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Tour de France Timeline
(1903 - Present)The Tour de France is the world's most famous annual men's multiple-stage bicycle race, first organized in 1903 by newspaper L'Auto to boost circulation. Covering roughly 3,500 kilometers through France and neighboring countries over about three weeks each July, it features stages across flat terrain, mountains including the Alps and Pyrenees, and time trials. The race awards the coveted yellow jersey (maillot jaune) to the overall leader and has become cycling's most prestigious event, producing legends like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Lance Armstrong—whose seven titles were later stripped for doping. More Less
Origins and Early Years
First Tour de France organized by Henri Desgrange
Jul 1, 1903 - Jul 19, 1903
The inaugural Tour de France was created by journalist Henri Desgrange of the newspaper L'Auto to boost circulation. Sixty riders started from the Café au Réveil-Matin in Montgeron, and Maurice Garin won the six-stage race, becoming the first champion in Tour history.
Image source: 1903 Tour de France
Maurice Garin wins the first Tour de France
Jul 19, 1903
French-Italian rider Maurice Garin won the first Tour de France by nearly three hours over the runner-up, an astonishing margin that reflected the grueling nature of the early event and cemented his place as the race's first winner.
Image source: Maurice Garin
Cheating scandal disqualifies Garin after 1904 Tour
Nov 30, 1904
After widespread cheating in the 1904 edition, including riders taking trains and fans sabotaging rivals, four top finishers including Maurice Garin were disqualified by the French Cycling Union. Henri Cornet was declared the winner, prompting rule reforms for future races.
Image source: 1904 Tour de France
First ascent of the Tourmalet in the Pyrenees
Jul 27, 1910
The 1910 Tour crossed the Col du Tourmalet for the first time, a decision by Desgrange initially considered madness. Octave Lapize famously shouted 'You are murderers!' at organizers before going on to win the Tour.
Image source: Col du Tourmalet
Introduction of the yellow jersey (Maillot jaune)
Jul 3, 1919
Race organizer Henri Desgrange introduced the yellow jersey to make the race leader more visible to spectators and journalists. The color matched the newsprint of L'Auto, and Eugène Christophe was the first rider to wear it.
Image source: General classification in the Tour de France
Philippe Thys wins his third consecutive Tour
Jun 28, 1920 - Jul 25, 1920
Belgian rider Philippe Thys became the first cyclist to win three Tours de France, taking victories in 1913, 1914, and 1920, interrupted only by World War I. His record stood until Jacques Anquetil matched it decades later.
Ottavio Bottecchia becomes first Italian winner
Jun 21, 1925 - Jul 19, 1925
Italian Ottavio Bottecchia dominated the 1925 Tour de France, winning the overall title and leading from start to finish. He repeated his victory in 1926 but died mysteriously in 1927 while training.
Image source: Ottavio Bottecchia
Nicolas Frantz wins second consecutive Tour
Jul 15, 1928 - Aug 5, 1928
Luxembourg's Nicolas Frantz won back-to-back Tours in 1927 and 1928. In 1928 he famously broke his frame mid-race and borrowed a smaller bike from a boy, riding it for 100 kilometers before finishing second on the stage and still winning overall.
Image source: Nicolas Frantz
Antonin Magne wins first Tour with national teams format
Jul 1, 1931 - Jul 26, 1931
The 1931 Tour adopted national teams, replacing commercial trade teams. Frenchman Antonin Magne won the first edition under this format, beginning a period of French dominance in the race.
Image source: Antonin Magne
Sylvère Maes wins amid technical time trial introduction
Jul 7, 1936 - Aug 2, 1936
Belgian Sylvère Maes won the 1936 Tour de France, which featured individual time trials as a growing element of the race. He also won in 1939, with the race suspended during World War II afterward.
Image source: 1936 Tour de France
Key Facts
- The first Tour de France was held in 1903, created by journalist Géo Lefèvre and newspaper L'Auto to increase sales.
- The yellow jersey (maillot jaune), awarded to the overall race leader, was introduced in 1919.
- Eddy Merckx holds the record for the most stage wins with 34, and shares the record of five overall victories with Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, and Miguel Indurain.
- Lance Armstrong won seven consecutive Tours from 1999 to 2005, but all titles were stripped after a doping scandal revealed in 2012.
- The race typically covers around 3,500 kilometers over approximately 21 stages each July, crossing mountain ranges like the Alps and Pyrenees.
Source
This Tour de France timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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