Cycling’s toughest competitors will line up their bikes in the Corsican town of Porto-Vecchio on June 29 for the centenary edition of the Tour de France. Three weeks of extreme climbs and lightning-fast time trials await.



If their exploits leave you feeling inspired, why not try one of these extreme rides? Hefty thighs, iron will and a capacity for saddle sore required. | By Joe Minihane, Lonely Planet



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