Article by Tim Oswald
If you are looking for an all-round bike, a mountain bike might be appropriate. If the Tour de France has inspired you, then a cycle is the best option for road cycling.
Beginnings and Early DaysThis long distance cycling race we know as the Tour De France was dreamt up, incredibly, by a cycling journalist at the L’Auto sports newspaper in an attempt to challenge the dominant Le Velo sports newspaper, L’Auto’s bitter rival. The first Tour de France in 1903 only attracted fifteen riders due to the high cost to riders and the requirement for overnight riding. This assisted those involved in the widespread cheating which occurred in the first race, including some that allegedly caught lifts with cars and trains. With subsequent tours occurring within the daytime, the race caught on with the general public. L’Auto’s circulation increased several fold in a short time.
Unusual Tour EventsPrior to 1930, any individual could enter the tour., giving the tour a character quite different from the organised professionalism and sponsored teams competing nowadays. Cyclists were required to compete as part of national teams from 1930 to 1961. This was an attempt by the organiser to eliminate what he saw as the underhanded tactics of some sponsoring bicycle manufacturers who he felt were manipulating the event. Sponsored teams returned after this time.
