Every July, the cycling world turns its attention to Europe as the Tour de France takes centre stage. This gruelling three-week staged race isn’t just a sporting spectacle, it’s also a potent force that influences cycling across the globe.
We’re exploring how the Tour de France cranks up enthusiasm for cycling each year, and take a peek at the 2024 edition of the race.
What is the Tour de France?
Tour de France 2024 is currently underway but when did the Tour de France originate and what exactly does this world-renowned sporting event involve?
The oldest and – widely considered most prestigious – of the three Grand Tours, the Tour de France was first held in 1903 and has taken place every year since, with the exception of World War I and II.
The route for this men’s cycling race changes each year but the format stays the same, with timed stages taking place across 21 days and covering a total distance of approximately 2,200 miles.
The Wider Impact of the Tour de France
The impact of the Tour de France doesn’t just extend to the professional cycling community. It also inspires amateur and would-be cyclists to get into the saddle too. L’Etape is a series of amateur cycling events held at locations across the globe, allowing cyclists to experience the Tour de France legend for themselves, The event also inspires weekend rides, social meets and inspires newbie cyclists to join clubs.
Tour de France is also a testing ground for cutting-edge cycling technology, from increasingly lightweight cycling gear and components to aerodynamic bikes. New tech showcased at the race then filters its way through to equipment and road bikes available to cycling enthusiasts.
There’s also a significant economic impact to the Tour as millions line the route to cheer on the competitors and soak up the atmosphere. This leads to an increase in tourism to the area and provides an annual boost for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops.
The 2024 Tour de France
The 2024 Tour de France started with the Grand Départ in Florence, Italy on 29th June and will conclude in Nice, France on the 21st July. This will be the first time since the race’s inception that the Tour de France won’t finish in Paris, as a result of the city hosting the Olympics, commencing July 26th.
This year’s Tour de France route has been described by many as particularly tough and includes 21 stages, comprising hilly stages, flat stages and mountain stages, interspersed with two rest days and individual time trials. Riders will pass through four countries and four mountain ranges – the Apennines in Italy, the Alps, Massif Central and the Pyrenees, with a total vertical gain of 52,230 metres (approximately 32 miles)!
A mountainous course from Nice to Col de la Couillole has been designed for the 20th stage scheduled on the penultimate day of the race, while the 21st stage will be contested in a 35-km time trial on the final day- Sunday 21st of July, between Monaco and Place Masséna in Nice.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Tour de France is more than just a race, over the decades it’s also become a cultural phenomenon with a significant and lasting impact on cycling. From encouraging professional cyclists to push themselves further to break race records to people dusting off their saddles, inspired by the drama, spectacle and dizzying heights of the Tour.
