Tour de France: The Story of a Passion

March 2, 2025 • ☕️☕️☕️☕️ 19 min read • 🏷 general, bicycle

Translated by author into: English • Français

Orjinali oku • View all translated posts

There is a date that people who love cycling mark on their calendars: July. When this date arrives, a colorful excitement begins, spreading over kilometers of roads from small towns to big cities in France. The Tour de France—or the “Tour de France” as it is known worldwide—is a story that goes beyond sports, symbolizing the resilience of the human spirit and its commitment to life.

The Beginning of a Dream: From Yellowed Newspaper Pages to the World

Although the Tour de France is seen as one of the world’s greatest sporting events today, its beginnings are actually based on a much more modest and human story. This story began in 1903 when Henri Desgrange, editor of L’Auto, France’s popular newspaper at the time, sought a creative idea to increase sales.

In those years, competition between newspapers was intense and different methods were being tried to increase circulation. Desgrange made a bold decision to differentiate his newspaper and attract the attention of readers: to organize a bicycle race of unprecedented difficulty, measuring endurance and human will, traveling all around France. However, this was not going to be an ordinary race. He determined a giant route of approximately 2,400 kilometers, starting in Paris, passing through major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nantes, and returning to Paris.

Considering the conditions of the time, this decision carried great risk. There was no modern road infrastructure yet. Bicycle technology was quite primitive; The bikes were heavy, the roads were rough and the long distances seemed almost impossible. At first, no one believed Desgrange’s idea. People found it crazy; it was even considered a sure thing that it would end in failure. But this is where the courage of mankind came into play: cyclists of that period volunteered to take part in this difficult challenge.

The first tour started in Paris on July 1, 1903. The racers were wearing simple clothes; some were wearing hats, most had bags with spare parts and repair tools. There was no technical team to support them along the way. The racers were alone with their own problems. When a tire burst, a chain broke or their bike broke down, they had to solve it on their own.

In this race that lasted for days, they had to continue their journey in the dark of night, sometimes under the light of gas lamps and curious spectators waiting on the side of the road. The first race was so difficult that only 21 out of 60 racers could complete the course. The first name to complete the race was Maurice Garin and he went down in French history. But Garin not only won the race, but also represented humanity’s determination, fighting spirit and courage to push the limits.

Interestingly, the race’s success also brought the newspaper to a huge increase in circulation. Newspaper sales reached much higher figures than expected, and Desgrange’s dream was not only successful in sporting terms but also in commercial terms. But most importantly, this race brought people together. Every town and village on the race route set out to welcome the cyclists. Some brought food and drinks from their homes, and groups formed to celebrate the racers’ passage with enthusiasm. Thus, the Tour de France became a symbol of the collective excitement and unity of society.

This story that began in the yellowed pages of newspapers turned into a great passion over time. Cycling found a place in people’s hearts. The beginning of the Tour de France was the story of man’s desire to exceed his own limits, of solidarity and courage. Today, this giant organization, watched by millions of people from all over the world, continues to represent the fighting spirit of that first race and the boundless imagination of mankind.

Humanity, Courage and Perseverance

There are stories hidden behind the Tour de France, sometimes not caught by camera lenses, but touching hearts, that give this race its meaning. These stories are the stories of courage, endurance and the determination of the human spirit. The struggle experienced every year in July not only pushes the limits of physical endurance, but also turns into a deep inner reckoning in the hearts of the competitors.

The moment cyclists start pedaling, they enter into a long and merciless race with themselves. They challenge themselves with each pedal stroke. Cycling is actually the symbol of life; sometimes it offers steep slopes, sometimes curves, and sometimes unexpected descents. However, what makes the Tour de France so unique is the cyclists’ determination to continue on their way, getting stronger in the face of every difficulty, just like in life.

Just think, when cyclists reach the frightening steepness of the Alps, they face a very different test mentally while struggling with the pain in their legs. Sometimes they ask themselves these questions: “What am I doing here? Should I continue?” But each time, they find that deep motivation in their hearts. Because racers know that the real victory takes place in their souls rather than their bodies.

Sometimes this struggle becomes so intense that it is necessary to redefine a person’s endurance and courage. Is it possible to forget the dramatic scene experienced by British cyclist Chris Froome in 2016? Froome started running towards the summit without hesitation after his bike became unusable after an accident on the difficult slopes of Mont Ventoux. That moment expressed more than just the rules of the race or the determination of the athlete; it symbolized that the human spirit never gives up, and that courage and determination will always win.

Spectators who witness such struggles of cyclists are also inspired by them. Those waiting on the side of the road do not only cheer for the cyclists, they also share their emotional struggle. They find a part of their ups and downs in those cyclists. Because as cyclists pedal, they actually symbolize people’s struggle with life and their never-ending hopes. From the young to the old, every spectator finds pieces of their own struggle with life in the face of the determination of the racers.

