2005 - Tour de France
On April 18 Lance Armstrong announces that he is retiring from professional cycling after the 2005 Tour. On July 24, Armstrong wins his seventh and final Tour de France.
2005 - On April 18 Lance Armstrong announces th ...
2004 - Tour de France
Weeks before the start of the Tour de France, Armstrong is accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs in a book written by David Walsh and Pierre Ballester. Even the authors concede that all evidence is circumstantial. The 2004 Tour de France was the 91st Tour de France, taking place from July 3 to July 25, 2004. It was comprised of 20 stages over 3429 km. Lance Armstrong made history, by being the first person to win six Tours de France. Going in, Armstrong was the favorite to win his sixth consective Tour de France, with his major competitors seen as being German Jan Ullrich, Spaniards Roberto Heras and Iban Mayo, and fellow Americans Levi Leipheimer and Tyler Hamilton. The route of the 2004 Tour was a remarkable one. With the two individual time trials both scheduled in the last week, one of them being the epic climb of L'Alpe d'Huez, the directors were hoping for a very close race until the very end of the Tour. For the first time in years, the mountains of the Massif Central made an appearance.
2004 - Weeks before the start of the Tour de Fr ...
2003 - Tour de France
Lance Armstrong wins a fifth Tour de France in five years, just 1:01 ahead of Jan Ullrich. Only Spain's Miguel Indurain has five straight wins.
2003 - Lance Armstrong wins a fifth Tour de Fra ...
2002 - Tour de France
Armstrong wins the Tour de France, becoming one of five riders who have ever won four Tours de France. This places him among cycling greats, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, and Miguel Indurain.
2002 - Armstrong wins the Tour de France, becom ...
2001 - Tour de France
Armstrong's memorable climb to L'Alpe d'Huez, when he bluffed pain before pulling away at a staggering pace, left main rival Ullrich behind and after stretching his advantage in the Pyrenees the American claimed his third straight win.
2001 - Armstrong's memorable climb to L'Alpe d' ...
2000 - Tour de France
Armstrong won back-to-back Tour titles by combining dominance in the mountains with time trialing opportunism, cruising through the final stage into Paris ahead of a strong field that included Jan Ullrich and Marco Pantani.
2000 - Armstrong won back-to-back Tour titles b ...
1999 - Tour de France
In one of the biggest comeback stories in sports, cancer survivor Lance Armstrong won the race, becoming the first American victor since Greg LeMond in 1990 to win the Tour.
1999 - In one of the biggest comeback stories i ...
1998 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableThe Festina Scandal rocks the Tour as the race starts in Ireland for the first time, while drug raids by French police on team hotels almost force the Tour to be abandoned on two occasions.
1998 - The Festina Scandal rocks the Tour as th ...
1998 - Tour de France
Marco Pantani became the first Italian to win the Tour de France since Felice Gimondi won it in 1965.
1998 - Marco Pantani became the first Italian t ...
1997 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableUzbekistan's Dshamolidin Abdushparov becomes the first rider to be disqualified from the tour for taking banned substances.
1997 - Uzbekistan's Dshamolidin Abdushparov bec ...
1997 - Tour de France
Germany's golden boy, Ullrich, races to victory, becoming the first German to ever win the tour.
1997 - Germany's golden boy, Ullrich, races to ...
1996 - Tour de France
Indurain's legs apparently give out on him as he finishes the tour in 10th place and announces his retirement shortly thereafter. Bjarne Riis of Denmark wins, while in his first tour appearance Jan Ullrich of Germany finishes second.
1996 - Indurain's legs apparently give out on h ...
1995 - Tour de France
On July 18th, 1995, during stage 15 of the Tour de France, Fabio Casartelli of Italy crashed on the descent of Col de Portet d'Aspet and was tragically killed. Shortly after his crash, the Motorola team and the Societe du Tour de France placed a memorial stone dedicated to Fabio at the spot where he crashed on the Col de Portet d'Aspet. In 1997, the Tour de France revisited this climb and stopped for a brief moment to honor Fabio's memory.
1995 - On July 18th, 1995, during stage 15 of t ...
1991 - Tour de France
In his seventh tour appearance, Miguel Indurain of Spain finally wins. Indurain goes on to dominate the tour in the '90s, becoming the first cyclist in the history of the race to win five consecutive tours.
1991 - In his seventh tour appearance, Miguel I ...
1990 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableThe first stage victory for a Soviet, Dmitri Konyshev.
1990 - The first stage victory for a Soviet, Dm ...
1990 - Tour de France
Former Tour de France rider Paul Kimmage publishes "Rough Ride", a book blowing the lid on drug-taking and corruption in cycling.
1990 - Former Tour de France rider Paul Kimmage ...
