One of the famous cycling races of the world, Tour de France is held every year in the month of July. Spanning over 22 days the race involves a distance of around 3000 Kilometers. Tour de France is one of the most important discipline’s of Sports in France . This important cycling race runs through both plains and hills. Apart from France Tour de France crisscrosses many other neighboring countries like Spain, Belgium and England. Around twenty two international teams consisting of nine participants each enter into this prestigious cycling event. As a rule only top professional cycling teams of the world are invited to participate in tour de France. Like Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy) and Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain) which are famous long distance road cycling races of the world, Tour de France also consists of many stages. Each stage in itself is an unique race.The time taken to finish each stage is noted . The winner of Tour de France is chosen by adding all these individual stage timings.
Sports in France has always benefited from its close ties with media. French Media plays a pivotal role in publicizing countries sporting events. Many of the prestigious sports tournament of France are sponsored by media. In particular Tour de Franc is creation of media . The leading French Sports newspaper L’Equipe through its Sports wing Amaury Sport Organization organizes Tour de France . The first Tour de France was held in 1903 under the aegis of L’Equipe.
Cycling fans from all over the world gather to watch Tour de France the ultimate cycling race of France. Tour de France is one of the most important events of Sports in France which is viewed by millions of spectators all along the cycling route.
Tour de France has always attracted the best cycling talent of the world . Great cyclists like Greg Lemond, Lance Armstrong, and Eddy Merckx have left indelible mark on Tour de France one of the greatest extravaganza of sports in France .
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In particular the legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong holds the world record of winning Tour de France seven times in a row . Armstrong was the Tour de France champion from 1999 to 2005. The winner of the first Tour de France in 1903 was French Maurice Garin. The 2007 champion of Tour de France is Spaniard Alberto Contador.
The prize money offered at Tour de France has increased by a very large proportion. The cash prize of 20000 Francs was awarded to the first champion of this great cycling race of France. Incidentally 20000 Francs is equivalent to around 3049 EUR. Today the champion receives more than 450,000 EUR. The next Tour de France will be held from 5th July 2008 to 27th July 2008.
To understand these annual sports events better please click on the following links.
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