Tour de France

Founded in 1903, the world-famous French bicycle race runs approximately 2,174 miles, lasting over 20 days, in approximately the same number of stages. A grueling combination of both endurance and sheer strength is required, as riders go way up in elevation and then come way down. Each year, millions of fans line the route at various points, granting the proceedings a rowdy, celebratory mood not found with most other endurance competitions. This year's Tour de France — the 96th — will begin on July 3 and run till the 25th.

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