1989 - Tour de France
The departure of the elderly Jacques Goddet leaves the door open for new Tour organization with Jean-Marie Leblanc, a former Tour racer and sports journalist, taking over as director of competitions. Introduction of team invitations based on UCI rankings, with first wild-card teams. Greg LeMond and the 7-Eleven team introduce aero bars to the Tour.
1989 - The departure of the elderly Jacques God ...
1989 - Tour de France
LeMond solidifies his place in the annuals of cycling history, outdueling Laurent Fignon of France between Versailles and Paris. LeMond wins by a mere eight seconds for the second of his three tour wins.
1989 - LeMond solidifies his place in the annua ...
1988 - Tour de France
Pedro Delgado of Spain records the fastest time for a tour in 84:27:53.
1988 - Pedro Delgado of Spain records the faste ...
1986 - Tour de France
Alex Stieda is the first Canadian to wear the yellow jersey, and Greg LeMond becomes the first American to win the Tour. His compatriot and La Vie Claire teammate, Andy Hampsten, takes the white jersey as best young rider.
1986 - Alex Stieda is the first Canadian to wea ...
1984 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableLuis Herrera, a Colombian, wins the L'Alpe d'Huez stage, the first South American stage winner in history.
1984 - Luis Herrera, a Colombian, wins the L'Al ...
1984 - Tour de France
The first Tour de France for women is held in cycling in July over a distance of 616 miles. Marianne Martin of the US wins with an elasped time of 29:39:2. Countrywoman Deborah Shumway comes in third behind the second-place Helen Hage of the Netherlands.
1984 - The first Tour de France for women is he ...
1981 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailablePhil Anderson becomes the first Australian to wear the yellow jersey.
1981 - Phil Anderson becomes the first Australi ...
1978 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableAfter the stage finish at L'Alpe d'Huez, Michel Pollentier, the yellow jersey holder, is disqualified for attempting to cheat the drug control.
1978 - After the stage finish at L'Alpe d'Huez, ...
1978 - Tour de France
As the late 1960s to the mid '70s belonged to Merckx, so do the late '70s and early '80s belong to Bernault Hinault of France. Hinault wins the first of five tours. His final victory comes in 1985 before a doctor advises he quit for health reasons.
1978 - As the late 1960s to the mid '70s belong ...
1975 - Tour de France
Creation of the white jersey to reward the best young rider, and the polka-dot jersey is introduced to mark the best climber. The Tour de France finishes along the Champs Elysees in Paris for the first time.
1975 - Creation of the white jersey to reward t ...
1970 - Tour de France
First entry of Joop Zoetemelk. Zoetemelk’s two claims to fame were that he placed second in the Tour de France a record six times and that he started and finished the Tour de France a record sixteen times.
1970 - First entry of Joop Zoetemelk. Zoetemelk ...
1969 - Tour de France
A young Belgian by the name of Eddie Merckx bursts onto the Tour de France stage. At 24. Merckx is far from unknown after winning several world titles and the Giro d'Italia. Merckx beats second-place Roger Pingeon by about 17 minutes for the first of four straight tour wins. He finishes his career with five.
1969 - A young Belgian by the name of Eddie Mer ...
1967 - Tour de France
Tommy Simpson was the first British person to make his mark in the world of European cycling and became known as a sporting giant. But for some, the way he died has tarnished his name and diminished his achievements. Friday 13, 1967 was the 13th day of that year's Tour de France and racers were tackling the treacherous 6,000ft (1829m) Mt Ventoux. In the searing heat Tommy Simpson began weaving across the road before slipping off his bike. After ordering onlookers to, "put me back on my bike" Tommy continued only a short distance before he collapsed and lost consciousness. He was airlifted to a local hospital but never regained consciousness and died later that day. Tommy Simpson's death shocked participants and those involved in the race, but it was the discoveries after his death that shocked the world. An autopsy showed that Tommy had traces of amphetamines in his blood. Investigators also discovered more of the drugs in his hotel room and the pockets of his jersey. In the wake of Tommy Simpson's death the International Union of Cycling (UCI) banned the use of any performance enhancing drugs in the sport.
1967 - Tommy Simpson was the first British pers ...
1961 - Tour de France
The beginning of the Jacques Anquetil era. Anquetil a time-trial specialist, led the 1961 tour from start to finish. This was his second tour win, his first coming in 1957 and the first of four consecutive tour wins. The tour returns to sponsored teams, marking an end to Desgrange's idea for national teams.
1961 - The beginning of the Jacques Anquetil er ...
1953 - Tour de France
France's Louison Bobet marks the tour's 50th anniversary with the first of three consecutive wins. Along with the creation of the green jersey to reward the sprint points leader.
