As the world's elite cyclists fight their way across Europe from July 4 to 26, it’s clear that the legendary Tour de France is far more than a mere cycling competition. It is a living cultural monument carved into the Alps, shaped by geopolitical warfare, fueled by national pride, and tested against human limits.
So, how did a desperate print marketing stunt become a global phenomenon? Click on to uncover the rich history and political power behind cycling’s ultimate challenge.