Tour de France?

If you are just getting into cycling, you have probably found out that it is very hard not to hear about the Tour de France. Especially with the big race just days away!
But hearing about it, and understanding what is going on while watching another year of history being made are completely different. To save you the embarrassment of repeating "What just happened? Who is that? Why is he wearing polka dots again?" over and over, here is a brief rundown of the Tour de France.


The Tour de France is the biggest and greatest race of the pro cycling season. Not only are the mountains, scenery and excitement the best in the world, but all teams involved have their complete A-list rosters battling their hearts out. If something is going to happen, it will happen during the Tour de France.

Know your History

A little comradery as one rider lights the other's cigarette

The first TDF was in 1903. It was all about endurance, with the founder of the race, Henri Desgrange saying he would prefer the distance and feats to be so long, only one person would finish the race. It turned men into super humans, and some into legends.
Through the years it has been raced with fixed gear bikes, up some of the toughest mountains in the world while drinking beer and smoking cigarettes.
The first tour, stages lasted through the night but due to cheating and lack of visibility, it was cut out by the second year.

In today's tour, it is typically 21 stages with a total of no more than 2,200mi (3,500 km).

The Jerseys
There are four jerseys used to signify four different riders during the Tour de France. These jerseys are what all the teams are chasing after

Nobody looks good in polka dots...

White for the best young rider (under the age of 26). This is determined by adding up the times of each stage by the qualifying riders and whoever is making the fastest time is awarded the white jersey.

Polka dot for the king of the mountain (KOM). This jersey is awarded to the rider with the fastest climbs. It may not always be the first up the mountain, but the one who completed it ascent in the shortest time.

Green is for points classification. Points are awarded for riders who finish first, second etc. There are also sprint sections where riders can win extra points. The green jersey is often referred to as the "sprinters jersey" as it favors their style of riding. Some of the fastest men on two wheels, such as Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan have won the green in recent years.

Yellow is the most important jersey. It is the general classification title. The rider who completes all the stages with the fastest average time. It requires an immense amount of strategy, and an entire team driven to capture and hold it.

A smaller accolade is the "prix de la combativite," or most combative rider. This is the rider who has stood out for that day of riding. Whether they surprise everyone with a great feat or drive the peleton to push themselves.
The most combative is recognized by having their rider number printed red instead of black the next day. Seems small, but when you're recognized for your actions and spirit among the greatest in the world, it's something.

Sometimes, cycling isn't the only
thing to watch.

For more information about the 2013 TDF course and some riders to look for next week, try our 2013 Tour Guide


Still not excited about the tour?

Check out this great teaser video!