Originally organized over 110 years ago to help sell magazines (remember those?), this competition covers 2,000 miles of strenuous terrain over more than three weeks. Although the majority of the race, which changes every year, is held in the French countryside, several stages weave their way through neighboring nations.
Over the course of the race, there are 21 individual stages, and at the end of each stage, the cyclist with the lowest overall time earns the privilege to begin the next stage wearing a yellow jersey. At the conclusion of the final stage in Paris, the overall winner of the race is crowned the champion and is the final rider awarded the yellow jersey.
22 teams compete in the Tour, with each composed of nine riders dressed in identical uniforms; unless of course, one of them is currently top cheese and gets to wear yellow. Awards are given to the top team and the top individual, who is awarded close to $1 million.
Millions of people around the world watch the Tour on TV, while millions more admire the sporting event as live spectators. With 36 overall winners, France holds the record for most wins. Lance Armstrong, who had held the title for most consecutive wins – with seven – was stripped of his titles due to his use of illegal substances.
Although recently mired in controversy stemming from doping scandals, the Tour is as popular as ever with over 10 million spectators in attendance in 2014.
France
United States
Italy
Brazil