About
The mountain stages of the Tour de France — particularly the climbs of Alpe d'Huez (21 hairpin turns, 13.8 km), Mont Ventoux (the 'Giant of Provence'), Col du Galibier, and Col d'Izoard — are the defining tests of professional cycling. These ascents separate champions from the rest, producing the Tour's most dramatic moments.
Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, Lance Armstrong (titles stripped), Alberto Contador, and Tadej Pogačar represent different eras of Tour domination. The 'yellow jersey' (maillot jaune) for the overall leader, the polka-dot 'King of the Mountains' jersey, and the green 'points' jersey are cycling's most coveted garments. Team tactics, aerodynamics, nutrition, and mental strength all determine Tour outcomes.
# Top 10 Cycling Tour de France Stage facts
- 1The Tour de France's highest point, the Col de la Loze, reaches 2,304 meters — climbed at speeds a fit person couldn't walk at
- 2Eddy Merckx is the only rider to win the Tour, World Championship, and Hour Record — considered the greatest cyclist ever
- 3Tour riders consume up to 8,000 calories per day — requiring continuous eating while riding 200+ km stages
Fascinating Facts
- ◆The Tour de France's highest point, the Col de la Loze, reaches 2,304 meters — climbed at speeds a fit person couldn't walk at
- ◆Eddy Merckx is the only rider to win the Tour, World Championship, and Hour Record — considered the greatest cyclist ever
- ◆Tour riders consume up to 8,000 calories per day — requiring continuous eating while riding 200+ km stages
More in Sports4 related
31
Sports
Soccer (Football)
The world's game — 4 billion fans, 200+ countries, one ball.
Interest86/100
11
Sports
Olympics
The world's greatest sporting competition — uniting humanity in athletic excellence since 776 BCE.
Interest83/100
29
Sports
Chess
The game of kings — a 1,500-year-old battle of minds played by 600 million people.
Interest72/100
131
Sports
Basketball
James Naismith's 1891 invention — now the world's second most popular sport.
Interest69/100