• MILITARY: Brazil-France submarine programme (Graphic DUE Mar 28, 15:00GMT)
  • SPACE: Calls for protected moon sites (Graphic DUE Mar 28, 16:00GMT)
  • ACCIDENT: Why did Baltimore bridge collapse? (Graphic DUE Mar 28, 17:30GMT)
  • For full details of graphics available/in preparation, see Menu -> Planners
 Tour de France 2020 wallchart infographic
Wallchart shows 2020 route, previous Tour de France winners and race statistics, including history of the Grand Depart since 1903.
GN40481EN

CYCLING

Tour de France 2020 preview

By Chris Dinsdale

August 29, 2020 - September 20, 2020 - The Tour de France begins in Nice, home to many pro riders, and will crown the 2020 champion on the Champs Élysées in Paris three weeks later. This year’s race features all five of France’s mountain ranges, with the Alps, Massif Central and Pyrenees all tackled in the first eight days. The Tour was originally scheduled to begin on June 27 but was delayed for two months by the coronavirus pandemic.

Cycling’s most prestigious race began in 1903 when Henri Desgrange, editor of L’Auto sports newspaper and a keen cyclist, came up with the idea of a major cycling race to boost sales.

L’Auto was printed on yellow paper and in 1919 Desgrange initiated the yellow jersey to identify the race leader. It has become one of the most coveted prizes in sport.

The race soon became immensely popular in its own right and has been held annually ever since, with the exception of the two world wars. The 2020 race is the 107th edition.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 20/08/2020; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
Advertisement