5 facts about Tour de France 1903
The first Tour de France started at 3 pm on the 1st of July in 1903 from the Café au Reveil Matin (Paris).
the first tour de france
Faces from the peloton: Hippolyte Aucouturier (1876-1944)
Although the idea of a French cyclist in a striped shirt might seem like a little bit of a cliché, sometimes stereotypes are carrying quite much truth in themselves. Just take a look at Hippolyte Aucouturier! One of the most iconic characters from the early days of road cycling races. Nevertheless, he was not only … Read more
1 July 1903 The first Tour de France started
The first Tour de France was held between 1 and 18 July 1903, included only 6 stages. (However, the complete route was 2428 km long.)60 riders started and 21 finished the race.The fist Tour de France was won by Maurice Garin.
Green armband for the leader of the general classification
The legendary yellow jersey was introduced to Tour de France only in 1919. But already during the first edition of the race there was a sign distinguishing the leader of the general classification from other participants: a green armband. Maurice Garin led the general classification from the very first stage and later won the race. MORE … Read more
From Garin to Catteau – top10 cyclists of Tour de France 1903
Surely, most cycling fans know, that Maurice Garin won the first Tour de France in 1903. But have you ever wonder, who else were in the top ten of the first edition? This post might answer your question. 1. Maurice Garin (1871-1957) One of the stars of the early years of road cycling races. Read … Read more
The Tour de France stage, that started at 9 pm
In the early days of road cycling races, when the courses were over 300 km long or even longer and the riders sat in the saddle for a half a day (or even longer), it was usual, that the race started in the middle of the night or very early at dawn. It was the … Read more
From the youngest Tour de France winner to the cyclist with glass eye
Record holder Vuelta a Espana stage winners, fan favourite vintage cycling images, cycling fun facts, unique stories and great personalities. Take a look at the latest updates on PelotonTales blog. Every website has small, but recurring costs. If you like to read the posts on PelotonTales blog and would like to help to maintain the … Read more
Tour de France winners: Maurice Garin (1903)
Maurice Garin (1871-1957), the winner of the first Tour de France became a professional cyclist only accidentally. Garin was racing as amateur already (he won his first race in 1893), when he decided to start at a race near to his hometown. He learned only at the start of the race, that this was an … Read more
Iconic vintage image of the day: the start of the first Tour de France
There is a café in the Parisian suburb Mortgeon, that witnessed cycling history in 1903. Cafés played an important role in the early years of Tour de France helping to organise the races. On the afternoon of 1 July 1903, people gathered on the street in front of the café Au Reveil Matin‘s building: the first Tour … Read more
Iconic Places: Where the First Tour de France Started
There is a café-restaurant in the Parisian suburb Mortgeon, that witnessed cycling history 117 years ago. On the afternoon of 1 July 1903, people gathered on the street in front of the café Au Reveil Matin‘s building: the first Tour de France was ready to start. Originally 78 riders signed up to the race, and … Read more