The First Tour de France

The 1903 Tour de France was a vibrant spectacle full of adventure and mishaps, featuring cyclists on heavy, single-gear bikes tackling challenging roads for three weeks. With a diverse lineup of participants—including a butcher, a chimney sweep, and a circus acrobat—this inaugural race was anything but traditional. It began in Montgeron and wound through major cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse, ultimately culminating in a grand celebration at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Despite initial doubts about its appeal, the event became a sensational success, forever changing the world of cycling.