The Tour de France was started as a publicity stunt for a newspaper wanting to grow circulation.

Only 21 of 60 riders finished the first race.

Riders rode single speed (fixed gear) bikes in the early days.

Private citizens could ride in the early races.

Riders rode through the night during the first two Tours.

The closest race ever was 8 seconds between 1st and 2nd place.

Only 10 riders finished the 1909 Tour.