The greatest bicycle race of all time began in 1903 as a publicity stunt for the French cycling magazine l'Auto. That inaugural Tour de France stretched an astonishing 2,500 km (about 1,550 miles) across 19 days and six brutal stages.

Sixty riders were expected to pedal day and night, through wind, rain, and exhaustion. The winner? French-Italian chimney sweep turned champion Maurice Garin, who etched his name in history with unmatched grit.

Every year since, almost one billion people throughout the world follow the Tour de France, with its routes and difficulties changing over the years. Often described as the equivalent of running twenty marathons in twenty days, the race currently runs 3462 kilometers over 3 weeks, with a stage a day.

"The bicycle," said writer William Saroyan, "is the noblest invention of mankind."

With almost 200 riders in the race, all striving to ride ahead in the peloton (main pack) and wear the prized Yellow Jersey, maillot jaune, the sign of who currently overall leads the race.

"That yellow jersey has made me aware of my real abilities," explained race participant Thomas Voeckler.

Other colored jersey includes the green—maillot vert—for sprint points and the polka dot—maillot pois—or King of the Mountain, the rider first over the top on all mountain and hill climbs. The white jersey is worn by the best young rider (25 years old or younger).

"Everything," said writer Stephen Crane, "is bicycle."

Le Tour's global popularity has surged in recent years, captivating fans with its blend of endurance, strategy, and breathtaking landscapes. With torrid days in the Pyrenees and wicked Alpine ascents, cyclists prepare physically and mentally to overcome the race’s intense challenges. In this competition, only the fittest survive.

The race is a testament to resiliency and passion... and as millions of manic fans will confess... is a joy to watch. As writer H. G. Wells once observed, "Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia."