1903day.year
Start of first Tour de France bicycle race.
The first Tour de France bicycle race begins, laying the foundation for the world’s most famous cycling event.
On this day in 1903, the inaugural Tour de France set out from Paris, featuring six grueling stages and covering over 2,400 kilometers. Organized by the newspaper L’Auto to boost readership, the race tested riders’ endurance across mountainous and flat terrain. Henri Desgrange served as the race director, introducing rules that would shape future editions. Spectators lined the roads to cheer on the cyclists, creating a festive atmosphere. The Tour de France soon became an annual tradition and a showcase of athletic prowess and national pride.
1903
first Tour de France