Winning the Tour de France is certainly a great honor, but for many cyclists, the main thing is not to win. The main thing is to show the invincible spirit within humanity. This is where the true meaning of the race emerges: no physical obstacle can stand in the way of the will and passion within man.

With every pedal stroke, every climb, and every finish line, there is a message repeated: the power of the human spirit is much greater than the human body. Courage, endurance, and determination have no limits. The Tour de France is a magnificent celebration of humanity’s never-ending fighting spirit, passion, and determination.

And when the race is over, what remains is not just the names on the scoreboard; it is an unforgettable trace of humanity’s courage and endurance in the hearts of those who competed, the people who supported them, and even the millions who watched around the world. This is the greatest gift the Tour de France gives to humanity and life.

The People at the Heart of the Tour

The spirit of the Tour de France is not only made up of cyclists, but also of the millions of people who accompany them for kilometers, lining the roads. The stories of these people form the true emotional heart of the tour. These people, who gather every year along the roads stretching from small villages to historic cities of France, are perhaps the invisible but most valuable heroes of the tour.

Starting days before, a sweet rush begins in the villages and towns along the race route. When the race day arrives, people take out their chairs in front of their houses, prepare their tables and wait for the cyclists to pass by. Hours before the race, families, children, young people and the elderly gather on the roadside to chat, sing songs and wait excitedly for the cyclists to arrive in a festive atmosphere. This wait alone is an unforgettable experience.

Especially in the small towns of France, this race is a true celebration. The village elders carry banners prepared by the young people, while the children, wearing the jerseys of the cyclists they admire, hold flags and balloons in their hands, their eyes shining, watch the roads. In the eyes of these people waiting for hours on the side of the road, excitement, patience and hopeful waiting are intertwined.

The expression on the faces of the spectators as the cyclists pass by is priceless. This moment of a few seconds is etched in people’s memories as if it will be remembered forever. Sometimes these moments are small, human moments when one of the cyclists accepts the water bottle offered by the spectators, waves to a small child or makes brief eye contact with an old lady. But these small moments turn into unforgettable memories for the spectators for a lifetime.

There is a silent agreement between the spectators and the racers in the Tour de France; the racers draw strength from them, and the spectators are inspired by the great determination of the cyclists. These people waiting for hours on the side of the road share the superhuman fighting spirit of the cyclists. Especially on the difficult mountain stages, the spectators who motivate the exhausted cyclists by shouting their names actually appeal to the hearts of the racers more than their physical strength. In these moments, the bond between cyclists and spectators reaches hearts to hearts in just seconds.

Among these people, there are many whose stories are unforgettable. The old couple who greet the racers in their traditional costumes at the top of Mont Ventoux every year, the women who distribute the cakes they make at home in the early hours of the morning at the foot of the Alps, the children who sit on the side of the only street where the race passes in a small village and offer lemonade to the racers… These people are the real heroes of the Tour de France, and their sincerity recreates the spirit of the tour every year.

The people at the heart of the Tour have actually understood the meaning of the race very well: while the cyclists are chasing victory, the spectators draw hope, courage and vitality from them. This mutual sharing is the greatest proof that the Tour is not just a cycling race, but a common story where people strengthen their bonds with each other and with life.

And when the Tour de France ends, as the cyclists take the podium, the applause salutes not only them, but also the invisible heroes who are the true creators of this magnificent story, who have stood by their side for miles, supporting them with their hopes and love.

Because the true beauty of the Tour de France lies not in the speed of the bikes, but in the hearts of the people gathered by the roadside.

A Meaning Beyond the Bicycle

It would be a great understatement to see the Tour de France as just a sports organization. Because in this race, the bicycle represents much more than pedaling, speed and power. In fact, the bicycle is a metaphor that symbolizes life, humanity, respect for nature and a sustainable future.

The birth of the bicycle seems to invite people back to a simple and peaceful life in the fast and complex world of the industrial age. The liberating effect of the wind felt while pedaling reminds us of the simplest and most humane form of movement. And the Tour de France is a giant celebration of this simplicity, this humanity.

This race connects cities, countries and cultures. Throughout the race, cyclists pass through the unique natural beauties, historical villages and towns of France, and in fact, they give an important message to the world: protecting and preserving the beauty of nature is one of the most important duties of humanity. In this sense, the Tour de France shows people that a life in peace with nature and the environment is possible. This two-wheeled miracle, powered by pedal power, has become a symbol of the possibility of transportation and movement that respects the environment without harming nature.

The bicycle also carries a very strong message about human health and quality of life. Millions of people who watch the tour are impressed by the endurance and physical strength of the cyclists and turn to bicycles. As people see the contribution of cycling to their individual health, they understand that it is possible to make their lives healthier and more active. The use of bicycles in daily life provides solutions to traffic problems, makes cities human-centered and increases the quality of social life.

