🚵Tour de France 2025!

Did you know that a Reno native* was a three-time winner of the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is much more than a cycling race—it's a cultural and historical phenomenon full of fascinating stories. We'll be sharing fun facts with you throughout the next month as the race runs from July 5 to July 27, 2025.

Here is the direct link to the official website.

Historical Origins:

• The Tour de France was founded in 1903 by Henri Desgrange, a journalist and editor of the French sports newspaper L'Auto.

• The race's original purpose was to boost newspaper sales and attract readers.

• The first Tour de France was a six-stage race, with Maurice Garin winning the inaugural edition.

Unique Features:

• The yellow jersey ("maillot jaune") was introduced in 1919 to easily identify the race leader.

• The Tour de France doesn't always start in France; it has started in various other European countries.

• The race is known for its long stages, often exceeding 100 miles in summer-time temperatures.

• Riders can consume a large amount of calories during the race, around 5,000-7,000 per day.

• The Alpe d'Huez is one of the most iconic mountain climbs in the Tour de France.

• The race attracts millions of spectators along the roadside that can sometimes create dangerous havocs.

Surprising Facts:

• Riders in the early days of the Tour de France were often required to forage for food.

• Some riders in the past were known to use painkillers, alcohol, and even strychnine for performance enhancement.

• There have been several incidents where riders have died during the race, including Tom Simpson who died on Mont Ventoux in 1967.

• The Tour de France has been a symbol of French unity and resilience, particularly after World War II.

• The race has been known to start in Italy, as it did in 2024, with the first four stages taking place in Italy.
  

  * Reno native, Greg LeMond, won the Tour de France in 1986, 1989 and 1990.