The race was first organized in 1903 to increase sales for the newspaper L'Auto. The race has been held annually since its first edition in 1903 except when it was stopped for the two World Wars. [4] As the Tour gained prominence and popularity, the race was lengthened and its reach began to extend around the globe. Participation expanded from a primarily French field, as riders from all over the world began to participate in the race each year.
Traditionally, the race is held primarily in the month of July. While the route changes each year, the format of the race stays the same. The modern editions of the Tour de France consist of 21 day - long segments (stages) over a 23 - day period and cover around 3, 500 kilometres (2, 200 mi). The race alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise circuits of France.
There are usually between 20 and 22 teams, with eight riders in each. The Tour de France is the world's biggest annual sporting event. Nearly 200 cyclists race over 2, 000 miles in just 23 days.
The reigning champ is Great Britain's Chris Froome who has won the race four times: in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
What are the Tour de France jerseys?
The green jersey is the points prize. You get points for being one of the first riders over the line on each stage. It's usually won by a sprinter. Britain's Mark Cavendish is one of the world's best in this category, when he sprints for the line he can get to speeds over 40mph. But the tour isn't just about reaching the highest speeds - it's also known for its uphill struggles. The riders climb thousands of metres up Alpine mountains, with the best rider on those stages winning a snazzy red and white polka dot jersey.
The white Jersey is given to the best young rider - that's someone who's under 25 years old.
But the prize everyone wants is the yellow Jersey. If you are wearing it, you are the overall race leader on total time since the start of the Tour.
Tour champions are often strong at everything - climbing, sprinting and time - trialling.
The 2018 Tour de France is the 105th edition of the Tour de France, it started on the 7th of July and will end on the 29th of July.
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