The Tour is designed to showcase the different types of cycling and thus now has about 20 stages which fall into three categories. Flat Stages, contested by the Sprinters, Mountain Stages, which are dominated by the climbers and Time Trials for the riders who can push a big gear around a course ranging from 40 to 60km. Every rider must complete every stage and specialists tend to dislike other disciplines; climbers for example don’t traditionally make good time triallists and sprinters don’t like climbing.

In recent years the Tour’s validity has been questioned in the light of drug enhanced performances. Some say it’s symptomatic of our society, but we should not let the actions of a few tarnish the reputation and honour of the many. To watch a rider battle an Alpine Col after cycling nearly 200kms in blistering heat is to witness a very human, and thus, very inspiring drama. To continue when every sinew and muscle is screaming for cessation, to meet one’s doubts head on and to triumph is to distil in sport the human condition.

Please see my other articles on the Tour De France for more detailed information on this magical race.