Introduction to the Tour De France Part 1: Umm so its a big deal right?

Hi - these were written after two BT friends of mine asked me to help them get into the TDF this year.

There are definatley people here on BT with greater knowledge than me on cycling so  if you spot anything that I havent quite got right feel free to make additions.

I will write 1-2 each day until I have covered the basics of the race, teams and competition but are designed for complete Tour newbies!

Introduction to the Tour De France Part 1: It’s a big deal right?

The Tour De France is the biggest annual sporting event in the world in terms of spectators and global coverage. In fact last year 170 countries broadcast the Tour De France and there was an estimated 12 million roadside spectators.  

In terms of sporting events in general it is only smaller than the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

When/Where?

The event take place over 23 days (including 2 rest days) in the month of July and features teams of cyclists riding around France and began in 1903.

Each year they alternate between a clockwise and an anti clockwise route of the country that takes in two mountain ranges: the Pyrenees and the Alps.

The route is different every year with towns submitting applications to the organising body of the Tour De France, the ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) to have their town feature as a departure or arrival town for a stage. (a stage is one day racing from point A to point B)

Type of stages included in the current edition of the Tour De France include flat racing, Time Trials, rolling stages and Mountain climbs.

Riders also often visit towns in surrounding countries such as Italy, Spain and Belgium. In 2007 the Tour De France spent the first two days of the race in England.