Annual Male Bicycle Race In France
Introduction
The Annual Male Bicycle Race in France, commonly known as the Tour de France, is an international multi-stage bicycle race held annually in France during July. The race covers a distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers over 21 day-long stages. The Tour de France is considered one of the most prestigious bicycle races in the world, and attracts top riders from all over the world.
History
The Tour de France was first organized in 1903 by Henri Desgrange, a journalist and cyclist. The race was created to boost sales for the newspaper L'Auto, which Desgrange was the editor of. The first Tour de France had 60 riders and covered a distance of 2,428 kilometers over six stages. The race was an immediate success, and has since become a staple of the cycling calendar.
Format
The Tour de France is a multi-stage race, with each stage lasting one day. The race is divided into 21 stages, with riders covering a total distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers. The riders compete in a variety of different stage types, including time trials, flat stages, and mountain stages. The rider with the lowest cumulative time at the end of the race is declared the winner.
Stages
The Tour de France is divided into 21 stages, with each stage covering a different distance and terrain. The stages are categorized according to their difficulty, with the most difficult stages being the mountain stages. The mountain stages are where the race is usually won or lost, as they require a combination of endurance, strength, and strategy.
Jerseys
There are four different jerseys awarded during the Tour de France. The yellow jersey is awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative time, and is considered the most prestigious jersey. The green jersey is awarded to the rider with the most points, which are earned by winning intermediate sprints and finishing high in stage finishes. The polka dot jersey is awarded to the rider with the most points earned in the mountain stages, while the white jersey is awarded to the best young rider.
Controversies
The Tour de France has had its fair share of controversies over the years. One of the most well-known controversies was the doping scandal involving Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, who won the Tour de France seven times between 1999 and 2005, was found to have used performance-enhancing drugs during his career. His victories were subsequently stripped, and he was banned from cycling for life.
Conclusion
The Annual Male Bicycle Race in France, or the Tour de France, is one of the most prestigious bicycle races in the world. The race attracts top riders from all over the world, and is watched by millions of people each year. Despite its controversies, the Tour de France remains an important part of the cycling calendar, and will continue to be so for many years to come.