The Tour de France emphasizes this social aspect of cycling very strongly. The great enthusiasm experienced in the cities throughout the race shows how valuable social unity, sharing and acting together are. The power of the bicycle to bring people together brings different social segments together on the same path. The race appeals to everyone, regardless of the rich or the poor, the young or the old, and thus becomes a symbol of social solidarity.

In addition, the bicycle race symbolizes people pushing their personal limits and discovering their own potential. Each cyclist pedaling throughout the tour is fighting a great battle within themselves. This struggle shows the audience that it is possible to overcome the difficulties encountered in life. Cyclists overcome mental obstacles as well as physical obstacles, and in this respect, they explain how to resist the difficulties of life and the importance of fighting with courage.

Throughout history, the Tour de France has inspired millions of people with the values represented by the bicycle. The resumption of the race after World War II showed that the bicycle is a symbol of hope and revives the love of life in the hearts of people who want to get out of the darkness of war. Even today, as cyclists pedal, they renew humanity’s faith in a better future.

When the tour comes to an end, the cyclists receive their medals and leave the stage, but what is left behind is much greater. After the race, this deep meaning of the bicycle lives on in people’s hearts. Perhaps this is why the Tour de France is one of the greatest representatives not only of sports, but also of human values, respect for nature and life, and hopes for a sustainable future.

The bicycle is now much more than a vehicle in the Tour de France. It is a symbol of the common values of humanity, the beauty of nature, the joy of life and unity. So with every pedal stroke, beyond the bicycle, we find life itself.

Moments That Left a Mark in History

The history of the Tour de France is not just about the struggle of cyclists; it is also an epic story consisting of unforgettable moments, human stories, joys and disappointments. For over a century, every moment of the tour is full of dramatic scenes that have left a mark on the pages of history.

The First Race and the Birth of the Legend (1903): The first Tour de France, which took place in 1903, is one of the turning points in history. The cyclists who set out from Paris on July 1st began a struggle that lasted for days and was full of difficult conditions. The first champion of the race, Maurice Garin, etched his name in history, and in fact became not only an athlete but also one of the first symbols of human determination. The success of the race represented the beginning of a passion that grew exponentially in the following years.
Eugène Christophe and the Story of the Broken Fork (1913): In 1913, Eugène Christophe created an unforgettable story when the fork of his bicycle broke. Instead of giving up the race, Christophe took his bike on his back and walked for miles until he found a repairman. Christophe, who repaired his bike with his own hands in the repair shop, went down in French history as a symbol of courage, determination and struggle, even though he could not win the race.
Cycling Passion in the Shadow of Wars (1947): The Tour de France could not take place between 1940-1946 due to World War II. The resumption of the tour in 1947 after the war was not only a sporting victory, but also a social and emotional one. People tried to heal their wounds with a bicycle race, and the race became a symbol of hope and rebirth.
Eddy Merckx and the Unrivaled Years (1969-1974): Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx wrote his name in gold letters in the history of the tour between 1969-1974. Nicknamed “The Cannibal”, Merckx won the Tour de France five times with his endless ambition and energy. His dominance is considered one of the most impressive periods in cycling history. Merckx not only won the races, but also the hearts of the spectators.
Bernard Hinault’s Determination (1985): Bernard Hinault refused to quit the race despite a serious accident on one of the most difficult stages of the 1985 Tour. Hinault, who continued pedaling with a bloody and painful expression on his face, became one of the greatest heroes in the history of the race when he finished the race, even though he did not win. This moment was an unforgettable symbol of human will and endurance.
Greg LeMond and the 8-Second Victory (1989): One of the most dramatic finishes in the history of the Tour de France took place in 1989. American cyclist Greg LeMond won the Tour by the smallest margin in history, beating Laurent Fignon by just 8 seconds on the last stage. This is one of the unforgettable moments of the Tour de France that still lives on in the memories of cycling enthusiasts.
Lance Armstrong and a Falling Legend (1999-2005): Lance Armstrong’s story is one of the most complex and dramatic moments in cycling history. Armstrong, who won his battle with cancer and became a seven-time Tour champion, lost all his titles years later due to doping. Armstrong’s story is a symbol of how close victory and tragedy can be in cycling.
Chris Froome and Mont Ventoux (2016): Chris Froome’s incredible crash on the Mont Ventoux stage in 2016 is one of the unforgettable scenes in cycling history. Froome continued the race by running after his bike broke in the crash, and showed a determination that surprised everyone and shook hearts. This scene has become the symbol of an athlete who never gives up.
Slovenian Young Star: Tadej Pogačar (2020): In 2020, Tadej Pogačar made history by winning the Tour de France at the age of 21. The young Slovenian cyclist turned the race in his favor at the last moment with his extraordinary performance in the time trial on the last day. This victory was an indication that young talents can open a new page in the history of the Tour.
Jonas Vingegaard and the Pride of Denmark (2022-2023): Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard made a strong entrance into cycling history by winning the Tour de France back-to-back in 2022 and 2023. Vingegaard, who impressed the tour audience especially with his performance on the mountain stages, revived the excitement of cycling and heralded the beginning of a new era of competition for the years to come.

