2003 marked the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France. It was initially organised to give publicity to a French cycling newspaper, but over time has become one of the most demanding sporting endurance tests. Covering over 3000km and taking stages up the steepest climbs through the Alps and Pyrenees, the Tour’s popularity surpasses its sporting interest becoming a legend in itself. This photographic essay by Robert Capa from 1935 documents an era before the commercial overload, technical equipment and drugs scandals of today’s Tour and offers a image of pre-War France.