Tour De France is one of the most popular and well-known cycling races in the world. Every year, millions of people tune in to watch the race and see who will be crowned the winner.
But what many people don’t know is that there is a lot more to the race than just the cycling. Here are 10 secrets about Tour De France that you may not know:
1. The race is much longer than it used to be
When the race was first created, it was only 3 weeks long. Now, it typically lasts for around 4 weeks. This is because the organizers have added more stages to the race over the years in order to make it more challenging.
2. There are usually around 200 riders in the race
While the number of riders in the race can vary from year to year, there are typically around 200 riders that start the race. Of those, only around half will finish the race.
3. The winner of the race is usually decided in the final stage
While there are points awarded for each stage of the race, the overall winner is usually decided in the final stage. This is because the final stage is typically a longer and more difficult stage than the others.
4. The race is held mostly in France
Despite its name, the Tour De France is not actually held entirely in France. The race will often start in other countries, such as Belgium or Spain, before making its way into France.
5. The race is held in the summer
The Tour De France is always held in the summer months, typically July. This is because the weather is generally better for cycling during this time of year.
6. There are 21 stages in the race
The race is typically divided into 21 stages, with each stage being a different type of race. For example, there are stages that are specifically for mountain biking and others that are for sprinting.
7. The winner of the race wears a yellow jersey
The rider that is in first place at the end of each stage wears a yellow jersey. This tradition started in 1919 and has continued ever since.
8. There is a lot of money at stake
The prize money for the Tour De France is typically around 2.5 million euros. This money is divided up among the riders based on their final standings in the race.
9. The race is televised in over 190 countries
The Tour De France is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. It is televised in over 190 countries and has an estimated global television audience of 3.5 billion people.
10. The race is over 100 years old
The first Tour De France was held in 1903 and it has been held every year since then, with a few exceptions during World War I and World War II. The race has become a tradition for many people around the world and is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.