Tour de France

Perhaps the most grueling of all the sporting events is back on the minds of Americans. With the return of Lance Armstrong after coming out of retirement, perhaps this years event the most compelling Tour de France ever. Here are some quick notes about the Tour de France.

• Covers 3,500 kilometers or 2,200 Miles (the 1926 Tour went for 5,745 km!).
• The 23 day race first was charted in 1903.
• 2009 Race goes from July 4th to July 26th.
• The rider who is in the lead wears a Yellow Jersey the second rider wears a Green one.
• Over 500 towns and villages have hosted the Tour de France of it’s history.
• The Grand Start happens in Monaco and since 1975 the race has finished on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
• The 21 Stages are broken down into; Time Trials, Flat stages, Medium-mountain stages and High-mountain stages.
• 2009 Winner will receive 450,000 euros.
• The highest climb in the race was the Col de la Bonette in 2008 topping off at 2715 metres (8,900 ft).
• Lance Armstrong has the most number of Tour wins at 7 while France leads all countries at 36 wins.
• Can be watched in the US on the Versus Network.
• Stage By Stage break down: Tourist Guide

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