The history of the Tour de France is woven with these unforgettable moments. These events have left their mark not only on sports but also on human history. These moments symbolize the power, endurance and passion of people to fight. And that is why the Tour de France is not just a race, but a legend where unforgettable stories have been lived throughout history.

What the Tour Teaches Us Today

The Tour de France is far beyond being a race attended only by professional athletes; it is actually a school of life that teaches important lessons about life to millions of people every year. This tour is a journey that gives meaning to the lives of those who pedal and those who watch them, and makes people rewrite their own stories. When we look back today, there are very valuable lessons that the Tour de France has taught us.

The Real Race Is Not With Others, It Is With Ourselves

The Tour de France is a struggle that every cyclist first gives with themselves. While climbing to the tops, pushing their physical limits, cyclists compete with their own mental barriers before their opponents. This race teaches us that the biggest obstacles in our lives are not outside, but inside us. The determination of the racers to overcome the hills shows us that we need to overcome our own fears, doubts and the resistance within us. While watching the tour, we understand that our biggest rival is actually that voice inside us that says “give up” and the way to overcome this is to have a determined will.

Struggle Is Not Giving Up

One of the most striking messages of the Tour de France is that the spirit of struggle should never end. Racers fall, get injured, their bikes break down, but they get back up and keep pedaling. These scenes encourage us to get back up in the face of the difficulties we face in our lives. They remind us that the real meaning of struggle is not in not falling, but in getting back up after falling and continuing. The Tour de France is one of the most powerful symbols of hope and the courage to start over.

Success Requires Effort and Patience

While watching the Tour, we understand that achieving success is never easy. The winners of the race reach the top as a result of years of intense training, sacrifice and effort. Sometimes cyclists cannot win for years, but they continue to work with patience and determination. The Tour teaches us the value of patience and that great victories are not possible without effort. We realize that success does not come overnight, and that behind it lies many years of silent, devoted effort.

The Power of Teamwork

Although the Tour de France is seemingly an individual sport, it is actually the product of great teamwork. Cyclists pave the way for each other, reduce the effect of the wind by supporting their teammates, and share their strength. This solidarity shows the importance of teamwork in our lives. It reminds us that we are only strong when we act together. As we watch the solidarity of cyclists throughout the tour, we understand that we need to support each other to solve the problems in our lives.

Every Difficulty in Life is Temporary

As cyclists climb mountains, they experience the peak of pain and fatigue. However, they also know that after every peak, there will be descents, and after every difficulty, there will be relief. The Tour de France tells us that life is like this: No pain lasts forever. It reminds us that the difficulties we face in life are temporary, and that with patience and endurance, we can definitely find a way out. This thought gives us hope in difficult moments and allows us to look to the future with more confidence.

Respect for Nature and Life

Perhaps the most important message of the Tour de France today is that it reminds us of our respect for nature and the environment. Cycling is the symbol of a sustainable life that is friendly to nature and does not harm the environment. Thanks to this race, we become more conscious about treating nature and our environment better, protecting it and leaving a clean world for future generations. The lifestyle represented by the cycling race is the symbol of our responsibility to protect our planet.

Following Your Dreams

Finally, the Tour de France reminds us how valuable it is to follow our dreams. Every cyclist participating in the race actually pursues their own dreams. This race shows us that dreaming big and having the desire to realize them constitutes the meaning of life. As cyclists pedal, we hold on tighter to our own dreams. Every pedal stroke, every difficulty, every success and every failure teaches us not to give up on dreaming and working to achieve those dreams.

What the Tour de France teaches us goes far beyond cycling races. This tour is a unique celebration of humanity’s common values, courage, resilience and hope. That’s why, every time the pedals turn, people watch not just a cycling race, but life itself. Because the meaning of life is actually hidden in the Tour de France.

The Tour de France is a unique journey that goes far beyond a bicycle race, encompassing stories of humanity’s passion, courage, determination and solidarity. This race, which began in the yellowed newspaper pages of history and reached the hearts of millions, teaches both cyclists and those who watch them not to give up in life, to be patient, to pursue dreams and to respect nature. This magnificent tour, which has been going on for over a century, continues to remind us not only of the champions but more importantly of the boundless power of the human spirit and hope. This is exactly why the Tour de France will always have a special and meaningful place in people’s hearts.

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