Amazing Le Tour De France Odd History Information & Weird Facts

The Tour de France is the most famous cycling race and one of the most historic. Therefore, we review it thoroughly with this list of facts and curiosities.

As you probably know, it’s the world’s biggest bike ride. You may even know a little about Lance Armstrong and how he won the race seven times and then was stripped of all his medals.

There are still many interesting facts about the “Tour de France”, which you may still not know, and today we will tell you the most Amazing Le Tour De France History Information & Weird Facts

23-Day Battle For A Yellow Jersey

1. In 2021, the “Tour de France” will be played for the 108th time.
2. This bicycle race, first organized in 1903, is held annually. The “Tour de France” was never canceled unless during World War I (1915-1918) and World War II (1940-1946).
3. The cycling race was originally set as a promotional project by the newspaper L’Auto: They held the competition called Brest – Paris, which is co-sponsored by the newspaper Le Petit Journal, as well as increase the number of subscribers.
4.  The highest number of victories (7) in the cycling race “Tour de France” was claimed by Lance Armstrong, but in 2012 the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) deprived of all its titles. The famous cyclist was charged with doping. But trying to bypass the system, several athletes, since 1903.
5. At first, it was okay for cyclists to drink alcohol, to relieve the pain. However, since alcohol began to be considered a stimulant, its use was prohibited.
6. In 1947, some cyclists even carried a bottle filled with lead, to quickly descend from the mountain tops.
7. Perhaps the biggest trick in the “Tour de France” was known in the early history of the race: the athletes get to the finish line on the train, not on bikes.
8. The winner of the “Tour de France” is rewarded with a yellow jersey, which he gets to wear when participating in the next race.
9. The length of the cycle race usually ranges from 3000-4000 km, which is approximately the distance from London to Jerusalem.
10. More than 12 million spectators stand along the route to watch the race.
11. In the past, before the rules were established, advertisers have used the most ridiculous ways to compete for the viewer’s attention – from acrobats to musicians. Tour de France deaths – Those advertisers even marched in parades before the riders racing. Some observers even died in accidents related to caravans.
12. “Tour de France” is the third-largest television event in the sports world (after the World Cup and Olympics).
13. It may not be surprising, but France is the owner of the largest number of titles achieved – 36 times. It is followed by Belgium (18-times) and Spain (with 12-times).
14. The oddest fact in the history of “Tour de France” was a Swedish cyclist named Magnus Beksted (Magnus Bäckstedt) who weighs 94 kg. He was nicknamed “Big Maggie”.
15. Some fans of the “Tour de France” come to the track weeks before the race takes place, to reserve the best spot and thoroughly examine the track.
16. Tour de France deaths – In the entire history of the “Tour de France” race, 4 athletes have died during the ride. One of them died when he decided to go for a swim in between the tracks.