals are near-guaranteed to surface. It’s a spectacle, and one worth tuning into whether it’s for one stage or the full race.
Quick Facts
Le Tour de France in Bullet Points
When: July
First Year: 1903
Length: 21 days; 2,000 – 2,200 miles
Why It’s Great: This is the Big Dance — the one race that, without fail, is contested by all of the world’s top riders. In fact, in relation to the Tour, every race beforehand almost becomes training, and every one afterwards a recovery ride.
Distinguishing Traits: Challenged by all of the world’s top riders. A straight week of pancake-flat stages at the start gives sprinters a good crack at the maillot jaune, but also contributes to overly conservative, formulaic racing by the all-rounders competing for the final podium. A wildly international peloton. Off-the-hook parties along the route, especially along alpine passes.
