Tour de France History

The Tour de France was created in 1903 by Henri Desgrange to boost sales of the newspaper L'Auto — the race covered 2,428 km and was won by Maurice Garin. It has been held every year except during the World Wars, growing into the world's most prestigious cycling race and one of sport's most grueling events. Riders cover approximately 3,500 km in 21 stages over 23 days. Eddy Merckx (5 wins, 1969–1974) and Lance Armstrong (7 stripped titles, 1999–2005) bookend modern Tour history. Bernard Hinault (France, 5 wins), Miguel Indurain (Spain, 5 consecutive wins 1991–95), and Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard's current rivalry represent different eras. The yellow jersey (maillot jaune), worn by the overall leader, is the most coveted garment in cycling.