So here we are. In
less than 24 hours, the most important race in cycling will roll from Porto
Vecchio with eyes on Paris. Almost four hundred eyes will fix similarly, with
flashes of yellow, green, polka dots, or solo flyers for epic stage wins
filling their dreams tonight—that is, if they can find a way shut for some much
needed sleep. This is the Tour de France.
No one rides the Tour de France for training. Le Grande Boucle sits atop almost any
aspiring cyclist’s wish list. It is cycling.
The gateway drug for any fan of bike racing, this race stops
the world in its tracks and captures its attention. Not just the pinnacle of cycling, the Tour de
France sits upon a high pedestal for all sport.
This year is particularly important, being the 100th edition
of the race. But what makes le Tour so
special? Why has it transcended cycling into the sports mainstream? There are harder, longer, tougher races. There are races that punish, humble, or even
crush the strongest riders on earth more than the Tour. Why exactly is the Tour
so special?