1953 - France's Louison Bobet marks the tour's ...
1952 - Tour de France
For the first time, television is present at the Tour. Henri Persin holds the camera to shoot daily newsreels, while Georges de Caunes commentates.
1952 - For the first time, television is presen ...
1952 - Tour de France
1952-1953 Two of the most famous climbs of the tour, the Ventoux and the Alpe-d'Huez at 1,912 meters (6272.89 feet) and 1,860 meters (6,102.288 feet) respectively, are added to the tour.
1952 - 1952-1953 Two of the most famous climbs ...
1947 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableAfter a seven-year interruption for World War II, the Tour returns. For the first time, Félix Lévitan appears in the organization of the race as Jacques Goddet's assistant.
1947 - After a seven-year interruption for Worl ...
1940 - Tour de France
August 16, 1940 Henri Desgrange, French cyclist and founder of the Tour de France, dies at 75.
1940 - August 16, 1940 Henri Desgrange, French ...
1937 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableDerailleurs are used widely for the first time at the Tour.
1937 - Derailleurs are used widely for the firs ...
1936 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableSick, race founder Henri Desgrange leaves the Tour after the second stage. The young editor of L'Auto, Jacques Goddet, succeeds him.
1936 - Sick, race founder Henri Desgrange leave ...
1935 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableSpain's Francesco Cepeda dies after he plunges down a ravine while descending Mount Galabier (2,645 meters) in the Alps.
1935 - Spain's Francesco Cepeda dies after he p ...
1934 - Tour de France
For the 1934 Tour de France, the French team included Georges Speicher, the 1933 TdF winner and World Champion, Roger Lapebie, who would win the Tour in 1937, and previous tour winner Antonin Magne. Rene Vietto, just 20 years old and a hotel busboy before turning pro, was a controversial selection to the powerful French team despite his proven climbing abilities. His role was to be a domestique, or “servant” to the captain of the team. Antonin Magne, wearing the yellow jersey signifying the leader of the Tour, crashed on stage 15, badly wrecking his front wheel. Vietto dutifully stopped to give Magne his front wheel and waited for the team support car to bring him a replacement wheel as Magne continued on. The following day saw another big stage in the mountains; Vietto was the first over the first two passes, slowing on the descents to allow his team leader to catch up. Magne, however, had crashed once again. Vietto continued on, unaware of Magne’s predicament, and the resulting time gap allowed him to become the de facto race leader. A course marshal on a motorcycle raced up to Vietto to inform him that his team captain was on the side of the road, with other teammates hopelessly behind the yellow jersey. In one of the most selfless acts of loyalty and sportsmanship ever seen in any team sport, Vietto turned his bike around and rode back up the mountain into the pack of descending riders, back to his fallen team leader in order to give Magne his bike. Magne mounted Vietto’s bike and with the help of a waiting Lapabie, managed to close the gap to preserve his overall race lead and win the 1934 Tour. Had Vietto continued to ride ahead the race lead would have been his, and would not have been faulted in doing so, for there were six other teammates behind Magne when he crashed. Rene Vietto would wear the yellow jersey in future races, but would never go on to win the Tour de France. He would, however hold a special place in the hearts of all those who admire true acts of sportsmanship and class.
1934 - For the 1934 Tour de France, the French ...
1933 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableCreation of the "King of the Mountains" competition.
1933 - Creation of the "King of the Mountains" ...
1930 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableDesgrange, in an attempt to end team domination, decides to reformat the race by picking the competitors himself and organizing them into national teams. Desgrange opens the tour to advertising for the first time in an attempt to cover the expenses as l'Auto would be fiscally responsible for the teams. It's also the year of the first live radio broadcasts.
1930 - Desgrange, in an attempt to end team dom ...
1929 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableThe first radio transmissions of the Tour.
1929 - The first radio transmissions of the Tou ...
1926 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableFor the first time, the Tour doesn't start in the Paris region, but from the provincial town of Evian, while few take notice of the first Japanese rider, Kisso Kawamuro, who abandons on the first stage.
1926 - For the first time, the Tour doesn't sta ...
1926 - Tour de France
The 1926 Tour was the longest in its history (5,745 km), with 17 stages averaging 338 km. Buysse took the lead on stage 10 by attacking during a furious storm on the Col d'Aspin in the Pyrenees, gaining almost an hour during the stage over his team leader Bottecchia. Bottecchia abandoned on the same stage and Buysse arrived in Paris as the champion in 238:44:25.
1926 - The 1926 Tour was the longest in its his ...
1923 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableCreation of bonuses for winners of the stages. Outside mechanical assistance is allowed for the first time and the total purse reaches 100,000 francs. L'Auto prints 1 million issues the morning after Henri Pelissier's victory.
1923 - Creation of bonuses for winners of the s ...
1919 - Tour de France
This tour is reminiscent of pre-war days with the older cyclists dominating because the war prevented younger riders from practicing. Desgrange introduces the yellow jersey to identify the overall leader. The color yellow is chosen because it's the same color as the newspaper l'Auto, the race sponsor. Eugene Christophe of France is the first rider to ever wear the yellow jersey on July 18, 1919.
1919 - This tour is reminiscent of pre-war days ...
1915 - Tour de France
No Picture
Available1915-1918 No tour because of World War I. Past Tour champions Faber, Petit-Brenton and Octave Lapize die.
1915 - 1915-1918 No tour because of World War I ...
1914 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableCreation of race numbers affixed to the riders' bike frames.
1914 - Creation of race numbers affixed to the ...
1913 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableThe order of the mountains is reversed: for the first time, the Pyrénées are climbed before the Alps. An 18-year-old Tunisian, Ali Neffati, becomes the youngest to participate in the race.
1913 - The order of the mountains is reversed: ...
1911 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableThe first ascents of the high Alps, with the Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier.
1911 - The first ascents of the high Alps, with ...
1910 - Tour de France
Race director Henri Desgrange directs the tour through the Pyrenees for the first time, with the notable inclusion of the Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque passes. Gustave Garrigou, the only one to have climbed the Tourmalet without putting foot to earth, receives a bonus of 100 francs. Adolpho Hilieri of Italy is the first tour fatality when he has a bathing accident on a rest day.
1910 - Race director Henri Desgrange directs th ...
1909 - Tour de France
In the first seven days of the tour 50 riders are forced out. Riding in his third tour, 22-year-old Francois Faber is compared by both the public and the media to Pottier, especially when he wins five consecutive stages, one better than Pottier. Faber finishes with six stage wins, prompting his manager to reportedly call him "the god who came down to ride a bicycle."
1909 - In the first seven days of the tour 50 r ...
1908 - Tour de France
Lucien Petit-Breton of France becomes the first multiple and consecutive winner of the tour in 1907 and 1908.
1908 - Lucien Petit-Breton of France becomes th ...
1907 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableFor the first time, the Tour goes beyond the French border. It passes through Geneva, Switzerland, during the Lyon-Grenoble stage.
1907 - For the first time, the Tour goes beyond ...
1906 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableThe creation of the red flag, to indicate the last kilometer of the day's stage.
1906 - The creation of the red flag, to indicat ...
1905 - Tour de France
No Picture
AvailableStages are shortened in an effort to cut down on the long night stages. The Ballon d'Alsace is added, becoming the first major climb of the event. Rene Pottier proves his standing as the first true climber, winning despite pulling a muscle in a fall the day before the stage including the Ballon d'Alsace. However, Pottier withdraws from the tour the following day.
1905 - Stages are shortened in an effort to cut ...
1903 - Tour de France
On July 19,1903 21 of the 60 riders finished. The Spectators at Paris' Parc de Princes velodrome saw Maurice Garin win the final stage and the Tour. The final finisher came in over two days later. Garin was given a green armband to signify his lead during the 1903 Tour de France, and the Lanterne Rouge was used to designate the rider in last place. Arsene Millocheau has the dubious fame of being the first Lanterne Rouge or Red Lantern by coming in at 64 hours, 57 minutes and 8 seconds behind Garin in total time. The famed "Yellow Jersey" worn by the leader Of the Tour would not be adopted until 1919.
1903 - On July 19,1903 21 of the 60 riders fini ...
1903 - Tour de France
On Jan 19, 1903, L'Auto announced the first Tour de France. It was to be "the greatest cycling trial in the entire world. A race more than a month long: Paris to Lyon to Marseille to Toulouse to Bordeaux to Nantes to Paris." The first schedule was for a 5 week race with a May 31 start and a finish in Paris on July 5. The winner would be the racer with the lowest elapsed time racing after the 6 stages. This total time was and still is called the "General Classification". With a week to go before the start only 15 riders were signed up. As a sign of the adaptability and willingness to change that has always characterized the Tour, Desgrange shortened and re-scheduled the race to a July 1 start and July 18 finish. There would be 2 to 4 rest days between each of the stages except for stage 4, which would be held the day after the 268 kilometer third stage. To attract more riders, expense money of 5 francs a day was promised to the first 50 racers who signed up and a 20,000 franc purse of prize money was dangled. Desgrange got his first peloton. 60 riders departed from the now famous Cafe au Réveil-Matin in Montgeron on the southern outskirts of Paris at 3:16 PM, July 1.
1903 - On Jan 19, 1903, L'Auto announced the fi ...